Did you know Corpus Christi is the home of the world’s oldest aircraft carrier? And that you can tour that ship and learn about its storied history? For history enthusiasts, military buffs, and anyone who loves to learn, the USS Lexington is a must-see attraction.
At the Museum
The USS Lexington was commissioned in 1943 and served as an active Navy vessel until 1990, except a brief decommissioning between 1947 and 1955. The carrier was based in Pearl Harbor for much of World War II and participated in almost all major operations in the Pacific Theater. The USS Lexington spent a total of 21 months in combat.
Now, the ship functions as an education center and tourist attraction. There are five different self-guided tours you can take while exploring the ship. Or, if you want even more behind-the-scenes information, you can book guided experiences like the flight operations tour, the hard hat tour, or regular or overnight paranormal tours.
There’s truly something for everyone at the USS Lexington. You can find a great collection of more than 440 scale models of warplanes and ships on the lower deck in the Scale Model Gallery. Thrill seekers can experience some parts of pilot training in the 15-seat flight simulator. Then, try out the virtual battle stations to test your skills as a commander or pilot in recreations of battles.
For the visitor who really wants to understand the history of the ship, there is a multi-media Pearl Harbor Exhibit. You can catch a showing of Aircraft Carrier: Guardians of the Seas in the 3D Mega Theater. And if you’re still looking for more adventure, try Lockdown on the Lex, an escape room right aboard the ship.
Hours and Tickets
The USS Lexington is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. During the summer and spring break, the attraction stays open until 6 p.m.
Admission is $16.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 4 to 12. Seniors and members of the military can get tickets for $14.95.
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