heartland museum of military vehicles

PROS: Extraordinary museum and gift shop. I especially enjoyed exploring the inside of the tank, the MASH unit, the military ambulances, and the display of rations and MREs our military personnel have subsisted on since WWI. The museum curator was there when we visited and answered many of the questions I had. There is a guestbook and clear case for donations upon entering; otherwise, there is no admission fee. Allow at least an hour. We took longer, but I went with a military man. CONS: Nothing to represent the Seabees. I would have liked to see more history on some of the vehicles. Most of the vehicles are housed inside, but there are more outside. When we went, the grass had not been mowed and I was full of burrs when we finished. Hopefully, they will get enough donations to put in sidewalks eventually!

I was amazed at the well maintained and varied collection of equipment this museum has. There's even a Bradley your allowed to crawl around in. Admission is donation's only, I recommend 5 to 10 dollars a head as reasonable. The only downside to this museum is that with all of these vehicles it completely ignores the contributions of the fighting Seabee's to America's superiority in combat engineering.

Anyone driving on Interstate 80 through central Nebraska has likely seen the military vehicles sitting outdoors, in front of the Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles at the Lexington exit. Each time we’ve passed it, I’d say we need to pull off one day and check it out.That day came. And am I ever glad we finally pulled off the interstate to check it out.The museum is home to about 100 military vehicles, from World War II through recent military action.Jeeps from each branch of service are available for viewing. The museum encourages people to touch the vehicles, sit in them. Have fun while learning some military history.Two vehicles that stood out were German Army vehicles from World War II. They were desert vehicles with the tan colors.Almost every vehicle in the museum has been obtained from collectors within a 150-mile radius of Lexington.The museum started in 1986, as a result of four men collecting military vehicles. Chris Larsen, Dave Smith, Terry Lauby and Al Martin restored military vehicles and drove them in parades. They kept getting encouragement to continue building the collection, so they scouted the region for more vehicles, according to the museum’s website.As the team searched for more vehicles, they would find some tucked away of farms, used as windbreaks. Some of the vehicles were rusted out.The current museum location opened in 1998. It consists of 16,000 square feet to display vehicles and other military-related items.Tanks, trucks, jeeps, helicopters and ambulances are among the vehicles housed under the roof.The museum is in the process of expanding a tribute to the television series “M*A*S*H. The CBS hit show about an Army medical unit during the Korean War was on the air for more than 10 years.The exhibit has its own take on the famous mile marker used in the show. The Lexington marker has regional and nation cities listed with their miles from Lexington.A military tent houses most of the displays, including a replica of Hawkeye Pierce’s martini machine.Radar O’Reilly’s teddy bear sits on a chair with a martini glass. A hospital scene is portrayed.A helicopter is nearby that resembles the one used during the opening scenes of the show.Apparently, they are still growing the exhibit. It’s a fine tribute to a great television series. I watched it from the beginning as a kid to the final episode as a grown-up.The museum offers more military attractions than just vehicles – weapons, helmets, gas masks, cans of rations, etc.A tribute to POWs/MIAs is located inside the museum. The table with an empty chair tells them we have not forgotten, nor will we stop working to bring them home.Outside, about a dozen vehicles stand guard. A Sherman tank stands out among the group.The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is well worth the visit. Plan on about an hour to tour everything.

This was a highlight of our week long trip. I was amazed at the size of the collection and the quality of the items. Take plenty of time to browse. This is the best collection of military vehicles I have seen anywhere. It is right at the Interstate exit and easy to get to. Grab a cup of coffee and wander for a while!

Despite the name, this collection is really diverse. In addition to the eponymous vehicles (including a HUMVEE prototype from the early 1980s), there is a good assortment of small arms dating back to World War I, a fine exhibit on communication, some great displays of military decorations, and more posted documentation on the M203 grenade launcher than I ever knew existed. (I am kidding, but that particular weapon does come up several times around the facility.) Everything is on one level, so the entire museum is accessible regardless of physical limitation.A particularly interesting exhibit recounts an arduous cross-country Army convoy through the Great Plains in 1919. The challenges faced in this operation led one junior officer to swear that, if he ever became president, he would work on something better. 37 years later, that fellow, Eisenhower by name, signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act. Admission is by donation, and most of the patrons are vets with stories to tell. If you have any interest in this sort of thing at all, do yourself a favor and stop in.

This place is packed with military information and vehicles. The staff is extremely helpful and love to talk and share stories. Every time we stop it seems like they have something new! No admission fee really but they do have a box where you can drop in a donation.

We stopped by on a recent visit to the area and were really surprised at the huge number of vehicles (~60) on display-many of them in working order. Many of the vehicles are open to see into and a few open to get in/on. Most of the items are inside but there are a good dozen out front as well. Very friendly staff. Entry fee is free-will donation. Well worth a stop!

I have stopped here many times over the years to break up trips and each time it improves. If you have kids with you they will love it. The staff is helpful and willing to take time with you. Even if you are not a vet take time to appreciate what they have done for you.

I work for a Automotive Museum in Lincoln, Ne. I have driven right past this gem many times on the Interstate and never stopped. While in the area for a State Museum Conference we did finally stop. Very glad that we did. They have a wonerful collection of Military Vehicles from several eras. Plus they have clothing and other items used by the military. Our guide was a retired man that had served as a paratrooper in Vietnam. He had a great passion and a lot of knowledge of the artifacts. Don't just drive past , stop for an hour and enjoy... Be sure to leave a big donation, entry is free but they can use your help.

I would suggest that any veteran would stop here and look at all the history stored here. Kudos to all who work so hard to keep this museum up and going.

This is a great military museum with quite a bit of history. Find the dollar bill with Pappy Boyington's autograph!

Great stop off of I-80. They have a ton of tanks outside and indisde has lots of jeeps, pictures, helicoptors and more. Worth a stop for sure.

My son is into the military so to see these vehicles up close and personal was great for him. The men working were very helpful. Perfect spot to stretch your legs on your journey.

Great place to stop and stretch your legs when traveling Interstate 80. Something for all ages as children can climb on and in tanks displayed on the grounds or enjoy several interactive displays inside. Veterans will see memorabilia from WW I through the Persian Gulf Conflict, with bulk of vehicles WW II, Korean and Vietnam Wars. Many of the vehicles on display are operational and used year-round in area parades.

This was started by a couple of Vietnam veterans with a few vehicles and grew. They had tanks, jeeps, helicopters, MASH vehicles, hospital trucks, artillery and a MASH tent (like the television show) under construction. It really was very interesting and was well done. Had items available for purchase.