Bloomington (KBMI)

In 1983, the Prairie Aviation Museum (www.prairieaviationmuseum.org ; 309-663-7632) was chartered to collect and preserve the story of flight. The museum accomplishes this with aviation exhibits, static display aircraft and a flying DC-3.

Park your aircraft at Image Air (http://www.imageair.com ; 309-663-2303), just a stone’s throw from the museum. They can top you off while you tour.

The museum building is small 2,400 square foot building loaded with aviation displays that range from airlines, military artifacts and information on the space shuttle. You also might enjoy trying out the museum’s Microsoft Flight Simulators. When you are ready to venture out the back to view the static display aircraft, ask the staff if the aircraft cockpits are open. Sometimes, they can open up a cockpit or two for you to try it out.

In 1984, the museum bought a broken down DC-3. The plane was originally built as a C-53 in 1942 for service in WWII. The museum restored the plane to flying condition. It was out on the ramp when I taxied out for takeoff.

After visiting the museum, you can walk over to CJ’s (www.cjsrestaurantandcatering.com ; 309-663-4444) for lunch. The restaurant sports an aviation theme. If the weather is nice, you can even enjoy outdoor seating.