American Military Museum — Attraction in Whittier Narrows

If you enjoy seeing armored vehicles and other military equipment up close, this is a great attraction. This is "Route 66-Goofy-Kitschy-Sort of Fun"!I took my younger son here on a Saturday as he's big into military museums and equipment. It's a bit of a drive from Costa Mesa but we had a good time. The museum is more like a large dirt lot with lots and lots of military equipment - both restored and awaiting restoration - are stored. The visitors parking lot will hold about 15 cars but it was never busy while we were there. The place is a not-for-profit operation and depends entirely on the entrance fees and donations to restore and maintain their vehicles. As of November, 2015, the entry fee for adults was $5 and $1 for children. Check their website for updated information.The gentleman at the front desk was really nice and friendly and gave us a binder with the indexed information on each vehicle (to be returned when we were done). You can get pretty close but not climb on, all the tanks and stuff that they have tucked away there. It's pretty impressive. Most of the equipment is from World War 2 and the early Cold War periods up to about 1975 or so. You won't find any Abrams, for example, although you will find a beautifully restored M551 Sheridan light tank and three great examples of the M4 Sherman (three different variants). They have a small "gift shop" under the EZ-Up tent with the requisite models, tanks, RC vehicles, etc.Some recommendations: Walking through this museum will take about an hour and the only facilities are a porta-potty. While it is very interesting and I'm glad we went, it doesn't really rate being the primary reason to visit the area. Add this to your itinerary. You will enjoy it but, again, be realistic as it is small and more like a restoration shop that is open to the public. Set your expectations accordingly. Additionally, the facility is not open when it is raining as it's on a dirt lot and there are no canopies.Directions: The museum is on the east side of Rosemead Blvd. If you're coming north on Rosemead from the 60 Freeway, stay in the right hand lane as the museum will quickly sneak up on you and you will miss it if you're not...

I LOVE tanks. In fact, I love tanks so much that I NEED tanks to be happy. Unfortunately, I have neither the money nor space to get myself my own tank (yet). As a result of my tankless existence, I experienced an almost religious compulsion towards the blue mist of ultimate despair. It persisted for years until I waltzed into this fine establishment here. My first time walking past the pearly gates and sneaking past the most attentive and alert guard cat was nothing short of the emotions that might transpire upon learning of one's ultimate destiny and heroic fate. Tankland is not just a community of tanks. To me, Tankland is the domain of the carefree; it is my happy place, my chateau de versailles, my fairy tale given wings. Truly, it was a majestic experience to stand amongst such hallowed beasts. I have become Cinderella at the carriage! I can feel my mortal dreams abdicate themselves from despair and grant themselves flight! As for my afflictions, they burned in a combustion most pious. I am cured. But I am not a foolish man, for I am not blinded by my faith. It is clear that no matter how mighty the being, all are subjected to Fortuna's wheel. Perhaps one day, far far away, the beasts would return to dust once more. But for as long as I stand, I will keep the tanks in my memory. I will do for them what they have done for me, for a tank is naught more than a funny statue were it not for the heart of a human providing it with love and care.

I do have one main gripe with this place, though. It has been way too hard for me to get my friends to come and see the tanks with me. I think this is due to the fact that my friends, wise as they are, acknowledge the sentiment that there simply isn't enough tanks here. Or maybe they're just poor thinkers and need me to show up in front of their driveway with a tank to change...

Wonderful collection of war machines, transport vehicles, helicopters, boats and experienced staff with an abundance of historical knowledge. Walk through the enormous yard and experience something almost none of the public ever gets to see up close. History on display. Yes it is dusty, but you'll be captivated by the sheer size of these pieces of combat. The owner is very kind and full of exciting stories, the museum and its many treasures are maintained by enthusiastic volunteers who do this job out of love and respect for the men and women who've sacrificed for us all. Great for children of all ages. Bring a hat, some water and prepare to step back in time. I missed my grandfathers very much that visit. One was a WW1 veteran and the other was WW2. They would have loved this place. I'll be coming back soon, there's so much more that I want to see. I wish they were able to get some grant money to work on some more vehicles. The owner, Craig, his workers, and volunteers are deserving, seeing as how they are the ones trying to keep the museum going, and relevant. Do yourself a favor, and make the time to visit, you...