Mojave combines the history of mining with aviation and spaceflight. The Mojave Air & Space Port is a flight research center covering more than 3,300 acres. When planning your trip, you might consider whether to focus mainly on local history, aircraft exhibits, or a public aviation program. Mojave is also located at the intersection of two major highways.
Mining History and the Development of the Town
The airport opened in 1935 as a small rural airfield serving the local gold and silver mining industry. In July 1942, it was expanded as Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station (MCAAS) Mojave. These different phases are part of the airfield’s history, alongside Mojave’s older connection to mining.
The 20-Mule-Team Borax Terminus was part of a 165-mile route for borax wagons between Death Valley and Mojave. The route operated from 1884 to 1889. The ore wagons associated with it were built in Mojave and cost $900 each. The town’s past also includes railroad history: in the old two-story depot, the Fred Harvey organization operated a “Harvey House,” where the “Harvey Girls” served travelers and miners.
Aircraft and Spaceflight
Legacy Park is within walking distance of the parking lot by the Mojave Air & Space Port administration building. The exhibits there include a full-scale model of SpaceShipOne, a scale model of the Voyager aircraft, and the Rotary Rocket vehicle. Voyager was the first aircraft to circumnavigate the Earth nonstop, without a stopover or refueling. The Rotary Rocket Roton was designed as a vehicle for reaching space—two different stories about the possibilities of flight.
The Gate Guardians exhibit includes a Convair 990, an F-4, and a Saab Draken. The aircraft on display may change, so check what is currently on view before your trip. There is also a Convair 990 at the entrance to the Mojave Air & Space Port, one of only a few surviving Convair 990 Coronados. The Saab Draken at the entrance is on loan for display from the National Test Pilot School; display arrangements may change.
The Static Display at the entrance to the Mojave Air & Space Port is an outdoor exhibit of aircraft and vehicles. Along with the models at Legacy Park and the aircraft in the Gate Guardians exhibit, it offers several points of interest for those interested in aviation and spaceflight.
Visiting and Getting Around
No special permission is required to visit the public areas of the Mojave Air & Space Port; public tours are not offered. Each viewing point has its own conditions: Interest Point 4 offers a view of the Boneyard, but parking is not permitted at this location. At Interest Point 8, the Storage Center, visitors can get a close-up view of large wind turbine components being unloaded at the edge of the airport. Check access conditions before your visit.
Interest Point 9 offers a view of the north side of the Mojave Air & Space Port, as well as test areas to the northeast that are used primarily for rocket engine tests. Check local roadside and access conditions for this location in advance. The three points offer different perspectives: from the Boneyard to wind turbine components and the test areas.
Planning for Events
The Mojave Air & Space Port hosts Plane Crazy Saturdays every month. Plane Crazy Saturday includes a historic aircraft display, and admission is free. Check event details before setting out.
Another monthly program takes place on the third Saturday: at the Mojave Transportation Museum event, the Transient Ramp beneath the old tower is opened to the public so visitors can see aircraft that have flown in. If you want to plan your stay around a particular aircraft or event, check the relevant dates and any changes to the exhibits before your trip.
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