We visited Fort Benning which is just outside Columbus, GA the first week in Octover 2026. This is a HUGE very active Army base. Kevin did his basic training here 42 years and 1 month ago-so much is gone from that era and prior. The base was originally opened in 1918. Much is unrecognizable. We camped at their FAM RV camp- Uchee Creek Campground on base. See our review of that when posted.
BUT, there are TWO military museums here that are definitely worth your time to visit!
The first one that we visited today was the NATIONAL ARMOR & CALAVRY HERITAGE FOUNDATION‘s “on base” museum so you do need base privileges to tour it (see link below). Their collection of armored vehicles, 2 helicopters and more is ONLY OPEN TO VIEW ON FRIDAYS! You also must have credentials to get on base for this one.
271 VEHICLES – 196K SQ FT OF COLLECTION – 9000+ ARTIFACTS
FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO OBTAIN A SPECIAL VISITOR BASE PASS (NON MILITARY) CLICK HERE.
The second museum is off base but close by and we will do a separate blog post on that one which is THE NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM and that is open 7 days a week, free of charge as well and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
CLICK HERE to see their schedule of special “open house” dates for 2026!
HOW TO FIND.. .The Armor & Cavalry museum can be found with Google maps once on the base. But the complex itself is confusing. The complex includes a large one story admin building as well as a huge conservation and restoration set of garages etc.
NOTE: The Foundation also is responsible for the HERITAGE PARK which is an outdoor, walk through park located near the National Infantry Museum-off base. It has its own parking are or can be reached past the athletic field and bleachers to the rear of the National Infantry Museum. We did not have the time, and it was in the low 90s still so we did not walk around this outdoor park. No charge to enter. LINK HERE
When you arrive into the driveway, bear to the left, proceed through the gate at fenced in area where you will see untested tanks in the parking lot. Pull between the two buildings and park parallel to the building on the right. The entrance to the Collection is unmarked and is on the building to the left. Yes, signage is sorely needed to find this complex much less how and where to enter. We had parked out front and thankfully a nice gent came out to tell us where to go, that we had parked in the Admin area.
There is no admission charge but a donation is appreciated to maintain the collection and towards further restoration efforts of the Foundation and its volunteers.
NOW ONTO THE MUSEUM ITSELF…
It is set up in a timeliness with beginnings in 1919 and progressing through to the mid 1980s. *They are also in the process of fundraising and restoring the very first American tank to enter Bagdad during the famous “Thunder run” M1A1 Abrams tank nicknamed ” Answer to this”. Once preserved it will be the ONLY US Army Irqlaq War M1A1 Abrams on public display in the world.
Let’s start at the beginning with 1919 and move forward a bit!
On display are not only US tanks but also German, British, French, Syrian and Canadian tanks, etc.
When you stand along side of these machines you cannot be anything but awestruck on their size, engineering and structural massiveness. Some are in pristine restored and preserved condition, others are “as is” and may or may not be slated for further preservation at some point. Even Luise enjoys visiting these military museums!
Many have detailed story boards that tell a lot about them, and in some cases their unique wartime histories. We wish all of them did but for now anyway, just their type and year is identified. As you stroll down the time lines it becomes very apparent the transition that has taken place.
What also becomes very apparent is that to be a gunner or driver of a tank took a special kind of soldier. The conditions were brutal, hot or freezing (depending on season and location) cramped and sitting on not much more than a wood or metal 10″ plate- especially in early models. The sound must have been excruciating! Not to mention the very limited visibility that surely made one feel like a sitting duck in a dark closet!
Also in the Collection are 2 armored helicopters.
Along with about a dozen land artillery pieces or towables. As well as two motorcycles, a US Harley Davidson and a British Army motorcycle.
A display about a bridge crossing at LUDENDORFF, GERMANY during WWII had a very interesting story and even the original banner of sorts that greeted GI’s as they came across.
Here are just some random photos taken while touring. We were there for about 2 hours. They do have a very small gift counter area but sadly it was closed or we would have purchased a sticker for our collection.
Again, unfortunately this museum collection is only open to those who have credentials to get on the Fort Benning army base itself. SO SEE THE LINK WE POSTED ABOVE ON HOW TO GET A VISITOR PASS TO ENTER THE BASE AND VISIT THE MUSEUM!
And remember it is only open on Fridays (that we could tell besides their special open house dates which we linked above too) and it would be wise to plan ahead, call them and check online to be sure they are open. The staff was extremely welcoming to us and the about 10 other visitors who where their while we were.
Definitely worth seeking out and worth the visit!
If you enjoyed this article please give it a “LIKE” to make it easier for others to find!
Thank you!
Leave a Reply