Texas Military Forces Museum
Explore Texas's rich military heritage with free admission to a museum featuring tanks, vehicles, and historical exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Texas Military Forces Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Texas's rich military heritage with free admission to a museum featuring tanks, vehicles, and historical exhibits.
"Fascinating little museum...filled to the brim with information and TANKS!"
🎯 Bring Your ID!
A valid ID is required for entry onto Camp Mabry. Don't forget it to avoid any access issues!
🚗 Use the 35th St Entrance
The 45th Street entrance to Camp Mabry is often closed. Use the 35th Street entrance for direct access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Vehicle Exhibits
Exterior grounds of the museum
Explore a vast outdoor collection of tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft. A true paradise for vehicle enthusiasts!
Texas Military History
Indoor exhibits
Journey through Texas's military past, from its formation to modern conflicts, with uniforms, weapons, and artifacts.
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Restored Military Vehicles
Indoor and outdoor displays
See impressive, restored military hardware up close, including iconic tanks like the M4A3 Sherman 'Aces High'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & ID Required
Navigating Camp Mabry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Your ID!
A valid ID is required for entry onto Camp Mabry. Don't forget it to avoid any access issues!
🚗 Use the 35th St Entrance
The 45th Street entrance to Camp Mabry is often closed. Use the 35th Street entrance for direct access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially with the outdoor exhibits. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of impressive vehicles and exhibits for amazing photos. Capture the history!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Your ID!
A valid ID is required for entry onto Camp Mabry. Don't forget it to avoid any access issues!
🚗 Use the 35th St Entrance
The 45th Street entrance to Camp Mabry is often closed. Use the 35th Street entrance for direct access.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially with the outdoor exhibits. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of impressive vehicles and exhibits for amazing photos. Capture the history!
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Kids, especially those who love vehicles, will have a blast exploring the tanks and exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Texas Military Forces Museum for its extensive collection of tanks and military vehicles, both indoors and outdoors. The free admission and informative exhibits detailing Texas's military history are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some note the indoor space is compact, the overall experience is described as fascinating and highly recommended for history buffs and families alike.
"Fascinating little museum. The indoors area is on the smaller side, but filled to the brim with information and TANKS! Then you get to go explore outside and the place suddenly becomes huge, and full of TANKS! I see tanks, I stop. I had loads of fun checking out all the things in here. They did ask for proof of identification at the entrance though, so be aware."
Frank Biermann
"Superb museum! Lots of fascinating exhibits which are all nicely presented and well laid out. History covers Texas history all the way from its formation through to modern day (as well as a broader American military history). Great cross section of vehicles to see as well. Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area and have an interest in military history"
Louis Brzozka
"That museum's awesome; it really brings Texas military history to life. They've got tons of cool stuff – uniforms, weapons, even restored vehicles – showing what the Guard, Army, and Air Force did. And it's free! Plus, the staff is super helpful. Definitely worth checking out if you're into that kind of thing."
Binh Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at Camp Mabry in Austin, TX. Visitors need to enter through the 35th Street entrance, as the 45th Street entrance is often closed. You'll need a valid ID to get onto the military base.
Yes, there is parking available at Camp Mabry. The museum is quite large, especially with its outdoor exhibits, so plan accordingly.
While specific public transport routes directly to Camp Mabry might vary, Austin has a public bus system (CapMetro) that serves the general area. It's advisable to check their routes and schedules for the most convenient options.
The museum generally aims to be accessible. Indoor exhibits are typically on one level, and outdoor areas are paved. It's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
Operating hours can vary, and it's always best to check the official Texas Military Forces Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Texas Military Forces Museum is completely free! This makes it a fantastic budget-friendly option for exploring military history.
Advance booking is not typically required as admission is free. However, for special events or large groups, it's always a good idea to check the museum's policies.
You will need a valid government-issued ID for all adults to gain access to Camp Mabry. This is a standard security procedure for military installations.
There are no specific age restrictions for entry into the museum itself. Children are welcome and often enjoy the large vehicles on display.
Yes, absolutely! The Texas Military Forces Museum is open to the public, and admission is free for everyone.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about an hour to 1.5 hours exploring both the indoor and outdoor exhibits. If you're a serious military vehicle enthusiast, you might want to allocate a bit more time.
You'll find a wide range of exhibits covering Texas military history, including uniforms, weapons, artillery, and a significant collection of restored military vehicles like tanks and armored cars. +1
While not always advertised, sometimes volunteers or staff are available to provide insights. It's worth asking at the information desk upon arrival. mentions interacting with 'volunteers'.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly, especially for kids who love vehicles and military history. The large tanks and outdoor displays are a big hit.
Yes, public restrooms are available within the museum facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside and outside the museum for personal use. It's a great place to capture impressive military hardware.
While personal photography is usually fine, professional or commercial photography might require prior permission. Always be respectful of other visitors and the exhibits.
The outdoor collection of tanks and vehicles offers fantastic photo opportunities. The M4A3 Sherman 'Aces High' is a popular subject.
Drone usage is typically prohibited on military installations like Camp Mabry without explicit authorization. Check with base security for any specific regulations.
The museum sometimes hosts events like reenactments, which can provide dynamic photo opportunities. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids are often mesmerized by the size and scale of the outdoor exhibits, making it an exciting and educational outing. The free admission is a huge plus for budget-conscious families. 💰 Budget Travelers
🚗 Vehicle Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vehicle Collection
to more modern equipment, there's a wide array of hardware to admire. The outdoor exhibits, in particular, allow you to get up close and personal with these giants of military history, making it a dream destination for vehicle enthusiasts. Beyond tanks, the collection often includes artillery pieces, transport vehicles, and even aircraft components. Each piece tells a story of conflict and technological advancement. The museum staff and volunteers are often knowledgeable and passionate, adding an extra layer of insight to your exploration.
A Journey Through Texas Military History
These exhibits are not just about battles; they highlight the evolution of the Texas National Guard, Army, and Air Force. The presentation is often described as well-laid-out and informative, making complex historical events accessible to a broad audience.
Visiting with Children
The sheer scale of the tanks and other military equipment is captivating for younger visitors. The outdoor exhibits provide ample space for kids to explore and imagine themselves in historical scenarios. Many parents note that their children had a blast, making it an engaging and educational outing.
The free admission also makes it an attractive option for family trips. While the historical context might be complex, the visual impact of the vehicles is universally appealing. It’s a great way to introduce kids to history in a hands-on, visually stimulating environment. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit