U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center — Attraction in Middlesex Township

I can't believe this place is free!? Because of COVID, they have been a little off, so there are some exterior sites that may be locked up and interior museum items that need some TLC, but the exhibits are really well done. So many good displays, personal artifacts, and interactive activities to entertain young and old alike. Outside is must, checking out the combat equipment, the WW1 trenches, and the obstacle course. Then inside, grab a (again, free) "dog tag" (a plastic card with barcode to scan) to follow the careers of soldiers from Spanish-American War to the recent Global Wars on Terrorism (Afghanistan and Iraq). Practice M16 rifle marksmanship. Experience a nighttime attack on your Vietnam-era bunker. Try the toggles of an airborne soldier's parachute. Feel the modern combat load of 100 pounds of body armor and gear (or if you're as small as my youngest child, let it hold you up in the air). And listen the voicemails of deployed soldiers and family members left behind (tissues not provided, but maybe should be). Have a bite to eat at the new Spoons Cafe. Then, be ready to spend a pretty penny at the gift store... the prices are very reasonable, but the quality is incredible. These are not just your typical cheaply made toys but a lot of durable, metal replicas and toys. Even my 9 year-old daughter enjoyed our entire 5-hour visit, telling us that she was glad to finally find a...

This is a facility with a unique theme that definitely warrants a visit.  Even if you've never heard of US Army Heritage and Education Center, you'd notice it for sure when you drive pass Carlisle on I-81. Why? How often do you see helicopters and tanks on the side of a highway?

Once you're lured by it and make it to the premise, the first thing I'd recommend that you do is to walk the mile long Army Heritage Tail.  Not only do you get to hike this nice outdoor trail and admire and take pictures of the tanks, helicopters, cannons, and other large artifacts, you get to read the many trail placards that highlights many eras of the Army history.

Inside the building is a number of exhibits, many of which are interactive. Once tip I can give you from my many visit is that you can obtain a souvenir credit-card-sized plastic card at the guest desk, and use it to access a number of interactive setups, including target shooting!  Oh, and EVERYTHING that you have access to at USAHEC is free!!  There's a nice sized canteen/break room in the back of the building where you can use to freshen up and/or snack.

Finally, the Army Heritage Days are held annually in May for 3 days where you can observe civil war re-enactment AND tank course demo -- where else can you see tanks and military vehicles in motion up close?!  This place deserved nothing lower than a 5...

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...