The Minnesota Military Museum, located at Camp Ripley, is open to the general public as well as military personnel. Hours are:
May - September: 10a.m. to 5p.m. (Daily except National Holidays)
October - April: 9.a.m. - 4 p.m. (Thursdays and Fridays) Group tours can usually be arranged for other times upon request. Admission:
Adult: $5
Children 6-16: $2
($12 maximum admission fee/household)
Children under 6, that are currently serving and museum members are free. |
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About the Museum
Nowhere in Minnesota are the experiences of military men and women so vividly captured and interpreted as at the Minnesota Military Museum. The museum aims to enhance public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped our state and national experience. The museum also functions as a major repository in Minnesota for historical artifacts and records. Indoor and outdoor exhibits depict the stories and contributions of Minnesotans who served in all branches of service or on the home front, in time of peace and war, from our early frontier years to the present.
Minnesota National Guard History
Soldier Memorialization at Camp Ripley
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Permanent Exhibits
America at War - America's major wars since Minnesota became a state in 1858: Civil War, Spanish American War and Philippine Insurrection, the World Wars, Korean War, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf War. Exhibits illustrate the causes, conduct, and consequences.
Forts on the Frontier - How Minnesota's early forts and garrisons played an important role in maintaining peace and encouraging settlement on Minnesota's 19th century frontier. Includes a scale model of Old Fort Ripley, 1849-1877, a former army outpost within the boundaries of present day Camp Ripley.
State Forces - The story of Minnesota's state armed forces - most notably its National Guard - is highlighted from pre-Civil War militia days to the present.
The Arms Room - The development of military small arms in the 19th and 20th century. Pistols and revolvers, rifles and carbines, sub-machine guns, machine guns, edged weapons, ammunition, and more.
Honors - A tribute to Minnesotans who received the Medal of Honor. Other military decorations past and present are also displayed and explained.
Story of the Jeep - The story of the fabled American jeep is told, including how it got its name during maneuvers at Camp Ripley in 1940. Six representative models are on display, from early World War II until phase-out in the 1980s. (This exhibit is open only during the summer months.)
Outdoor Exhibits
Numerous vehicles, tanks, aircraft artillery pieces - even a French "40 and 8" boxcar. You can also inspect one of those ubiquitous Camp Ripley "tin huts", outfitted ca. 1965. |
Military Historical Society of Minnesota
The museum is operated by the Military Historical Society of Minnesota (MHSM), an organization dedicated to documenting, preserving, and interpreting Minnesota's military history. MHSM is registered federally as a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The museum is certified by the Center for Military History, U.S. Army, although its mission encompasses all branches of military service. For information about MHSM membership and financial contributions, artifact donations, and volunteer opportunities, please contact the museum. |
Contact Information
Executive Director - Jeff Thielen
Administrator - Sandra Erickson
Curator - Doug Bekke
Archivist - Leland P. Smith
Telephone (320) 616-6050
FAX (320) 632-7779
DSN Prefix 871-7374
E-mail: connect@mnmilitarymuseum.org
Website: http://www.mnmilitarymuseum.org
Postal Address
15000 Highway 115, Little Falls, MN 56345-4173
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