USS Midway Museum

Overview

The USS Midway Museum is a maritime museum aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway, the longest-serving carrier of the 20th century (1945–1992). Moored at Navy Pier downtown, the museum features restored aircraft, flight simulators, and exhibits spanning the ship's 47 years of service.

Highlights

• Flight Deck: Over 30 restored aircraft displayed on the massive flight deck with city views.
• Below Decks: Tour the engine room, sleeping quarters, galley, and brig.
• Flight Simulators: Motion-based simulators let visitors experience carrier landings and dogfights.

History

Commissioned in 1945 — one week after the end of World War II — the Midway served through the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. It was decommissioned in 1992 and opened as a museum in 2004.

Visitor Tips

• The audio tour is excellent — narrated by Midway veterans and included with admission.
• Allow at least 2 hours to see the flight deck, hangar deck, and below-deck areas.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.