The National Infantry Museum — Attraction in Columbus

The National Infantry Museum far exceeded all of our expectations and it’s easy to see why it has consistently earned the title of America’s #1 Best Free Museum. From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with an incredibly well-designed, thoughtful, and immersive experience that pays deep respect to the history, sacrifices, and heroism of the American infantry.

What truly sets this museum apart is the level of detail and dedication poured into every exhibit. It covers a vast span of U.S. military history—from the American Revolution all the way through present-day conflicts—with each war and military campaign given its own distinct space and identity. The displays are not only historically accurate and educational, but they’re also emotionally powerful. You don’t just walk through history—you feel it.

We were especially impressed by the interactive and VR experiences, which added a whole new level of engagement and excitement for everyone in our group. The museum does a phenomenal job of blending traditional exhibits with modern technology to keep visitors of all ages involved and interested. Our group ranged from ages 17 to 51, and every single one of us walked away not only entertained but deeply moved and better informed.

The care and respect shown toward the stories of real soldiers, both past and present, is evident throughout the museum. From the Hall of Valor to the Last 100 Yards ramp—every section was meaningful, inspiring, and beautifully executed.

It’s honestly hard to believe that admission is free, given the quality of the experience. If you’re anywhere near Columbus, Georgia, this is a must-visit destination. Whether you’re a history buff, military family, or simply someone who wants to better understand and appreciate the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s infantry, this museum is truly one of a kind.

We left with full hearts, great memories, and a deep sense of appreciation. Five stars...

This is certainly an interesting museum to anyone with an interest in history or military history in particular. For that alone it deserves a five star rating.

BUT the experience is ruined by the overly loud and gratuitous sound effects played in the different exhibits. The extremely loud sounds of gunfire and explosions simply ruins the experience and makes being in some of the galleries so unpleasant that we didn't even get to experience most of the displays. Note that I am not saying there should be no sound of gunfire or explosions, but the volume at which they are played is well beyond a safe and acceptable limit. I suspect it probably violates OSHA standards for the workplace.

I should point out that we are not overly sensitive to sound. Both my father and I wear hearing aids and neither of us were wearing them that day. For someone who wasn't hearing impaired, it would be even more unpleasant. For anyone that argues that this is what it sounds like to be in the infantry during war, I would counter "should the museum curators shoot a few visitors to help give that real infantry experience as well?"

I think these loud soundtracks are PARTICULARLY inappropriate in a museum visited by so many infantry veterans, many of whom could have PTSD or special sensitivity to such sounds.

Because of the gratuitous soundtrack, I would strongly suggest not bringing children to this museum, particularly any children with sensitivity to overstimulation, such as children with special needs.

This museum belongs to the American people. It is a damn shame that the people in charge of the exhibits are so insensitive to the needs of the American people that they would allow this. The DOD should look into...

Even though my step parent took my kids and did the museum without me I and left me sitting their for over and hour 2 very nice gentlemen has sent I was obviously upset so they brought me into a small conference luncheon room brought me a bottle of cold water and then a lady that does like housekeeping and other duties came in with a cold bottle of Powerade and a a piece of pizza we talked and she even found a a charger for my phone and charged it so that I could contact the boys and see where they were. Now that's some of the staff now the museum atmosphere was great it was clean and comfortable temperature and not crowded it was Very well organized and was ser up good now I looked a little being as I'm a empath and was highly emotional there's a part that really hit me hard it was called the 2nd Infantry Regiment Gallery the OCS Hall of Honor it was very sad funeral like of all the previous wars with some info on plaques with small scene set it has some short vids and sound affects. Further up the ramp like hall was the Ranger Hall of Honor. But at the beginning where the room fas a video playing and poppy flowers painted on a yard like area the words the beginning was painted all I can say was 9-11 video each encounter from hostages to the 911 calls family good bye calls and every different involvement was playing heart wrenching but a reminder that our enemy's are waiting in the shadows and not one of us is exempt. The further back all the info on becoming a Ranger in the Army every thing I wish I'd gotten to see more and has a nice Soldier Store Gift Shop discreet security And nice customer service folks at the front desk. I'd definitely suggest this to be on someone's lists of...