McKinley Climatic Laboratory

McKinley Climatic Laboratory is a hangar and testing facility in Valparaiso designed to evaluate equipment under extreme weather conditions. The structure contains chambers capable of simulating temperatures from very cold to very hot and was specifically built to validate military and civilian equipment.

The laboratory was founded to test technological systems under the harshest conditions that emerged during the Cold War era. Its development reflects the growing need to ensure equipment could withstand extreme environments.

Access to this facility is restricted since it is designed for specialized research and testing and sits on a secured site. Visitors should inquire ahead as the facility is not open to the public.

The facility is one of the few in the world able to simulate extreme heat and cold scenarios simultaneously. This technical capability makes it a rare and valuable tool for industry and research.

Location: Valparaiso

Inception: 1944

GPS coordinates: 30.47580,-86.50750

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:27