National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Infantry Museum emphasizes the values that define the Infantryman, as well as the nation he protects: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. It preserves and displays one of the greatest collections of military artifacts in the world, but it is a museum of people, not things. As a visitor, you will meet the Infantryman face to face and join him on his journey. You will come to understand why an Infantryman does what he does, why he puts himself in harm’s way in defense of an idea and you will leave transformed, just as the Infantry transforms the man into the Soldier. The 190,000-square-foot museum opened in June 2009 on a 200-acre tract of hardwoods and pines just outside the gates of the Fort Benning Maneuver Center of Excellence.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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67 within 3 miles
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39 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Stephen CLakeland, Florida223 contributionsMust See Military MuseumThis is a top rate museum that only requests a donation. We gladly donated. It is a beautiful building with many historic items. There are three levels and the place is huge! The staff was friendly and helpful. If you like seeing military memorabilia do not miss this museum!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 6, 2023
- Roberta R2 contributionsOne of the world’s top BEST (must see) Museum! Very impressive!The second year of it’s huge structure, my family and I toured it. The beautiful memorial wall-walkway with the many states, tall flags is a sight to see! Over the years we’ve toured three times as well as it’s large modern movie theater, topped with it’s concession stand drinks and snacks. The popcorn is the best!Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 27, 2024
- Janet EWausau, Wisconsin32 contributionsVery interesting military historyExcellent information on army and all things military. There is so much to see and read about the history of the United States military. We spent about 3 hours there but we could have stayed all day to see everything. We really enjoyed our visit. So interesting and it's free.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2024
- judie196796 contributionsBest museumThis place is was amazing. So much information and details. Very well maintained and displays were incredible. Spent 2 hrs and still could've stayed longer. Best museum we've been to by far. And it's free!Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 5, 2024
- wes3131Dallas, Texas18 contributionsWorld Class Excellence and Experience...Stopped on the way to see the World War II National Museum in New Orleans. Was astounded at the scale and excellence of the collection and presentation. Truly world-class. I must see! Fills the mind with appreciation and the heart with gratitude!!!Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 31, 2024
- SanFrancisco539 contributionsThe Infantry ExperienceExtremely well done and very moving . Some exhibits quite visceral. History presented, the bravery of men and sacrifice documented and explained. The infantry experience from the Revolutionary war to the present. All the dead men. We spent over three hoursVisited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,298 reviews
Excellent
2,121
Very good
161
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
2
chucknelson59
Crestview, FL19 contributions
Feb 2020
Being a former Infantryman I was excited to makes the four hour trip from Florida to Georgia. The building is beautiful and spacious. Plan on making a day of it. There is so much to see. There are a few drawbacks (for me). There are a lot of sound effects and recordings both music and voice played on a loop. Most are so loud it's hard to talk within your group without raising your voice. Downstairs there is a hall full of individual rooms dedicated to time periods, they did not appear to be in chronological order. The WWII "Village tour" in the back is outstanding.
If you're planning to have lunch I would suggest skipping "The Drum and Fife" restaurant. I understand sometimes things go wrong, they ran out of french fries and offered a "premium upgrade" side, two of us ordered onion rings, when they got to the table there was only four rings. Honestly I would have spent half and gotten twice at the Burger King right down the road. Also everything that was fried was very greasy
If you're planning to have lunch I would suggest skipping "The Drum and Fife" restaurant. I understand sometimes things go wrong, they ran out of french fries and offered a "premium upgrade" side, two of us ordered onion rings, when they got to the table there was only four rings. Honestly I would have spent half and gotten twice at the Burger King right down the road. Also everything that was fried was very greasy
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Squirreldander
Naples, FL69 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
An incredible compilation of US military history under one roof. Segmented by wars and time periods, each room is complete with authentic dioramas, original artifacts and in later wars, actual video footage within the displays.
To realize the enormity of this wonderful museum, a full day will not permit you to take it all in and get watch the iMax theater offerings.
I had opportunity to visit the previous Infantry Museum before this was built in a white clapboard building…and thought that was incredible…but there is no comparison to this new museum.
With two children that are career military, one senior enlisted and the other an officer, it takes on added significance. But apart from that, it is an education, even a conundrum of the unfortunate necessity of war to maintain peace.
Plan for a full day at the very least, and immerse yourself in history.
To realize the enormity of this wonderful museum, a full day will not permit you to take it all in and get watch the iMax theater offerings.
I had opportunity to visit the previous Infantry Museum before this was built in a white clapboard building…and thought that was incredible…but there is no comparison to this new museum.
With two children that are career military, one senior enlisted and the other an officer, it takes on added significance. But apart from that, it is an education, even a conundrum of the unfortunate necessity of war to maintain peace.
Plan for a full day at the very least, and immerse yourself in history.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelSouthGA
Georgia173 contributions
May 2022
Outstanding! From the walk through history, called the Last 100 yards (that ironically begins your visit), you will almost feel like you were there with the infantry. The individual exhibits of different periods of our history are also outstanding. When I went in May the restaurant was not yet open (only the snack bar), nor was the theater. But, the interactive simulator portion was open (I did not try it). For those who read the descriptions, allow several hours to see entire museum, particularly if you choose to see the parade grounds and exterior exhibits. Admission is free, although a small donation is appreciated.
Note: as others have mentioned, if you have PTSD, be aware that the sounds are pretty realistic and, particularly in the WWI trench area, quite loud (surprisingly so).
Note: as others have mentioned, if you have PTSD, be aware that the sounds are pretty realistic and, particularly in the WWI trench area, quite loud (surprisingly so).
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff S
Gainesville, GA1,353 contributions
Jun 2019
This museum is a must must see for all who enjoy military history and all the wars . This museum was built from all donations and no tax payer money. What an awesome accomplishment. You'll need to spend most of the day here, thats how involved this place is. You won't be disappointed at all.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trudi
Syracuse, KS31 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I would have to say, that this museum is at the very top of my list, during all of my travels. If you are gay military history buff, like I am, you’ll enjoy this museum immensely. So much to see and it truly immerses you into each war on a personal level. It’s visual effects, combined with it’s exhibits and detailed history make it interesting even for smaller children. I would not hesitate taking the elderly here, it is very accessible. A must see.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Baker
Blakely, GA504 contributions
May 2023 • Family
If you’re into military history, or even just history, then this is the place for you. This museum does a great job thoughtfully covering the history of the USA Infantry from inception to modern times. The displays are amazing and the artifacts are plentiful. I really enjoyed the modern exhibit and the WWI exhibit. The entry is free but I would recommend giving a donation by either cash or card. There’s a great gift shop and food options as well. Make sure you give yourself a few hours to really be able to see everything.
Written May 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cruiser536734
3 contributions
Jan 2022
This is definitely the best military museum we have ever visited and ranks at the top of all museums we've seen. There is so much to see here that you will likely want to spend at least the better part of the day (we came back twice!) even if you're not reading much of the commentary. Very well done; very educational.
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelly K
Columbus, GA2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
The National Infantry Museum is an amazing place to tour. Honoring Military service members throughout our American history--Excellence deserves recognition🦅🇺🇸🔔. Each time I visit, I am humbled by the sacrifices made for We the People of America and abroad. My grandchildren ages 10-17, love it too. I am so grateful for the men and women who sacrifice & serve for our Freedom. Also, for those who dedicate their money & time volunteering to keep this museum going for future generations to see. This place will touch your spirit & soul.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jam S
Pine Mountain, GA8 contributions
Dec 2020
There is no favorite of this museum, it was packed with history and great exhibits start to finish. Well run, clean, just super super place to spend time. Visited many times and always see something new of interest.
Written March 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen C
Lakeland, FL223 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
This is a top rate museum that only requests a donation. We gladly donated. It is a beautiful building with many historic items. There are three levels and the place is huge! The staff was friendly and helpful. If you like seeing military memorabilia do not miss this museum!
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contact the museum by phone or ft Benning directly.
Written August 7, 2019
The National Infantry Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am – 5pm and Sundays from 11am – 5pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, with the exception of the following federal holidays and observances:
May 27, 2019 – Memorial Day
July 4, 2019 – Independence Day
November 11, 2019 – Veterans Day (Observed)
Written July 8, 2019
Can I bring a diaper bag in if it is over the bag requirements?
Written September 11, 2018
Not sure. But I think you could call and ask
Written September 17, 2018
Hi, I'm travelling from Europe with my hub and 2 kids ( 10 and 5) to Orlando fro 10 days in January. We the adults are interested in militaryhistory and therefore wondering is there any sense in driving by car from Orlando to Conumbus to visit the Infantry museum? Is it too long a drive or is there any other big war-related museum closer to Orlando that would be interesting also foe Europeans? ( I assume the drive to Columbus is 900 kilometres and about 7 hours by rental car and I keep wondeting wheather it's worth spending 3 days of our holiday to get to the museum and overnight 2 times in the between).
Thank you for taking time answering my question beforehand! 😀
Written August 22, 2018
We're honored that you're interested in visiting the National Infantry Museum! It's hard for us to answer your question objectively, because we believe a visit to the museum is most definitely worth a side-trip. However, you're right that it is a long drive, and the time investment may prevent you from doing other things. As students of military history, you could easily spend a full day in the museum. In addition to the galleries, we have a giant screen theater, a combat simulator attraction, and a full-service restaurant. If you were here on a Thursday or Friday, you could also attend a graduation of new Infantry soldiers, which occurs on the parade field adjacent to the museum. You ... and the kids ... might also enjoy a midday tour of our World War II Company Street, where 7 World War II-era Army buildings have been authentically restored to look as they did in the 1940s.
The museum is appropriate for children but not specifically designed for them. You'll know best how long their attention will last.
One last thought: Columbus and the surrounding area has many interesting attractions that might make an overnight or two worthwhile. I would encourage you to contact the Columbus Convention and Visitors Center for more information. Their website is called visitcolumbusga. (TripAdvisor does not allow me include the link.)
May I ask you how you learned about the National Infantry Museum?
If I can answer any more questions for you, don't hesitate to reach out. My name is Cyndy Cerbin; I am the director of communications at the museum. Whether you come to Columbus or not, I hope you enjoy your trip to the United States!
Written August 23, 2018
Which are the closest hotels to this Museum?
Written July 11, 2018
The Hampton Inn Columbus/South-Fort Benning on S. Lumpkin is located less than a quarter mile from the front gate of Fort Benning & just a few minutes walk to the National Military Museum (closest & only within walking distance). All other hotel properterties begin approximately 3 miles away but are closer to dining options. Although, if you need to spend less than the Hampton’s $120-150 per night & don’t mind being approximately 3 miles to the museum & base, the Hawthorn on 3662 Victory Dr. is only $65-80. The Hampton is much a nicer property but the Hawthorne is just completing a remodel so it is comfortable also. Hope this helps.
Written July 12, 2018
Is there RV parking on site or close by?
Written March 12, 2017
As we left the parking lot, we noted the drag marks in the pavement for vehicles that crossed the steep center median to turn left. Might be a better option to turn right if your RV has a long overhang and search for a better crossover. My RV would have dragged the tow bar.
Written June 5, 2017
There is no charge, though they ask for a donation at the door. It's worth it.
Written February 24, 2016
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