Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade boarding a CH-47 Chinook Helicopter during a mission in Shah Wali Ko, Afghanistan, June 22, 2005

Boeing Ch 47 Chinook

Boeing CH-47 Chinook Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Norfolk Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Experience the Iconic CH-47 Chinook in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is steeped in military history and home to some of the nation’s most compelling aviation attractions. Foremost among them is the exhibit dedicated to the Boeing CH-47 Chinook—a helicopter renowned for its distinctive tandem rotors, heavy-lift capabilities, and decades of service in military and humanitarian roles. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveler, the CH-47 Chinook exhibit promises an immersive and educational experience.

Located at the Transportation and Mobility Museum at Fort Eustis, near Norfolk, this exhibit features meticulously restored models (including the CH-47A), interactive displays, and multimedia presentations that tell the evolving story of this legendary aircraft. The museum is easily accessible, offers free admission, and is surrounded by other noteworthy attractions such as the Norfolk Naval Base, Nauticus Maritime Museum, and the Historic Ghent District.

For up-to-date details on visiting hours, ticketing, and special events, visit the Transportation and Mobility Museum Official Site or consult Visit Norfolk Today.

Two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Texas Army National Guard performing a flyover over a baseball stadium during the 2011 World Series Game 4 in Arlington, Texas

CH-47 Chinook helicopter flying over a river in mountainous Boise, Idaho during military training

Two U.S. Army Sergeants keeping watch aboard a CH-47F Chinook helicopter preparing for takeoff at Kandahar Airfield

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Bates providing security at a landing zone during a CH-47 Chinook helicopter disembarking in Farah province Afghanistan

U.S. Army Soldiers sling loading M777A2 155mm howitzer onto CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Lithuania

U.S. Soldiers and Sailors with Farah Provincial Reconstruction Team boarding CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Lash-e Juwayn Afghanistan January 2013

U.S. Soldier of Colorado Army National Guard viewing landscape from CH-47 Chinook helicopter during 2013 flood relief in Larimer County

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters conducting rescue mission in Boulder Colorado flood

U.S. Army Rangers preparing for extraction on CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Camp Roberts

U.S. Soldiers boarding CH-47 Chinook helicopter during mission rehearsal at Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Germany

U.S. Army paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment boarding CH-47 Chinook helicopter during airborne operation in Italy

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Justin Marshall washing cockpit windows of CH-47 Chinook helicopter during preflight check at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center

U.S. Soldiers from 82nd Airborne Division Artillery attaching reach pendant to CH-47 Chinook cargo hook during live fire exercise at Fort Bragg

U.S., Australian and Chinese service members disembarking from an Australian Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Northern Territory Australia during survival training

CH-47 Chinook helicopter performing water drop near Clearlake, California

Deputy Secretary of Defense Bob Work speaking with Lt. Gen. Pat Donahue via headset aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter

U.S. Army Spc. Ira Duville operating long-line cargo hook on Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter during South Carolina flood response

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter transporting soldiers during combined arms live fire exercise in Thailand

U.S. Army aircrewman at rear hatch of CH-47 Chinook helicopter during transit from Baghdad International Airport

U.S. Army special tactics personnel preparing mentally inside an MH-47 Chinook helicopter during night infiltration and exfiltration exercises at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center

CH-47 Chinook helicopter landing at Forward Arming and Refueling Point during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Queensland Australia July 2023

Soldiers from 16th Combat Aviation Brigade and Australian civilians near CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Port of Gladstone during Exercise Talisman Sabre 23

U.S. service members unloading relief supplies from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in Dominica after Hurricane Maria

U.S. Army helicopters of 1st Cavalry Division preparing to depart Chievres Air Base Belgium

U.S. Army Capt. Gary Gorrel from 143rd Airborne Infantry Regiment awaiting chinook helicopter for air insertion with Israeli, Italian, and Polish forces during Swift Response 18 multinational exercise

U.S. soldiers attaching generator to CH-47 Chinook helicopter for transport at Forward Operating Base Shank

CH-47 Chinook helicopter departing after sling-cut on Army Ground Mobility Vehicle during Immediate Response 19 exercise in Croatia

Paratroopers of 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team airborne training jump from CH-47 Chinook at Grafenwoehr Training Area Germany

U.S. soldiers in cold Alaska preparing 155mm howitzer for CH-47 Chinook helicopter flight

Soldiers from 101st Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade and 10th Mountain load onto Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan

U.S. Army crew member exiting CH-47 Chinook helicopter on Chièvres Air Base

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter exhaust heat with Saint-Martin church bell tower in Chièvres, Belgium

Crew of U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters preparing for deployment at Chièvres Air Base Belgium

CH-47F Chinook helicopter being refueled at Fort Hood by Sgt. Miguel-Angel Gonzalez

Two CH-47F Chinook helicopter pilots from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade during a pre-flight briefing at Fort Hood, Texas, July 16, 2008

Soldier performing preflight checks on CH-47 Chinook helicopter rotor head at Fort Hood

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Stephen Wells and 1st Lt. Michael Siddall discussing safety during CH-47F Chinook sling load training

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter landing in snowy terrain for airborne jump near Stuttgart

Introduction: Experience the Iconic CH-47 Chinook in Norfolk
History and Significance of the CH-47 Chinook
Visiting the CH-47 Chinook Exhibit in Norfolk
Interactive Exhibits and Viewing Experience
Nearby Attractions and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visit Planning
References and Further Reading

History and Significance of the CH-47 Chinook

Historical Background

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a symbol of American military innovation. Developed in the late 1950s and first flown in 1961, the Chinook entered service in 1962. Its design—featuring two large, counter-rotating rotors—allowed for exceptional lifting power and operational flexibility (Honeywell Aerospace). Named after the Chinook Native American tribe, the helicopter was among the first to utilize turbine engines, specifically the Honeywell T55, a powerplant that has evolved to deliver up to 6,000 shaft horsepower (Honeywell Aerospace).

Serving across the globe, the CH-47 has played pivotal roles in military operations, humanitarian aid, and disaster response, making it one of only two military aircraft from the 1960s—alongside the C-130 Hercules—still in production today (Military Factory).

Military and Civilian Roles

The CH-47 Chinook is the backbone of the U.S. Army’s heavy-lift helicopter fleet. It can transport up to 55 troops or 24,000 lbs of cargo, and its versatility extends to medevac, search and rescue, parachute drops, and aircraft recovery (US News Military). With its three powerful cargo hooks, the Chinook can externally lift vehicles and artillery, enabling resupply missions to remote locations.

Civilian versions, such as the Boeing Vertol 234, have been adapted for firefighting, cargo transport, and VIP flights (US News Military). The Chinook’s unique ability to perform pinnacle landings—balancing on rear wheels while hovering—demonstrates its operational versatility (Honeywell Aerospace).

Today, the CH-47 is operated by over 20 countries, with continual upgrades like the CH-47F Block II variant and new international orders, ensuring its relevance for decades to come (Simple Flying; Defence Industry Europe).

Visiting the CH-47 Chinook Exhibit in Norfolk

Location, Hours, and Accessibility

Venue: Transportation and Mobility Museum, Fort Eustis (near Norfolk, VA)
Address: 123 Aviation Way, Fort Eustis, VA
Visiting Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed: Sundays, Mondays, and federal holidays
Admission: Free for all visitors

On-site parking is available free of charge, and the museum is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Public transportation options include Bus Line 5 and Metro Line A, with stops within a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Ticket Information

Admission to the CH-47 Chinook exhibit is free. Guided tours and some special events may require advance booking; check the museum’s website for details.

Guided Tours and Visitor Tips

Guided Tours: Available daily at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; advance booking recommended for groups.
Recommended Visit Duration: Allocate 2–3 hours to fully explore the exhibit.
Photography: Allowed (no flash or tripods).
Amenities: Gift shop with exclusive Chinook memorabilia, books, and souvenirs.

Interactive Exhibits and Viewing Experience

Visitors can explore:

Full-scale CH-47 Chinook Model: Walk around the helicopter and appreciate its immense size (almost 99 feet long and 18 feet tall).
Multimedia Presentations: In-depth videos and interactive panels covering key missions and technological advancements.
Flight Simulators: Hands-on experiences that place you in the digital cockpit of the Chinook.
Artifacts & Galleries: Uniforms, mission logs, photographs, and personal stories from veterans.

Audio guides are available in multiple languages, and informational signage throughout the exhibit deepens the educational value.

Nearby Attractions and Recommendations

Enhance your visit by exploring additional sites:

Norfolk Naval Base: One of the world’s largest naval facilities.
Nauticus Maritime Museum: Hands-on maritime history and interactive displays.
USS Wisconsin: Historic battleship docked near Nauticus.
Virginia Zoo: Family-friendly and just a short drive away.
Historic Ghent District: Charming shops, dining, and architecture.

For more on Norfolk attractions, see Visit Norfolk Today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the CH-47 Chinook exhibit suitable for children?
A: Yes, the exhibit is designed to engage visitors of all ages, with interactive displays and educational programming.

Q: Can I enter the helicopter?
A: Visitors can view the helicopter up close and may have access to the cargo bay or cockpit viewing areas during special events. For preservation and safety, full entry is typically restricted.

Q: Are group or school tours available?
A: Yes, group and school tours can be arranged with advance notice.

Q: Are there special events or airshows featuring the Chinook?
A: Yes, the museum and local military bases host annual airshows and special events—check the Transportation and Mobility Museum Official Site for updates.

Q: Is the exhibit wheelchair accessible?
A: All museum facilities and exhibits are wheelchair accessible; accommodations are available upon request.

Summary and Visit Planning

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook exhibit at Norfolk’s Transportation and Mobility Museum is a celebration of aviation engineering, military service, and resilience. With free admission, interactive exhibits, and a range of nearby attractions, it’s an ideal outing for families, history lovers, and anyone interested in technology and innovation.

Visitor Tips:

Check official websites for the latest updates on hours and events.
Arrive early for the best access, especially during special events.
Download the Audiala app for guided tours and interactive maps.
Bring a camera for memorable photos—but remember, flash is restricted in some areas.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the legacy of one of history’s most enduring helicopters.