The Northwest Airlines History Center is a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts, located on the 3rd floor of the Crowne Plaza AIRE hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota—just minutes from the Mall of America. Even better? Admission is completely FREE!
We visited during a recent open house. It’s a small yet fascinating aviation museum that memorializes Northwest Airlines, which was headquartered in Minnesota until its 2010 merger with Delta Air Lines. The center features a rich collection of model airplanes, historic uniforms, vintage photos, and other memorabilia that trace the airline’s long history.
I grew up flying on many Northwest Airlines flights, as my dad traveled a lot for work and took our family along many times. We visited family all around the country, plus made a few trips to Disney parks. So of course I associate Northwest Airlines with many happy memories.
At this museum, there are passionate volunteers on hand to answer questions and share insider stories (having often worked there themselves), making the visit more personal and informative.
While the exhibits may not be designed for young children, history buffs, aviation fans, and those with a connection to Northwest Airlines will likely enjoy it most. I wouldn’t take your kids, but I recommend it more for adults – even my teens were a little bored, but we headed afterward to the Mall of America which worked great as it’s so close by.
📅 The museum operates on limited hours, so be sure to check ahead before planning your visit. They also occasionally host special events and open houses, often in the evenings.
🚗 Pro tip: Park in the hotel’s ramp on the top level, then enter the hotel from that floor and head up the stairs to the museum.
Watch my Reel from our visit:
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Location:
Crowne Plaza, 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN 55425