If you still have a soft spot for the red tail, the sale is tomorrow. The Northwest Airlines History Center holds its annual Aviation Collectible Sale on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Wyndham Hotel, 1901 Killebrew Drive. That's the one just across from Mall of America. Admission is $5, and all proceeds go to the History Center.
One note on timing, because it still hasn't been cleared up. The sale's announcement lists hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11. The History Center's own event page lists only Saturday. If you're planning a Sunday trip, check the event page before you go. Kids under 12 get in free, and organizers say you can prepay online so your name is already on file at the door. The same form also lets you sign up for a museum membership.
So what's on the tables? Organizers say vendors will be selling die-cast aircraft, aviation art, clothing and hats, books and magazines, postcards, travel bags, and the flatware, drinkware and china that once rode in the galley.
The timing fits. Northwest first flew in 1926, carrying mail between the Twin Cities and Chicago, so 2026 is its 100th anniversary. The airline flew for more than 80 years, merged with Delta and stopped operating in 2010. Former and current employees started the History Center in 2002, and volunteers run it now. It holds more than 200,000 artifacts, from model jets to old advertising. Museum volunteers are also trying to raise $2 million to expand.
If one sale day isn't enough Northwest for you, the museum is at the Crowne Plaza AiRE Hotel, 3 Appletree Square. Regular hours are Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. One heads-up: the center says parking construction is underway there, so follow the posted signs and come in through the hotel's ground-floor main entrance. More details are on the History Center's website.
