YAKIMA, Wash. – Millions of people are planning trips this Memorial Day weekend. Even if you don’t have big plans, this might be a good weekend to take a quick road trip with just a tank of gas.
McAllister Air Museum is located just 80 miles from the Tri-Cities and offers a glimpse into the aviation history of the Yakima Valley.
The McAllister Air Museum in Yakima works hard to keep local aviation history alive.
The museum opened in 1999, shortly after the death of Yakima Valley aviation pioneer Charles McAllister, according to board member Lynn Harden.
Before becoming a museum, the building served as a pilot training school and a fuel depot for airplanes and military aircraft.
McAllister Air Museum hosted a ceremony Sunday to celebrate what would have been the 95th birthday of local aviation pioneer Ralph Richardson.
The museum features more than 30 exhibits documenting the aviation history of the Yakima Valley.
Harden said Charlie McAllister and his brother built the Yakima Clipper, Washington’s first certified glider. McAllister set a nine-hour glider record in the Pacific Northwest. The glider had no instruments and was flown by feel, searching for updrafts, Harden said.
By Dan Hanson, Nonstop Local Reporter
The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.
Harden said the museum will be hosting an Aviation Day event on June 1, during which admission will be completely free.
