The exhibits in the air museum are a bit sparse because half of the planes formerly on display were on loan from a private owner who decided to move them to a newer facility. Hopefully this will not have too much of an impact on the air museum which is housed in an amazingly huge wooden hanger that was built in 1943 as a shelter for eight K-Class airships. Seventeen of these hangers were built during the WWII years but only seven still exist.
The airships or blimps were filled with helium and had a range of 2,000 miles and could stay aloft for three days. They escorted merchant ship convoys and searched for German submarines.
The museum has a film about the hanger and the blimps; a gallery with displays and historic information; and an odd assortment of planes, helicopters, fire engines and even a locomotive. The main attraction for us was the hanger itself and the historic information about the blimps.
The museum is accessible. Some of the planes can be boarded but none of them are accessible including the large plane which is located outside.
RV parking is near the large plane.
The Port of Tillamook Bay RV Park is a very convenient place to camp if you’re visiting Tillamook. The air museum is actually within walking distance but the airport runway blocks access so driving to it is the best option.
The campground features large, open sites with narrow, gravel parking pads which are not ideal for deploying a wheelchair lift. The sites have tables but no other amenities. There’s a restroom and fresh water but no dump station. There are plans to upgrade the park.
We were fortunate enough to be on a path that intersected with our friends Dave and Marcia of Going RV Way who had just entered the US after spending 3 months exploring Canada and Alaska. Read about it here. We had a great time visiting with them. Safe and happy travels Dave and Marcia!
Museum 45.42183, -123.80259 Campground 45.41853, -123.82091
