Illinois State Military Museum

Wonderful reenactment!We visited in an 7th grade field trip and the kids learned so much . The reenactment areas were very interesting and kept the kids attention .The museum was super educational and even has a small gift shop.

The Illinois State Military Museum has an excellent collection of military history exhibits spanning the period from colonial America to the present day. The museum covers the history of the Illinois National Guard from the French and Indian War to the modern war on terror. The old armory is a beautifully restored structure and the volunteers there were very friendly and informative. It is evident upon entry that the museum has taken great care to provide accurate descriptions and interpretation to their collections. They no longer have Santa Anna's wooden leg set out for display so that was a disappointment! Definitely worth an hour or two visit.

This is a small, but very well executed museum. The scope is, as you would expect, focused on Illinois' part in a range of military operations since the earliest days of the state. The exhibits are well researched, informative and artfully conposed. The staff is very friendly and helpful with any questions. As with most museums, many of the treasures are stored in climate controlled areas rather than on display. However, the exhibits are changed from time to time to show some of these. The Lincoln Presidential Library gets all the attention (understandably) but this museum is a gem worthy of any history buff's attention. If you are in Central Illinois, then add this to your itinerary.

Outside are tastefully displayed helicopters and fighting vehicles. The museum is in the 1903 "castle," a building on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside are a number of very well showcased artifacts; in one display case on civil war weapons, the front holds guns used by the North and on the opposite side the South. This display was very memorable. Another case contained a few Nazi era medals, pre WW2, which I have never seen before. If your a military fan, then by all means visit.

I have visited this museum three times. The staff know their history and are happy to share their knowledge. My 5 yr. old son really enjoyed climbing into the F16 cockpit trainer, as well as being able to climb inside the Humvee on Armed Services Day! They have so many artifacts they rotate in and out of the exhibits! Check out their special events schedule on Facebook.