U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center image

U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center

Tourist attraction History museum Heritage museum Army museum Archive

One of the Best Places To Visits in Middlesex Township


Address

950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle, PA 17013

Website

ahec.armywarcollege.edu

Contact

(717) 245-3972

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: exhibits (14) history (14) military (10) experience (9) Army (9) great (9) interactive (9) kids (8) museum (8) time (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michael J. M. 6 months ago on Google • 245 reviews
    My wife and I home school our children, so we are always looking for field trip ideas to break up the monotony of just being stuck at home every day doing your schooling. We like to get the kids out of the house and still have it counted as a learning experience. We definitely found that at the US Army Heritage and Education Center. The kids learned a little, got hands-on with some of the very detailed exhibits, and even got a little exercise on the mile long Heritage Trail outside the Education Center. There was so much to see and do. It kept us all occupied for hours. The employees that we came in contact with were all great, full of information, and ready to answer any questions with very enthusiastic attitudes. Overall, this place is huge and filled with so much content. I definitely recommend it for families who might be home schooling their children, but honestly for anyone who is looking for something to fill their day and looking to learn a little something as well. Thanks for a great field trip.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael E. 2 years ago on Google
    I can not believe what an amazing experience this museum is! It is one of the best laid out and interactive places that I have ever visited. It is a must stop for people of all ages. I went with my 15 yr old son and we spent over 4 hours touring the museum and grounds and wish we were there longer! Neither of us can stop talking about the experience. The staff and volunteers are outstanding, friendly, and accommodating to any request that you may have. They are knowledgeable and always willing to talk about various topics in military history. The gift shop has a wide selection of clothing, books, and souvenirs at reasonable prices. They even have a section of used books for purchase at a cheap price.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon D. 9 months ago on Google • 461 reviews
    Absolutely excellent. A nice balance of outdoor information and exhibits vs indoor information and exhibits. My daughter loved being able to see the cabins, equipment, and the history of the soldier's experience. I highly recommend this all people, not just military families or history buffs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luba K. 1 year ago on Google • 60 reviews
    This is a great way for a whole family to have an experience with the very basics of USA history, all surrounding is in incredible condition, you can see exactly what those soldiers wore, where they lived, how they survived. A visitor center is a very interesting and educational. There are many different activities, helpful staff, nice gift shop. G- d bless those who fought and died for our nation.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing! Extremely interactive and historical look at Army history from Revolutionary War time thru Gulf War. Lots of photos, clear explanations and original equipment built into full scale displays that can be walked through, entered, etc... Both honors our military and those who served in a respectful way as well as accurately depicts conditions and hazards our troops experienced. We only walked outside and did not get to see the museum indoors. Please be sure to allow at least 2 hours or more for this amazing facility. Also, note that the majority of this facility both indoors and out is handicap accessible. Five star
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Igor G. 9 months ago on Google • 91 reviews
    The US Army heritage is a rich tapestry of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Its interactive exhibits offer a captivating journey through time, highlighting pivotal moments in American military history. Visitors can explore meticulously curated displays, engaging with artifacts and learning about the soldiers who shaped our nation's destiny. The informative presentations provide a comprehensive understanding of the Army's evolution, from its inception to modern-day operations. This immersive experience fosters a deep appreciation for the men and women who have served, showcasing their unwavering commitment to protecting freedom and upholding values. The US Army heritage is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to honor and understand the indelible mark the Army has left on American history.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jan H. 8 months ago on Google • 68 reviews
    If you or your kids are into army stuff this is a must visit! You can learn so much about different periods of conflict around the globe and the involvement of the US Army. Impressive and well maintained collection of stationary exhibits, some of them very interactive and ready to be touched and felt. Lovely surroundings! Great gift shop where you can get your own dog tags made. Impressive way to honor our heroes!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Holly H. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a BLAST! We've passed this place so many times driving on 81 and finally took the leap to stop in for a day trip for Father's Day weekend. Such awesome displays and we absolutely loved going through the WWI trench. A few of the machines were out for restoration, but it didn't take away from the visit. We will definitely make future trips as well to keep our son learning about military history. Thank you for making this learning experience free to the public and an absolute blast!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike k. 2 years ago on Google
    The Army has a gem here in the Heritage and Education Center at The War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The various exhibits, indoors and out, are first class. I personally enjoyed how the indoor exhibits took you through the various conflicts. The Center addresses the logistical aspects of conflict through detailed exhibits and hands on, interactive experiences. Want to know a bit about medical techniques during a particular war? Do you want to hold the various individual weapons used over the years? Experience a little of what it's like to be "airborne"? Take the soldier ID card near the entrance and use it throughout the exhibits to get first-hand accounts of different soldiers through the years. We did not have time to go outside, but a cursory view of the exhibits looked amazing. Next time, that's where we'll head.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tena D. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Museum. We got through the Gulf War section and then walked around outside. Missed a lot could spend several days here.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olivia H. 7 months ago on Google • 122 reviews
    This is a very nice museum to visit if you like learning about history. There are many interactive things at the museum that make it unique compared to others. There is also a whole outside ground full of bunkers and cabins you can tour. A few on the interactive activities inside weren't accurate, like the gun shooting station or the telephone to listen to soldiers calling home, but other than that it was great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah W. 5 months ago on Google • 179 reviews
    This was our first family visit, and we were very impressed. The breadth of topics represented was amazing. We had mainly come to see the exhibit about the role of comics in the military, and it was fascinating. In addition, we enjoyed the interactive elements in the museum. My husband and I both rode on the simulated parachute, and sat in a bunker. We finished off our visit in the gift shop. We bought tshirts, but there were many other relevant items for sale. We will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Steve C. 5 months ago on Google • 172 reviews
    Great place to learn about the Army. So many exhibits and expansive grounds with trails for walking. So much to do here, you can enjoy a visit with a little time or spend all day.

  • 5/5 Veronica 10 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Took my parents to visit since my dad is a military history nerd. We had a lot of fun and learned so much! I would highly recommend visiting as something to do on a random weekend. It's all free too! The indoor exhibit is super interesting. I highly recommend getting the solider cards from the information deck. The interactive exhibit are fun and add a great personal touch to the history you're reading. There's a LOT of information so plan to take your time to get the full affect. There's also some fun stuff that I think kids will love like a parachute simulation and virtual shooting range. The outdoor path is awesome! The signs scattered throughout explain what you're seeing and provide information as current as 2023! The German bunker and the World War 1 trench were my favorite but I also enjoyed the tanks and helicopter. There is limited shade along the outdoor path, so I high suggest bringing a water bottle out with you and wearing your sunscreen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer M. 1 year ago on Google
    We use this as a pit stop on our trips through PA. It is a nice little walking area with points of interest along the way. The on ramp to 81 S is not as convenient as the on ramp to 81 N though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marc B. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent time with my 3 and 5 year olds last week, it was hot but worth it! Easy parking near the trailhead then off you go! Educational and cool and nice open land to just let the kids be kids!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott S. 1 year ago on Google
    The weather didn’t cooperate when we visited so we weren’t able to do the outside walk, but what we saw on the inside was top notch.

  • 5/5 Kathy S. 1 year ago on Google
    In depth personal stories of soldiers.. Interactive experiences to help you gain knowledge of what our military personnel face each day to protect and serve us all. A must see.

  • 5/5 Shane M. 8 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    Went there with the family and it was a great experience! There is an indoor museum with displays to both look at and interact with. A couple displays may be too graphic for children but it really is a great learning experience for Children and adults! There is also a hiking trail on the side of the facility with tanks, forts, and a couple helicopters to see. All this along with a gift shop! 😁❣️

  • 5/5 Dani 1 year ago on Google
    The US Army did a magnificent job at laying out the history of the different conflicts in a way that would capture the imagination. We took our kids on this field trip to learn more about military history and we were not disappointed.

  • 5/5 Josh C. 1 year ago on Google
    Great indoor and outdoor exhibits. The fact that’s it’s free is just a bonus! We stumbled onto this gem while driving back to VA. We spent a few hours there with our three kids, and everyone had a great time.

  • 5/5 Jannette Q. 8 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit with the family. In the summer, bring lots of water to walk out the field.

  • 5/5 Eric B. 10 months ago on Google
    A very special place for people to learn the history of armed conflict as well as many great exhibits heated towards children.

  • 4/5 Ainslie D. 1 year ago on Google
    I recommend only walking on cooler days, as there are very few trees and shady places to walk though. It was a good little trail just to cruise through. Tons of wood bees near the back end of the trail. It was interesting to read about what they had showcased there.

  • 5/5 Rolf S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just outside Harrisburg, PA, right on I-81, this is an interesting museum with a lot of exhibits. While not one of the top military museums like the Marine Corps Museum in Quantico or the War Museum in Ottawa though, it contains a very cool obstacle course as well as interesting rebuilt fortifications from the Revolutionary war to WWI trenches to Vietnam outposts. The hilarious explanation as to why tanks were all painted with tiger stripes during the Korean War was because, considering it was the year of the tiger, Chinese soldiers would be afraid of those tiger tanks...


Call (717) 245-3972 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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