Did you know that the doors to the finest military museums in the United States are open to anyone?
It’s true — these historical centers are designed to inform civilians as well as honor the service of veterans.
Accordingly, visiting a military museum is a terrific way to spend a day with family and friends.
The visit is especially memorable for veterans that can share their own personal experiences with loved ones.
Here are the 15 Best Military Museums in the U.S. worth visiting.
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15 Best Military Museums in the United States
There is so much to take away from visiting a military museum.
For starters, the opportunity allows a veteran or military retiree to their personal experiences with family and friends.
Additionally, visiting a military museum is highly recommended for civilians, too.
Here, military dependents and others can gain a newfound appreciation for military service.
So, make sure to set time aside on a calendar to pay one of the 15 best military museums in the U.S. a visit.
You’ll discover that all these sites feature rare artifacts and other information regarding the decorated history of the U.S. military.
Furthermore, admission to many of these heralded military museums is free of charge.
Thus, it’s hard to find a better way to spend a day or vacation with loved ones.
Here are the 15 best military museums based on reputation, exhibits, and artifacts, as well as cost of admission:
#1. National Aviation Museum
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- Location: Pensacola, FL (1750 Radford Blvd, Pensacola Naval Air Station, 32508)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Sun (9:15 am – 3:30 pm)
- Website: NavalAviationMuseum.org
The National Naval Aviation Museum ranks among the best military museums in the U.S.
It’s the largest museum of its kind, featuring more than 150 restored aircraft.
The U.S. Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy are all recognized for their aviation achievements.
The 300,000 square-foot space includes full-motion flight simulators along with a massive theater.
Inside, visitors are treated to an incredible 4K flying experience cruising alongside the legendary Blue Angels.
Lastly, the National Aviation Museum includes thousands and thousands of aviation items, including pilot clothing and historic flight logs.
#2. National Infantry Museum
- Location: Columbus, GA (1775 Legacy Way, 31903)
- Admission: Free ($5 Suggested Donation)
- Hours: Tues-Sat (9 am – 5 pm) / Sundays (11 am – 5 pm)
- Website: NationalInfantryMuseum.org
The National Infantry Museum is located on property adjacent to the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) at historic Fort Moore.
Here, visitors are treated to a fantastic museum including an impressive collection of military artifacts.
The National Infantry Museum recognizes troops who battled the enemy bayonet to bayonet.
Accordingly, the signature exhibit of the military museum is found at “The Last 100 Yards.”
The gallery presents life-sized dioramas that depict some of the most famous infantry battles in U.S. history.
Outside, visitors enter World War II Company Street, which features a preserved barracks and mess hall from the era.
There, the former headquarters of General George S. Patton is also on display.
#3. The National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Location: Kansas City, MO (2 Memorial Dr, 64108)
- Admission: $18 Adults / $14 Veterans & Seniors / $10 Youth
- Hours: Tues-Sun (10 am – 5pm) / Mondays (Closed)
- Website: TheWorldWar.org
It doesn’t take long for visitors to feel the sheer magnitude of World War I.
The first display at the memorial is a field of more than 9,000 red poppies, representing the lost American lives of WWI.
Furthermore, the military museum takes people into the history and battles that shaped the Great War.
It’s the only military museum in the United States purely dedicated to WWI history.
As a result, visitors get a one-of-a-kind experience as they examine a diverse range of artifacts along with interactive exhibits.
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#4. The National WWII Museum
- Location: New Orleans, LA (945 Magazine Street, 70130)
- Admission: Adults $32.50 / Seniors $27.50 / Military & Spouses $20 / Students & Youth $20
- Hours: Mon-Sun (9 am – 5 pm)
- Website: NationalWW2Museum.org
Meanwhile, the National WWII Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Second World War.
It’s one of the more modern of the military museums after opening its doors in June 2000.
For this reason, the National WWII Museum offers a unique and personal experience into the lives that shaped the costly conflict.
The experience takes visitors through both theaters of WWII, along with an epic film narrated by Tom Hanks (“Beyond All Boundaries”).
WWII veterans receive free access to a museum that is open 7 days a week.
#5. National Museum of the Marine Corps
- Location: Triangle, VA (1775 Semper Fidelis Wy, 22172)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Sun (9 am – 5 pm)
- Website: USMCMuseum.org
The National Museum of the Marine Corps exists near the military base in Quantico, Virginia.
Therefore, it exists under the radar, yet is one of the best military museums dedicated to a service branch.
The museum features interactive exhibits along with an extraordinary catalog of artifacts like the U.S. flag raised over Iwo Jima.
Meanwhile, “Legacy Walk” is designed to provide visitors with an example of what it takes to become a Marine.
It’s one of the more interactive military museums in the U.S.
#6. National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
- Location: Wright-Patterson AFB (1100 Spaatz St, Ohio, 45433)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Sun (9 am – 5 pm)
- Website: NationalMuseum.AF.mil
The U.S. Air Force also has a terrific military museum dedicated to the service branch.
It’s located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, east of Dayton, Ohio.
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is actually the oldest and largest aviation museum of its kind.
Accordingly, the diverse exhibits include artifacts along with aircraft used throughout the history of the branch.
Even better, admission to the National Museum of the Air Force is free, like most military branch museums.
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#7. National Museum of the U.S. Army
- Location: Fort Belvoir (1775 Liberty Drive, Virginia, 22060)
- Admission: Free (Reserve in Advance)
- Hours: Mon-Sun (9 am – 5 pm)
- Website: theNMusa.org
The National Museum of the U.S. Army recently opened in 2020 after being under construction for years.
The wait was worth it as the museum provides a comprehensive history of the U.S. Army.
It exists at Fort Belvoir in Virginia, not far from Washington, D.C. (where many of the best military museums are located).
As a result, if you are in the area, make sure you visit this incredible, brand-new military museum.
The exhibits highlight the past, present, and future of the U.S. military branch.
#8. National Museum of the U.S. Navy
- Location: Washington, D.C. (Washington Navy Yard, 805 Kidder Breese SE, 20374)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Saturdays (10 am – 4 pm)
- Website: historyNavy.mil
The military museum dedicated to the U.S. Navy is also located in Washington, D.C.
The museum includes exhibits and artwork which depict the unique culture and lifestyle of a U.S. sailor.
Exhibits take visitors through Navy influences during the American Revolution, Civil War, World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam.
It’s often overlooked compared to the Naval Aviation Museum, yet definitely worth a visit for veterans of the service branch.
#9. The Smithsonian – National Museum of American History
- Location: Washington, D.C. (1300 Constitution Ave, NW,
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Sun (10 am – 5:30 pm)
- Website: AmericanHistory.si.edu
The Smithsonian is technically not a military museum, yet still features an extensive collection of military artifacts.
After all, you would expect as much considering The Smithsonian is the largest museum in the world.
Therefore, the section dedicated to U.S. military history and artifacts is impressive in its own regard.
The exhibits range from swords and firearms to uniforms and ordnance.
Best of all, the museum (like everything at the Smithsonian) is completely free to visit.
#10. Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center
- Location: Gettysburg, PA (1195 Baltimore Pike, 17325)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Sun (8 am – 5 pm)
- Website: NPS.gov/Gettysburg
Unfortunately, the American Civil War doesn’t always get the attention it deserves.
Consequently, the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center was created to remember the soldiers that fought on both sides of the gruesome conflict.
Those that are visiting Pennsylvania would be foolish not to make a stop at the famous battlefield, which now includes an indoor museum.
The 1863 Battle of Gettysburg is often considered the turning point of the war, despite the tremendous loss of life.
For this reason, make sure to take the time and honor these lives at the free military museum.
#11. United States Coast Guard Museum
- Location: New London, CT (Coast Guard Academy, 31 Mohegan Avenue, 06320)
- Admission: N/A
- Hours: Coming Soon
- Website: CoastGuardMuseum.org
The new U.S. Coast Guard Museum is currently under construction in New London, Connecticut.
Until then, visitors can honor the military branch by visiting its current headquarters at the Coast Guard Academy.
The National Coast Guard Museum recognizes the heritage of the branch which is often overlooked.
Accordingly, the offerings will include interactive exhibits, STEM activities, and other learning opportunities.
#12. National Guard Memorial Museum
- Location: Washington, D.C. (1 Massachusetts Ave NW, 20001)
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Mon-Fri (9 am – 4 pm)
- Website: NGEF.org
The National Guard Memorial Museum is another overlooked historical center.
It’s another military museum located in Washington, D.C.
Even better, admission is free as visitors are granted access to the first and only national museum dedicated to the service branch.
The gallery first opened in 1976 and celebrates the long, ignored history of the U.S. National Guard.
As a result, visitors get to see uniforms, firearms, battle gear and equipment, and other military artifacts.
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#13. Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex
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- Location: New York, NY (Pier 86, W 46th Street, 10036)
- Admission: Adults $36 / Seniors $34 / Child $26 / Military $0
- Hours: Mon-Sun (10 am – 5 pm)
- Website: IntrepidMuseum.org
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum gets ignored as one of the better military museums.
The educational complex is highlighted by the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid along with the submarine USS Growler.
Moreover, individuals can also see a British Airways Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise.
Thus, the collection of aircraft is noteworthy along with the fun, interactive flight simulators.
For this reason, everyone in the family will find something rewarding to do at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex.
#14. USS Midway Museum
- Location: San Diego, CA (910 N Harbor Drive, 92101)
- Admission: Adults $31 / Veterans $21 / Youth $21 / Active & Reserve Military $0
- Hours: Mon-Sun (10 am – 4 pm)
- Website: Midway.org
Unfortunately, most of the best military museums in the U.S. are on the East Coast.
However, the USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California, is an exception.
The military museum provides a rare glimpse aboard an actual U.S. aircraft carrier.
Here, the permanent exhibits walk visitors through what life is like serving in the military in this capacity.
As a result, it’s hard not to feel like Goose or Maverick peering out from the top deck.
#15. Navy SEAL Museum
- Location: Fort Pierce, FL (3300 N Highway A1A, 34949)
- Admission: Adults $15 / Veterans & Seniors $12 / Children ($7)
- Hours: Tues-Sat (10 am – 4 pm) / Sundays (12 pm – 4 pm) / Mondays (Closed)
- Website: NavySEALmuseum.org
Finally, the Navy SEAL Museum in Florida ranks among the top military museums in the nation.
It’s the only education center in the world dedicated to preserving the special history of Navy SEALs.
Therefore, visitors get a unique introduction to the lives of Frogmen.
The informative displays include exhibits that range from World War II to Vietnam and the present day.
Furthermore, special events offer the rare opportunity to partake in The SEAL Experience and other opportunities.
Related Article – 20 Most Famous Navy SEALS Of All Time
Wrapping Up
The best military museums in the country have so much to offer.
For veterans, it’s a look back at the past as it honors their military service.
Meanwhile, for civilians, it’s an opportunity to connect and learn about the experiences of veterans.
Furthermore, it develops appreciation and understanding of military service.
What’s more, these educational opportunities are affordable (if not free).
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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