This Oregon Town May Be the Ultimate AvGeek Vacation Spot
If baseball's field of dreams is in an Iowa cornfield, aviation's is among a vineyard 40 miles southeast of Portland, Oregon. It's here in McMinnville that you'll find a world-class air and space museum that's home to the Hughes H-4 Hercules, aka The Spruce Goose, as well as the incredible aviation themed Wings and Waves indoor waterpark.
The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
McMinnville was the home of Evergreen International Aviation, an aviation services company which operated from 1960 to 2013, before going bankrupt in 2014. Nevertheless, it left behind quite an impressive legacy in an otherwise sleepy town in northwest Oregon. In the early 1990s, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum began with a small collection of aircraft owned by Evergreen founder Delford Smith, but it soon won a bid to become the new home of the Spruce Goose once its owners lost the lease to its previous space in Long Beach, California.
The giant aircraft, the largest to have ever flown, was disassembled and transported to a purpose-built museum in McMinnville (an even larger aircraft was recently constructed, but it hasn't yet flown at the time of this writing). There, it underwent an eight-year restoration before becoming the centerpiece of the museum.
Other notable aircraft in the museum's collection include:
- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
- Lockheed P-38 Lightning
- Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
- McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle
- Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVI
- Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 "Fulcrum"
- Messerschmitt 262 (Reproduction)
- Curtiss P-40 Warhawk
- Douglas A-1 Skyraider
In 2006, the museum expanded to include an equally large space museum that houses numerous American and Russian artifacts. In between the two buildings is an IMAX theater that primarily shows aviation- and space-related films. There are also quite a few aircraft on display outside the museum. And just in case you didn't get the point, there's an old Evergreen Aviation 747 parked on the lawn in front of the museum.
Some cool Spruce Goose facts
We took a tour of the Spruce Goose, and where I had a chance to have my picture taken in the pilot's seat of this monster. But even more fascinating were some facts that the museum's guide was able to share. For example, several old beach balls were found in the floats of the plane during its restoration, which were put there to provide backup buoyancy in case of a rupture. I was also told that during the plane's only flight, which lasted just about 30 seconds, occupants reported hearing several loud popping and cracking noises coming from the tail, and there were even some pieces that broke off inside the aircraft.
To me, this is the most likely explanation for the mystery of why Howard Hughes never attempted to fly it again. Finally, several experts on the aircraft were quick to point out that Hughes himself hated the Hercules's nickname "Spruce Goose," and there was actually very little spruce used to build it.
The Wings and Waves Waterpark
Although any self-respecting AvGeek would love to spend an entire day exploring the museum, children and less enthusiastic family members will gravitate to the aviation-themed Wings and Waves Waterpark next door. The centerpiece of the waterpark is another Evergreen Aviation 747 that's placed on its roof, perched as if it's just about to take off. Visitors can actually climb an enclosed set of stairs that rises into the former Pan-Am jumbo jet, only to exit the aircraft in one of four fantastic water slides.
Other attractions include a wave pool, a hot tub, and several smaller slides and play areas that are suited to younger children. Between the models of the space shuttle, fighter airplanes and a helicopter that dumps water everywhere, it's impossible not to get caught up in the AvGeek fun. And because the whole park is indoors, we were able to enjoy it in the middle of February, just as the town received a light dusting of snow.
Visitors over 42" tall are charged $29, while admission for those under 42" is $20. A non-swimmer day pass is just $10. We were able to use a Groupon for $87 for four tickets, which was a significant savings.
Visiting McMinnville
As vacation destinations go, McMinnville is pretty easy to get to. Nearly every airline in the United States offers frequent service to Portland International Airport, about 50 miles away. Nevertheless, you should plan on at least an hour and a half to drive there, as there isn't a highway connecting it to McMinnville. We were happy to fly into Portland on Southwest using the Companion Passes my wife and I both have to book tickets for our children.
If you're looking a place in McMinnville to use your points from a major hotel program, then you've picked the wrong destination. This town of 34,000 is the home of many nice independent hotels and bed and breakfasts, but the Comfort Inn and Suites near the museum and waterpark is the only property that's part of a major loyalty program. Award stays there cost 20,000 - 25,000 Choice points per night.
Instead, we redeemed our Chase Ultimate Rewards points to stay at the family-friendly Red Lion hotel nearby. It has an indoor pool, free breakfast and plenty of rooms with two beds and a fold-out sofa. Using my Sapphire Reserve card, we received 1.5 cents per point when redeeming our points through the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel Center. I prefer to use my points this way rather than paying cash.
Beyond the museum and the waterpark, McMinnville also happens to be a charming town to visit. It has a cute main street with plenty of wine tasting rooms, microbreweries and independent local shops and restaurants. Just outside of town, you can tour the wineries, take a bicycle ride or visit a park. During our most recent stay, we took a scenic hike through the temperate rain forests of Tice Park, just north of the city.
Bottom line
This year's trip was our second family vacation to McMinnville and we'll definitely be back. After having another chance to explore the Spruce Goose, learn about aerospace and enjoy a day at the waterpark, I'm now convinced that McMinnville is the ultimate AvGeek destination — especially for history buffs.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.