The museum is very clean and its free. Me and my family had a great time and i recommend it to others.
Rich R.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Olympia, WA
Worth the trip. Inside are a series of displays — weapons, uniforms, medals — from recent decades back to Lewis & Clarks Corps of Discovery. The most interesting part is outside of the museum, where there are dozens of vehicles and artillery pieces: tanks, a Huey helicopter, half-tracks, howitzers, jeeps, anti-aircraft guns, Nike and Honest John missiles, etc. You can go right up to them, although you cannot touch them, climb into seats, etc. Maintenance of these things is clearly a significant challenge, and we would have liked to see more info about what each was — many of the information sheets had fallen off or dissolved in the rain — but it’s pretty interesting nonetheless. Definitely bring a camera. Things to know: Those without a military vehicle decal will need to get a temporary pass at the main gate, at I-5 exit 120. We waited one day for more than an hour before giving up(computer system problems, apparently), but two other times we came back and there was no wait at all. Hopefully just an anomaly. You’ll need your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver’s license. Also: don’t go early, figuring that you’ll check out the vehicles until the museum opens — the gate staff only allow you in during museum hours. Admission is free; there is a box for donations. There’s a gift shop selling small replica cannons, toy soldiers, books, etc. Hope that helps.
Hal K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Cokato, MN
Unfortunately, the museum was under construction/renovation while we were there. Spent more time in the vehicle park. Fun to see captured Iraqi vehicles. Would be better if we had some more modern military hardware in the vehicle park, but understand when we’re fighting 2 wars that every piece of equipment is important. We’ll go back for the full museum experience next time. 45+ minutes to get passes and through the North Fort Lewis gate! Plan accordingly.
Roger A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Burlingame, CA
Pretty cool place. I remember people used to say it was haunted. You can see this right off the freeway.
Rinky N.
Rating des Ortes: 5 East Bay
Regardless of what one thinks of war or the military, this museum has an impressive collection of historical exhibits centering around the history of the United States Army that has been based at Fort Lewis. There is an extensive collection of uniforms, weapons, photographs, displays and memorials of soldiers dating from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and the Iraqi war. I was amazed to see items from all sides of the conflicts on display. (Photos by my son) There is a simple but moving display of photos of soldiers who have died in the Iraqi War. There is an outdoor display with tanks, jeeps, cannons and other large military equipment. There is a small, but decent museum store with books, souvenirs and other items of interest. You can not go away from this museum without feeling moved by what you have seen. Wars have killed too many people, most of them young men or women who did not have a chance to live enough decades. Whatever your sentiments are about any of the wars, this museum is dedicated to those who lost their lives.