Lockheed SR-71

People might tell you there’s nothing to do in Atwater, CA, which is kind of in the middle of nowhere southeast of San Francisco.  But those people are wrong, especially if you are a person who loves airplanes.  Vintage airplanes, to be more specific.

Castle Air Museum was created after Castle Air Force Base was closed in 1994.  Local enthusiasts formed an organization with the help of the Air Force’s Heritage Program to save the old airplanes at the base, and opened the site up for the public to be able to see and learn from them.  The Museum’s collection includes over 50 restored aircraft which represent the years from World War II to present day, from a B-25 bomber to an SR-71.  If you know what those things are, this is the museum for you.

B-52 Simulator!

I’ll confess that the idea of going to an airplane museum is not my idea of an exciting outing, but my husband loves this place and children will love being up close and personal with the behemoth aircraft.  The indoor museum building houses memorabilia and a gift shop.  There’s also a cafe and even an RV campground on the site.

Castle Air Museum is open 9am to 5pm every day in May through October, and 10am to 4pm November through April.  Admission is only $1.50.

[photos from Castle Air Museum site]