Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles - Lexington, Nebraska - Military Museum

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is situated just off Interstate 80 at exit 237 in Lexington, Nebraska. Entrance is free of charge although donations are welcomed and it opens from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 1 to 5pm on Sundays, but remains closed on Christmas and New Year's Day. The museum is run by volunteers, funded by donations and grants and is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all types of historical military equipment.

There are approximately 100 vehicles including helicopters, tanks, halftracks and ambulances as well as a jeep from every branch of the service held at the museum, which was founded in 1986. Many of these vehicles are still operational having been faithfully restored and date back from World War II, some of which were still used in the 1940s and 50s by farmers as tractors were still in short supply. Visitors are able to sit in some of the vehicles as well as viewing displays of weapons, uniforms, engines, equipment and many other things that go back even further to World War I.

The 1,600 square foot Visitor Center, library and exhibition hall houses most of the military equipment, which has been collected within a 50 mile radius of Lexington. The four founding partners wanted to honor and preserve the memory of the U.S military by creating this museum. All of the vehicles have been collected from within the state of Nebraska with some located in the building, whilst the remainder are on show in the museum grounds.

Exhibits here include a U.S armored fighting vehicle called The Bradley, which provided transportation and fire cover for troops. Visitors will also see a German manufactured military ambulance called Keubel-Wagen - Type 82, as well as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois Helicopter or "Huey'', which was used as a troop transporter and armed assault helicopter in Vietnam. The M 110A2 8 Howitzer is a giant artillery piece, which had a crew of five and a gun that fires a 200 lb. shell with a range of just over 13 miles, or when rocket-assisted an 18 mile range.

Reviews from previous visitors suggest the museum is ideal for anyone interested in the military and historic vehicles. Volunteers here are apparently very courteous and happy to pass on their knowledge to anyone that is interested. Whilst the normal time for viewing all the displays is only about 30 to 60 minutes, some children may find it hard going.

Visitors looking to stay overnight in the Lexington area will find several hotels near this attraction including the Comfort Inn, Holiday Express and Days Inn, which are all within approximately four miles of the museum. Plum Creek Parkway in Lexington has several restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Kfc/Taco Bell, Little Caesars Pizza and Kirk's Nebraskaland Restaurant. There aren't too many top rated places to dine nearby although approximately 19 miles from the museum is Bella Italia in West 7th Street in Cozad.