The National Infantry Museum is a free-admission military-history museum and Soldier Center at 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, Georgia 31903, United States of America, in south Columbus at the gateway to Fort Moore. Opened in 2009, it interprets the history and experience of the U.S. Army Infantry from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts. Travelers come for its artifact-rich galleries, large-scale immersive environments, veteran stories, outdoor memorial spaces, Giant Screen Theater and combat simulators.
What to Expect at The National Infantry Museum
The museum follows the American Infantry Soldier through more than 250 years of service, using more than 70,000 artifacts, archival material, video presentations and life-size settings. Its signature experience, The Last 100 Yards, takes visitors through a sequence of battlefield scenes that convey the final, close-range push toward an objective. Galleries move chronologically from the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the Global War on Terrorism, keeping attention on individual soldiers as well as strategy and equipment.
Allow time for World War II Company Street, where a reconstructed streetscape places military vehicles and period detail in context, and the Armor & Cavalry Gallery, which broadens the story beyond foot soldiers. The museum’s contemporary galleries address recent deployments and the changing tools of ground combat. Outside, the Follow Me Trail and memorial grounds offer a quieter counterpoint to the indoor galleries. Families can add the Giant Screen Theater or Virtual Reality Combat Simulators, both separate attractions with availability and pricing that can vary.
- The Last 100 Yards: A multisensory, immersive sequence centered on the Infantry’s final advance in combat.
- 70,000-plus artifacts: Weapons, uniforms, vehicles, documents and personal objects spanning the nation’s military history.
- World War II Company Street: A period environment that brings the home-front and wartime streetscape into the gallery.
- Global War on Terrorism galleries: Displays that examine modern Infantry service and recent operations.
- Follow Me Trail and memorial grounds: Outdoor spaces for reflection before or after the museum visit.
- Giant Screen Theater and VR simulators: Optional family-oriented experiences beyond the permanent exhibitions.
The National Infantry Museum at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1775 Legacy Way #235, Columbus, GA 31903 |
| Neighborhood / Area | South Columbus, at the Fort Moore gateway |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday. Check ahead for holiday changes. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | General museum admission is free. Giant Screen Theater, VR simulators, guided tours and special programs may carry separate charges; see the official visit page for current options. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours for the galleries; add time for theater, simulators or the outdoor grounds. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Public transit is limited in this Fort Moore-edge location. Driving or rideshare is most practical; use the museum’s onsite visitor parking. |
| Official Website / Phone | nationalinfantrymuseum.org/visit/ / 706-685-5800 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to opening, especially on Saturday, to begin The Last 100 Yards and the most popular galleries before school groups and weekend visitors build. General entry does not require a ticket, but reserve or confirm a guided tour, theater showing, simulator session or special program through the official visit page before making the drive. The museum is a short drive from central Columbus rather than a downtown walk; a car or rideshare is the simplest approach, with visitor parking onsite.
The principal indoor galleries are designed for step-free circulation, with elevators and accessible restrooms supporting visitors using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. Outdoor memorial areas and the Follow Me Trail involve more variable terrain, so allow extra time and choose paved routes where needed. On the grounds, pair the galleries with the Memorial Walk, the Follow Me Trail and a Giant Screen Theater program, each within a short walk. For another military-history stop in Columbus, the National Civil War Naval Museum is best reached by car; use the broader Columbus travel guide to plan the rest of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hours to visit The National Infantry Museum?
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed Monday. Arriving at opening is the best strategy for a quieter start and enough time to see the chronological galleries without rushing.
How much does admission cost, and do I need a reservation?
General admission to the museum is free. Advance reservations are not generally needed for self-guided entry, but theater programs, VR simulators, guided tours and special events can have separate tickets or limited capacity. Confirm details online before visiting.
How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Budget 2 to 3 hours for the permanent galleries, including The Last 100 Yards, World War II Company Street and the modern-conflict displays. Plan a half-day if adding an outdoor walk, a film or simulator session.
Is The National Infantry Museum suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. The museum combines artifact displays with films, immersive scenes and optional simulators that give families several ways to engage. Indoor public areas provide step-free access, elevators and accessible restrooms; visitors using mobility devices should allow extra time for the outdoor trail and memorial grounds.
When planning your Columbus travel guide, pair this stop with standout local spots including National Civil War Naval Museum.
