History intrigues us in ways we might never understand. We wish we could be there to see or experience some of the action that took place all those years ago, but sadly, the closest we can get is seeing it on display in a museum. One of these pieces of history we like to see is the evolution of military vehicles.
We managed to create gas-engines and used them to power multiple war machines. It was the purest form of ingenuity and we can see it all at museums all across the nation. Keep reading to learn about the ten best museums to see military vehicles!
10 10. Lane Motor Museum
The Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, Tennessee has a vast collection of military vehicles dating back to 1942. Thye have numerous trucks and planes on display that will help to immerse you in our history as a nation.
They have everything from the epic failures to the cream of the crop, but their real beauty is the LARC-LX that they have on display. Civilians are permitted to climb aboard and see what it would have been like to traverse land and sea in such a monstrosity.
9 9. Americans in Wartime Museum
This museum is entirely comprised of military vehicles from every era. They have daily reenactments of specific battles and you are allowed to put yourself in the shoes of a soldier as you board different vehicles.
They also have a navy and flight simulation that you can take advantage of, as well as an obstacle course for your children. The museum also features wartime scenes starting with World War One so you can see what it was like for the men and women who served during those time periods.
8 8. American Heritage Museum
The American Heritage Museum is such a success due to the generous donation of Jacques M. Littlefields extensive military collection. His family donated over two-hundred tanks and armored vehicles after his death, which was previously the largest private collection of military vehicles in the world.
The museum also has multiple exhibits showcasing airplanes as well as numerous vehicles taking part in battles from the wars. They offer live history events that guests can attend for an added fee, so they can fully immerse themselves in the experience.
7 7. National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is located in Virginia and hosts a variety of military-inspired events for guests to enjoy. They are currently renovating which they plan to have finished in a few more years, but it also means that there will always be something new to see.
The exhibits they currently have on display show their soldiers in action as they escape aboard a truck or march into battle inside of an armored tank. You can also visit their movie theater or laser rifle range to add a special touch to your trip.
6 6. The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum
The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum has over thirty military vehicles on display starting with World War One. They have everything including planes, tanks, and watercraft and they boast the ownership of the Ford Pygmy, which is the oldest surviving Jeep. It is the perfect place to visit on a hot Alabama day as several of their vehicles are kept on display outside of the facility.
You won't be disappointed as you leave with a mind full of historical facts and mental images of all of the astounding vehicles.
5 5. The U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum
The U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum does not have a large collection of military vehicles, but the ones they do have are unlike anything you will see at any other museum. Their vehicles are those that were used to help feed and clothe the soldiers, rather than those directly involved in the fighting aspect of the war.
You can view snack and ration carts, as well as laundry equipment. They are displayed among other artifacts to help tell the full story of how quartermasters were a necessary addition to the war effort.
4 4. U.S. Army Transportation Museum
The U.S. Army Transportation Museum is literally designed with military vehicle enthusiasts in mind. This museum has everything, including the horse-drawn wagons back from the Revolutionary War. The collection of artifacts sits at about seven-thousand and their collection even includes a few trains.
A major selling point of this facility is the aircraft pavilion that houses around twenty different pieces of aircraft for guests to enjoy. There are other outdoor exhibits present, so it might be best to visit this museum on a nice and sunny day.
3 3. The Museum of the American G.I.
The Museum of the American G.I. displays World War Two and beyond vehicles that are restored and in working condition. The best time to go is when they host their annual Living History Weekend, so you can witness these vehicles in action. They are located in Texas and their exhibits zero in on certain aspects of the wars.
A few of their more notable collections include the boy scouts and a day by day account of D-Day. There are also several other museums in the area that you can go see if you wish to make the entire adventure a day event.
2 2. The National WWII Museum
The National World War II Museum is located in New Orleans and features the major vehicles involved in the war effort. The museum itself offers distance learning opportunities as well as several virtual tours for anyone who is unable to make the trip south to see it in person.
The exhibits are extremely well-done and you will feel transported into the era as read the provided information and learn about the numerous types of vehicles on display. You can also dive into their 4D journey and watch on screen as battles take place before your very eyes.
1 1. The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles has over one-hundred different vehicles on display for patrons to enjoy. This museum was designed to be hands-on and allows for visitors to touch the machinery and sit inside of history itself.
It includes mainly World War Two vehicles, but there are some on display from World War One as well. A major selling point is the M*A*S*H exhibit they created in memory of the old television show that was a favorite among viewers.