Tucked away in the vast expanse of the Arizonan desert lies a remarkable testament to humanity’s technological evolution. The Boneyard, a sprawling aircraft storage facility, stands as a captivating juxtaposition of the past and present, where retired military and commercial planes find their final resting place. Visitors embark on a journey through time, delving into the Titan Missile Museum‘s Cold War history before seeing the awe-inspiring Pima Air & Space Museum. But it is the Boneyard that truly captures the imagination, a haunting yet mesmerizing display of the relentless march of progress. What secrets do these silent sentinels hold, and what can they reveal about the human drive to explore the skies above?
Good To Know
- The Boneyard is the largest aircraft storage facility, spanning 2,400 acres and housing over 4,400 retired military and commercial aircraft.
- The Titan Missile Museum offers a guided tour highlighting the Cold War era and the Titan II missile, allowing visitors to descend into the missile silo.
- The Pima Air & Space Museum features six expansive hangars with a collection of over 400 aircraft, including iconic fighter jets, historic bombers, and rare experimental aircraft.
- The tour includes a 45-minute guided tour of the Pima Air & Space Museum, providing insights into the history and evolution of aviation.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, and caution is advised for individuals with claustrophobia, as certain areas may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users.
Tour Overview
On this expansive tour, you will explore a trio of must-see aerospace attractions.
The day begins with a guided tour of the Titan Missile Museum, where they’ll explore the captivating history of the Cold War and the Titan II missile, even descending into the missile’s underbelly.
Next, they’ll spend 2.5 hours immersed in the impressive Pima Air & Space Museum, marveling at over 400 aircraft spanning from the Wright Brothers to the Dreamliner.
The final stop is the legendary "Boneyard," the largest aircraft storage facility in the world, where they’ll witness the sheer scale of this aviation graveyard.
With a maximum group size of 13, this tour offers an intimate, in-depth experience.
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Pricing and Booking
The tour is priced at a reasonable €135.00 per person, making it an accessible option for those seeking an immersive aerospace experience.
Booking is a breeze, with no upfront payment required. The reservation can be made now and paid later, allowing for flexibility.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring peace of mind. The tour also offers the convenience of checking availability for different start times, catering to individual schedules.
With these attractive pricing and booking options, the Boneyard tour provides an exceptional value for an unforgettable journey through Titan Missile Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum, and the Boneyard.
- Reasonable €135.00 per person
- No upfront payment required
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Flexible start times available
- Exceptional value for an unforgettable journey
Titan Missile Museum
The guided tour of the Titan Missile Museum transports visitors on an evocative journey through the chilling realities of the Cold War era.
Guests descend into the cavernous missile silo, marveling at the sheer scale and power of the Titan II – the largest nuclear warhead ever deployed.
The tour guide’s narrative weaves a compelling tale, illuminating the tense geopolitical climate and the delicate balance of deterrence that defined that period.
Visitors climb down into the missile’s underbelly, standing in awe of the technological marvel that once held the world’s fate in its grip.
This immersive experience offers a sobering glimpse into a crucial chapter of history, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.
Pima Air & Space Museum
After the thought-provoking exploration of the Titan Missile Museum’s Cold War history, the next stop on this captivating journey is the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Spanning six expansive hangars, this world-renowned institution showcases over 400 aircraft, from the Wright Brothers’ pioneering designs to the cutting-edge Dreamliner.
Visitors can enjoy aviation’s rich tapestry, marveling at:
- Iconic fighter jets like the F-4 Phantom and F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Legendary bombers such as the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-52 Stratofortress
- Historic airliners including the Douglas DC-3 and Boeing 707
- Rare experimental aircraft that pushed the boundaries of flight
- A vast array of helicopters, trainers, and other remarkable aerial machines.
Boneyard
Soaring above the vast, sun-drenched desert, the tour van approaches the Boneyard – the world’s largest aircraft storage facility.
Sprawling across 2,400 acres, the Boneyard houses over 4,400 retired military and commercial aircraft, a sight to behold. Visitors peer out the van’s windows, marveling at the sea of hulking fuselages and wings that stretch to the horizon.
This massive graveyard serves as a repository for aircraft awaiting disposition, whether destined for reuse, recycling, or permanent storage.
For the tour group, a brief 20-minute sightseeing stop offers a glimpse into the sheer scale and complexity of this aviation relic, a testament to the industry’s evolution.
Inclusions
The tour package includes several key elements that bring the experience to life.
Visitors will embark on a guided tour of the Titan Missile Museum, gaining insights into the Cold War history and the colossal Titan II missile.
The tour also grants access to the historic aircraft exhibits at the Pima Air and Space Museum, where guests can explore over 400 aircraft from the Wright Brothers era to the Dreamliner.
Plus, the tour includes:
- A 45-minute guided tour with expert commentary
- Admission to the Titan Missile Museum
- Exploration of the Pima Air and Space Museum’s expansive collection
- A sightseeing view of the renowned Boneyard aircraft storage facility
Important Information
For this tour, visitors should come prepared with comfortable, closed-toe shoes for safety. Open-toed footwear isn’t permitted at the sites for security reasons.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, as it may involve some mildly challenging physical activity, such as climbing down into the Titan II missile’s underground silo.
Plus, individuals with claustrophobia should exercise caution, as they’ll be exploring confined spaces. Wheelchair users may also face limited accessibility in certain areas.
The tour offers an immersive and educational experience, allowing participants to explore Cold War history and marvel at the vast Boneyard of retired aircraft.
Directions
From Park Place Mall, visitors can easily locate the tour van just before 9 AM near the Starbucks. The starting location is 5870 E Broadway Blvd, a convenient address near the heart of the city.
The tour picks up participants at this central meeting point, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventures.
- The tour van will arrive promptly, ready to whisk guests away to the Titan Missile Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum, and the Boneyard.
- Guests should look for the van near the Starbucks, as this is the designated pickup spot for the tour.
- Parking is available at Park Place Mall, allowing visitors to leave their vehicles in a safe and accessible location.
- The tour guide will meet the group and provide any necessary instructions or information before departing.
With the tour van waiting, the journey to explore these fascinating aviation and military sites can begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are encouraged to take photos during the tour. Cameras are a great way to capture the fascinating history and impressive displays at the Titan Missile Museum and Pima Air & Space Museum.
Is Food and Drink Provided During the Tour?
Unfortunately, no food or drink is provided during the tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The focus is on exploring the historic sites and artifacts, so snacks and beverages are not included.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?
The tour may not be fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users, and those with claustrophobia may struggle with the missile silo descent. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are required for safety.
Can We Visit the Gift Shops at Each Location?
Tour participants can visit the gift shops at the Titan Missile Museum and Pima Air & Space Museum during their guided tour. They’ll find a range of souvenirs and memorabilia to commemorate their unique aerospace experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour Participants?
The tour has an age restriction – it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old. All participants must be at least 10 years old to join the guided visit.
The Sum Up
Delving into the Boneyard, visitors uncover the captivating history of aviation, witnessing the evolution of military and commercial planes. From the Titan Missile Museum’s Cold War legacy to the expansive Pima Air & Space Museum, the tour offers an unforgettable journey, transporting visitors through time and space, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the remarkable achievements of flight.
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