Castle Air Museum-Atwater

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Castle Air Museum

Drawing visitors from across the country, Castle Air Museum is one of Merced County’s treasures.  Located on the site of the former Castle Air Force Base (known as Merced Army Air Field during WWII), the museum a collection of 53 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Era aircraft including:

Boeing B-17G Flyingfortress

Boeing B-29 Superfortress

Boeing B-47E Stratojet

Boeing B-52D Stratofortress

Boeing KC-97L Stratofreighter

Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker

Convair RB-36H Peacemaker

Curtiss C-46D Commando

Douglas A-26B Invader

Douglas C-47A Skytrain

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

For a full list of planes on display, visit the museum’s website: http://www.castleairmuseum.org/

b52 - PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

History come alive

This is a place where history truly comes alive.  Visitors have close-up views of the planes from paved, handicapped-accessible walkways. 

An indoor museum contains many additional Air Force and Army Air Corps artifacts and a B-52 simulator. 

The museum holds annual “open cockpit” days when visitors can view the insides of many of the aircraft.  Group tours can be arranged.  The museum has a gift shop, café, and RV park with full hookups.

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Facilities

Outdoor aircraft display, indoor museum, café, gift shop, and RV park with full hookups.

Special Events

“Open cockpit” days, veterans’ events, Halloween Fright Night, Christmas Plane Lane-see website for details and times.  http://www.castleairmuseum.org/

Tours

Group tours can be arranged and school groups are welcome.  The museum has produced a teachers’ guide to the museum with classroom activities.

PHOTO BY ADAM BLAUERT

Hours and Entrance Fees

The museum is open every day of the year except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.  Summer Hours (May – October) are 9-5 and Winter Hours (November-April) are 10-4.

Adults:  $10.00 / $12.00 (Open Cockpit Day)

Seniors (60 & up):  $8.00

Youths 6 - 17: $8.00

Children 5 & under (with paid adult): Free

Active Duty Military Personnel (with I.D.): Free

Family Pass: $30.00

Location

5050 Santa Fe Drive, Atwater, California 95301

Website

http://www.castleairmuseum.org

For more information:  (209) 723-2178

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