All Aboard! Explore the History of Planes, Trains & Automobiles in the Salem Region

11/6/2023

Good news for frequent flyers: As of October 2023, Avelo Airlines is offering nonstop flights from Los Angeles and Las Vegas to the Salem Municipal Airport (also known as McNary Field). Getting to and from the vineyards, restaurants, galleries, and museums in Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley has never been easier.

In addition to this recent news, our region has a long and spectacular history when it comes to all of the transportation industries. If you have any train- or plane-obsessed kiddos in your crew — or gearheads of any age — you’ll definitely want to spend an afternoon geeking out at these fascinating hands-on attractions found throughout the region.

SEE ONE OF THE LAST B-17 BOMBERS AND GRAB A BURGER

Hop over to Hangar C at Salem’s McNary Field and to the B-17 Alliance Foundation Museum where the incredible B-17G bomber known as “Lacey Lady” is currently being restored back to airworthy condition. The museum also has uniforms, equipment and photographs galore of the men and women who served our country during World War II. After your museum visit, pop into the Flight Deck Restaurant located right on the McNary Field runway and fuel up with a “Sea Plane” burger. See if your kids can identify the to-scale mobile planes hanging from the ceiling — or the planes taking off from the runway in real-time.

CHECK OUT VINTAGE TRAINS, FIRETRUCKS AND TRACTORS

Powerland Heritage Park is a must-see for kids and anyone who’s into antique machinery. The sprawling park is home to over 15 museums dedicated to old farm machinery, engines, trucks, vintage cars, motorcycles and more. Pop into the Caterpillar Museum and you can even see the machines that helped build the state of Oregon. The park is perhaps most famous for hosting the Great Oregon Steam-Up every summer, a train-centric weekend filled with old steam engines and fun trolley rides, but there’s tons to see and do year-round.

DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO VISIT THIS SECRET CAR MUSEUM

For gearheads, the Brothers Car Collection is definitely Salem’s — and quite possibly the country’s — best-kept secret. This extensive private collection of over 600 rare muscle cars is tucked away in a Salem warehouse and includes 40 vintage Corvettes and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder reportedly worth about $8 million. The collection is usually open only to reserved private tours, but on December 3, 2023, it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Toy Drive Fundraiser and open to the general public. Tickets are $10 plus one unwrapped toy, with proceeds benefitting Project Joy.

SNEAK A PEEK AT A RESTORED 1909 CABOOSE

Not only does Salem’s five-acre Willamette Heritage Center have 14 historical structures and a fascinating collection of railroad artifacts on display in its Mill Building, the campus is also home to the recently renovated 1909 Caboose #507. You can peek through the caboose’s windows for a firsthand glimpse at Oregon’s railroad history and, once the ADA-accessible ramp is completed in 2024, visitors will be able to go inside the caboose and see it up close. A new and comprehensive Rail Heritage Exhibit is also anticipated to open in 2024 and will include signage and railroad history from several cultural viewpoints, plus interactive activities the whole family can toot their horn about.

DEEP-DIVE INTO RAIL AND AIRPARK HISTORY IN RICKREALL

Serious transportation buffs can dive into the extensive collection of historical railroad, airpark and highway newspaper clippings in the library of the Polk County Museum, about 10 miles west of Salem. It’s a good idea to call ahead for an appointment if you plan on visiting the library — but you can always just pop in to see the museum’s fascinating Dallas Airpark photo exhibit. The now-gone airpark was built by locals Joe and Betty Card in 1946 and offered flight instruction, pleasure flights, crop dusting, and aircraft storage in its 7,000 square-foot hangar back in the day. While you’re boning up on Polk County history, the kids can geek out over the museum’s miniature model trains and original railroad running lights.

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