What Visitors Can See and Do at the North American Aerospace Museum

Updated

The North American Aerospace Museum (NORAM) is best known as the home of the Hughes Flying Boat, the "Spruce Goose," and it also displays aircraft such as the SR-71 and A-10. Beyond walking through the exhibits, visitors can use a digital visitor guide, join museum tours and after-hours experiences, ride a flight simulator, attend events, and book options like birthday parties or the Aerodrome Theater. It is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Signature Exhibits and Aircraft

The museum's identity centers on one aircraft in particular:

  • Hughes Flying Boat ("Spruce Goose") — described as the iconic centerpiece of the museum.
  • SR-71 — the well-known high-speed reconnaissance aircraft.
  • A-10 — the close air support aircraft.
  • And more — the museum indicates additional aircraft and exhibits beyond these named examples.

If your main reason for visiting is to see a specific aircraft, the Spruce Goose, SR-71, and A-10 are the exhibits the museum itself highlights.

Things to Do Beyond the Exhibits

The museum lists several experiences and services alongside its static displays:

Experience What it is
Digital Visitor Guide A digital guide to help you navigate your visit
Events @ NORAM Scheduled events at the museum
Exhibits @ NORAM The exhibit program across the museum
Museum Tours & After-Hours Experiences Guided tours and experiences outside standard hours
Year-Round Education Educational programming available throughout the year
Join the Club A membership option
Rent the Aerodrome Theater Venue rental
Birthdays @ NORAM Birthday party bookings
Discounts @ NORAM Discount offerings
Ride the Flight Simulator A hands-on simulator experience

The flight simulator is the most directly interactive item on this list — it is something you do rather than simply view.

Hours and Closure Days

  • Daily hours: 9am – 5pm
  • Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Because hours and closure dates can change, confirm the current schedule on the museum's website before traveling, especially around holidays.

Planning Around Your Interests

  • If you want the headline attraction: prioritize the Spruce Goose and the other named aircraft (SR-71, A-10).
  • If you want a hands-on element: plan for the flight simulator.
  • If you want a guided or extended visit: look into museum tours and after-hours experiences.
  • If you are organizing a group event: the Aerodrome Theater rental and birthday party options are the relevant listings.
  • If you visit regularly: the membership ("Join the Club") and discount offerings may be worth checking.

The museum has been recognized by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the 10 Best Aviation Museums in the U.S., according to the museum's own site.