Future of Flight Aviation Center & Boeing Factory
At the Future of Flight Aviation Center, visitors can learn about the history and the future of aviation design. The Boeing factory tour—the only public tour of its kind in North America—lets you witness jet assembly, learn about the history of Boeing’s planes, and test your own aircraft designs at the educational Future of Flight Aviation Center museum.
The Basics
The Boeing factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at airplane manufacturing and most visit as part of a half-day tour that includes round-trip transportation. Check out the interactive exhibits in the Airplane Design Zone; get a virtual tour of a 787 flight deck; and peek inside a jet engine.
Then, visit the Aviation Center Gallery, where you can modify, test, and finalize your own aircraft design before printing off the final schematic as a souvenir, before walking above the work floor with a Boeing representative who offers insight into the inner workings of large-scale jet assembly.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes—the Boeing factory tour involves lots of walking and two steep flights of stairs.
Upgrade to a tour that includes a visit to the Museum of Flight Restoration Center & Reserve Collection at nearby Paine Field (Snohomish County Airport).
Individuals must be at least 4 feet tall (122 centimeters) to take the tour, and children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
All tours are given in English.
With advance notice, special accommodations are available for wheelchair users.
Restrooms are not available during the factory tour.
How to Get There
The Future of Flight Center is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north of downtown Seattle in Mukilteo, Washington, near Everett. From the I5, take exit 189.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The site is open daily, year-round, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the last tour of the day is typically at 1:30pm. Boeing tours usually operate daily every 30 minutes, beginning at 8:30am until 5pm. During this period, the Future of Flight facility is open from 8am to 7pm.
Other Seattle Museums
After a tour of the Boeing factory, make time to stop at Seattle's other excellent museums. Art lovers won't want to miss Seattle Art Museum, home to pieces from major artists spread across three locations—the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle Asian Art Museum, and Olympic Sculpture Park. Alternatively, the futuristic-looking Museum of Pop Culture will have visitors of all ages captivated.
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