Cirrus Aircraft Factory Tour — Duluth, Minnesota

Discover the Cirrus Aircraft Factory Tour in Minnesota

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, the Cirrus Aircraft Factory Tour offers visitors an inside look at one of the world’s leading general aviation aircraft manufacturers. This guided experience takes guests through an active production facility where advanced composite aircraft are designed, assembled, and tested for pilots around the globe.

Why it’s special:
Cirrus Aircraft is a true, high-tech manufacturing operation. Visitors see real aircraft being built inside a modern aerospace factory, including composite fuselage construction, avionics installation, and final assembly—making this one of the most impressive aviation factory tours available to the public.

History/Story of Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft was founded in 1984 by brothers Dale and Alan Klapmeier in Wisconsin before expanding operations to Duluth, Minnesota. The company revolutionized personal aviation with innovations such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and advanced glass cockpit avionics. Today, Duluth serves as Cirrus Aircraft’s global headquarters and primary manufacturing hub.

What You’ll See & Do on the Cirrus Aircraft Factory Tour

• Tour an active aircraft manufacturing facility

• Learn how composite aircraft structures are built and assembled

• Observe avionics installation and systems integration

• See quality control, testing, and final assembly processes

• Learn about aviation safety innovations including the CAPS parachute system

Hands-On Elements: Educational explanations and guided walkthroughs
Photo/Video Policy: Photography prohibited inside production areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Visitor center with Cirrus-branded merchandise and aviation displays

Pricing of the Cirrus Aircraft Factory Tour

Factory tours are free of charge.
Advance registration and approval are required.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
Format: Guided factory tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered year-round on select weekdays
Audience: Aviation enthusiasts, students, engineers, professionals
Accessibility: Limited; industrial environment with extended walking
Safety & Restrictions: Government-issued ID required; closed-toe shoes mandatory
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance approval
What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe shoes; comfortable clothing
Facilities: Visitor center, restrooms, parking
Closures & Downtime: No tours during holidays or production shutdowns
Working hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (tours by appointment only)

Nearby

• Duluth International Airport

• Lake Superior waterfront

• Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame

FAQs About Visiting Cirrus Aircraft Factory

Is this a working aircraft factory?
Yes. Cirrus Aircraft manufactures aircraft daily at the Duluth facility.

Do I need to schedule the tour in advance?
Yes. All factory tours require advance registration and confirmation.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Age restrictions may apply due to safety requirements.

Can I see complete aircraft during the tour?
Yes. Visitors typically see multiple aircraft at different stages of production.

Why is photography restricted?
Photography is restricted to protect proprietary manufacturing processes and safety standards.