Reviews of South Carolina Military Museum. (Museum) in Columbia (South Carolina).

South Carolina Military Museum

236 Reviews

160 Comments

Museum

War museum

1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

Description

Information of South Carolina Military Museum, Museum in Columbia (South Carolina)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

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Open hours of South Carolina Military Museum

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Reviews of South Carolina Military Museum

Charlie Bess

It is one of the larger state oriented military museums I have been to. Everything they have is well documented and maintained. If you are in the area, it is worth a stop to check it out. There are both outside exhibits as well as indoor displays. It opens at 10 AM. It covers military weapons for all services as well as the revolutionary war up through desert storm. Very well done.

C Tech

Larry is the best tour guide! He’s a dedicated, knowledgeable volunteer and Vietnam Veteran. He and another fine gentleman gave up their Saturday to run the museum today so that we could experience the whole (free!) place with the rich stories told, as well as the well-kept, pristine displays, vehicles, helicopters, videos, and thousands of items well-documented and preserved! Thank you! Kudos!

Dennis Burns

Excellent display of military memorabilia. Museum was well organized and easy to navigate. I took about an hour to meander through the various dioramas and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour is self-guided. I recommend a stop in this place on your travels thru Columbia.

Serge FS

Great museum. Interesting exhibition. Free entrance, you can make donations. These is a lot scale models and firearms.

Logan Ogzewalla

Such a an amazing military museum. They have a little gift shop with some cool merchandise. There was so much to read my mind was going off the chains just trying to focus. Hahaha plus cool tank. Highly recomend coming here. Plus free free free perfect for someone that likes having fun without paying money.

Denver Gabriel

Awesome place to visit, if you like war memorabilias, and admission is FREE which is a great deal.

Zach Wriston

Well designed museum honoring US and SC military history. Museum is surprisingly large. Well worth the visit. Free admission.

Mark McCarty

We were visiting Congaree NP which is just down the road and were looking on the map to see what else we could do in the area before driving back home. My wife mentioned it and since I'm an 22 year Army veteran this was an easy choice. What an excellent museum! Lots of displays and great information. Definitely one of the larger State military museums that I've been to. Highly recommend stopping in if you're in the area.

ann W-Fitz

A definite Treasure Trove of artifacts and history. It emphasizes the history and Personnel of South Carolina who participated in Wars throughout history. Friendly staff people.

Bob McCrea

What a great museum, lots of Exhibit and vehicles, It's free the staff is friendly and a great little gift shop

play open E

Great collection of militaria from Ammo to one of Eisenhower’s uniforms. This museum is a jewel in a desert of sand. Way to many displays for listing, with some large and small, one of a kind static exhibits. I was dismayed and enraptured by so much in one location. Something new around every corner, and every way viewed. Friendly Vets make the experience a custom visit.

Rhine D

What a Great place! Anyone interested in history this a must stop. Came out for the 75th anniversary D-Day activities and the museum was also open. Had such a good time.

Steve Metscaviz

Wow This is a really nice museum with impressive exhibits. Oh, and it's free (donations excepted).

Mac McCormick III

Located in the shadow of the Universtiy of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium, it’s operated by the South Carolina National Guard and located in the Guard’s compound on National Guard Rd off of Bluff Rd. It isn’t the easiest thing to find and you have to pass through a guard post to get back to it, but it is well worth the visit for any History or Military History buff. The South Carolina Military Museum presents the Military History of South Carolina primarily from the National Guard perspective, from the Spanish explorers in South Carolina through today. It is indeed a hidden gem and is well worth finding. They have a great collection and friendly veteran volunteers full of interesting stories and information. There’s no admission since it’s a government museum, but there is a collection box you should drop a donation in; operating a museum like this isn’t inexpensive and their government budget doesn’t cover everything.

Patrick Goodwin

As an Airman looking for something to do while waiting for a 5:30 flight, this place is awesome! There was way more stuff than expected the museum seems to go on for ever!

William S

Great place to take the family to learn about the military history, and how South Carolina had a part in the conflicts. Also, lots of equipment less displays and great learning experience.

Mark Sleeper

I was very impressed with the content on display at the The SC Military Museum. My wife, son and I spent a few hours walking through the different galleries that showcased South Carolina’s Military history from the Revolutionary war to Afghanistan. The artifacts and displays were very well done and honored the South Carolina military men and women that went above and beyond during combat. This museum is well worth the time spending an afternoon to learn about past events where unique Americans answered the call of duty that maintained the Freedoms we enjoy today….we’ll done.

Don Small

A great place to enjoy history. A nice collection on the Battle of the Bulge

Turbo Prop

Fantastic Military Museum!!! All Services well represented and they tell a story of South Carolina in the defense of our Nation. The Staff is very friendly and the Museum is clean and laid out well. The exhibits are Fantastic and informative. As a Retired USAF MSgt I want to spread the word on this Jewel of a Museum so others can visit and experience our Heritage in South Carolina...Well Done!

Drew Pederson

The detail in the museum was great and the flow of the exhibits was phenomenal. I learned so much and they had some very cool artifacts on display including regimental flags, a bible and a pair of binoculars with musket balls lodged in them, and the Sword of Prophecy that was featured on the show Mysteries at the Museum. To make things even better the curator, Mr. Joe Long, came out and showed me and my sister around some of the exhibits offering even more insight than the display readings themselves. I definitely gave them a little extra in the donation box!

Aleah Levinson

Loved this place, and it’s free! My boys really enjoyed the cannons and perfectly displayed military scenes.

Sito MiGueLiTo

Awesome museum if you enjoy military stuff. And its FREE! They have a donation box and i advice to do so.

Troy Ivery

We took our 9 year old son for a tour, he is a huge WWII history buff. Great museum, we really enjoyed it & learned so much more than we knew going in. A great place to take children to teach them about the sacrifice of serving our great country.

Dante' Harding

Great museum!!!....with even better Military history...A definite must visit.

Ray Deel

Very cool place with a lot of military memorabilia to look at. Can’t beat the price to get in. (Free) Really enjoyable!

ROBERT SMITH

The museum staff are very knowledgeable of military history and are very polite and helpful.. Really cool to see an account not only of world military history but that specific to South Carolina..

Deryl Duggan

There was no guided tour but they have a lot of very good displays

Deolinda Marin

So much information in such a small space. Covers everything from revolutionary all the way up to the present.

Tracy Stewart

Amazing place with lots of great history. Can't beat the free admission. What a great deal and tons of education all for nothing!

Jonathan Holland

A nice museum with friendly and helpful staff who are willing to answer your questions.

Sarah Schilling

My family loved it and it's free! They do have donation boxes around the museum. I would suggest bringing cash to donate. The men up front are friendly and informative. There's so many cool things to see. They even let the kids touch certain exhibits, which most museums won't do.

Kipp Hoffman

I went here to have a German bayonet looked at and while there I took a quick stroll around. Mr. Freeman was very helpful and told me a few things about the bayonet I brought in. He was very helpful and I appreciate the research he did on my behalf. This is a great military museum hidden behind the state armory. I will definitely be back in to take a longer stroll through all the exhibits!

David Stillman

This is an excellent Military Museum. It documents American Military from pre Revolutionary War through to modern times. It has many authentic displays dealing with many historic people. This is true educational opportunity. And it is based on donations. Please donate generously if you feel you received a valuable lesson. I always enjoy attending this Museum.

Ricky Rhodes

A beautiful location, a great variety of vehicles and weaponry. My only issue was with how the amoured vehicles outside were preserved. I wish they could be inside and of better care but that's mostly a minor issue, something that probably isn't affordable for a smaller museum like this one. Loved it though.

Ed Moore

This is an excellent museum that not only exhibits SC memorabilia but also includes items from other combative counties such as Iraq,Vietnam,and Germany. The original vehicles from WWll Germany and U.S.A. are most impressive. There are not many museums in the county that have such an array of various items , especially in a small museum as this one. FREE Admission. Allow a couple of hours to see everything.

Will Spires

Wished I could have stayed longer. The museum contains a treasure trove of facts, memorabilia and real transports, aircraft and spent munitions. If you love local history and the role SC plays within it you have got to come and make this place one of the places to visit. Will come back for a return visit soon!

Debbie W

This museum is great IF you like military museums. It has some exhibits of little known military vehicles that are very informative. It also includes everything from the revolutionary & civil wars through desert storm. Well thought out, well laid out. I highly recommend.

Kimberly Wilson

A lot of history spread out in 2 buildings. Staffed completely by volunteers and FREE, it's a great way to learn about our country. The exhibits are accurate and interesting (unlike some other museums I've been in lately where the exhibits are interesting but the information relayed is less than accurate or the exhibit is boringly accurate). Although free to enter, a small donation is suggested if you can afford it. NOTE: Kids enjoy seeing the tanks and guns but this is a small museum so there isn't room for running around or horseplay. It isn't a "stuffy, whisper only" type museum but it isn't for hyper uncontrolled kids either.

lighten up

Excellent, excellent, excellent! As this was my first visit, I had no idea what to expect. What started out as a simple, quick walkthrough, turned into a two hour tour. Unfortunately, there is way too much to read (and I don't like missing a single thing) and enjoy in that amount of time. Soooooo ... I'll be returning with more time allowed to take in everything. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Michelle Cooper

A new exhibition opened and it is fantastic

John Gallaher

Amazing museum. Lots of artifacts, weapons, and vehicles to look at. Fully air conditioned and very clean. Would recommend!

John Martin

Very nice museum lot of history too much to read in one day so I'll be back thank you

L. Dunn

Amazing displays from revolutionary wars to the Iraq war including information on 9/11. Uniforms from different eras. Mostly Army and some Air Force. Military equipment ranging from helicopters to tanks! Spoke with a retired Army volunteer who made models of Amy equipment from tanks to transport equipment. Very impressed of what I saw definitely ranks high amongst all the large museums.

Janet Menasian

This little museum has SOOOOO much SC military history, it's amazing. Everything is beautifully displayed with pride. There are wonderful descriptions & some videos that tell you exactly what you are seeing & when/how it was used. We were not disappointed & highly recommend you visit this little museum.

Cassie Clue

This was such a nice stop for our family. The exhibit flowed nicely and had phenomenal displays with plenty to look at.

tenofprime

Very good mix of indoor displays of many military types as well as a nice variety of military vehicles on display, great staff. If you like taking a good look at military museums and are in the area it is well worth the visit.

Haiqing

Free admission and friendly staff. A small but interesting museum. Many US and international equipments. They have a Japanese flag captured on the first day of the Guadalcanal Campaign. A lot of German weapons in WWII donated by a private collector, according to the staff.

Tammie Gibson

I was amazed at how much this museum had in it. It was very clean, informative and so much to see. My husband loves looking at anything dealing with history of all the wars and the military. This is such a diamond in the ruff. The staff was also great.

Jeremy Pease

Located next to gamecock stadium and at the back of the armory compound is this fully pack military museum. It is full of military history focused on the contributions of South Carolina and it's citizens. There are alot of informational displays and artifacts. They even have alot of full size vehicles. Pretty neat place to go for a couple of hours.

Jeffrey Cseplo

I visited the museum last week and was awestruck. The displays, artifacts and layout were amazing. Spent 3 hours there and would not hesitate to return. Thanks to all who care for these treasures.

B Wagner

Not an easy place to get to but worth it. Enjoyed the displays and learning the history of several wars. Disappointed that part of the museum was temporary closed for construction.

Sharon Armstrong

What a treat this visit was for our grandson. Very professional displays from the Revolutionary War to modern time. Great way to explore history at NO COST.

Brad Allison

Nice museum that honors our wonderful military history. Very informative. They could have better signage along the main road to attract more visitors.

Zhao Ge

i really love this small but compact museum, with so many delicated aircraft and tank models, life size vehicles from WWII and countless items from even older wars. the gentlemen taking care of this place were so friendly and knowledgable, we talked over fourty minutes about south carolinians and the history as well as the exhibitions. they are running this museum on zero government sponsor but complete donations and volunteers, however all the display are in very good shape, tidy, clean and well maintained, we had a wonderful two hours and could spend even more. will surely visit again next time when in columbia. entrance is a military guarded gate, need id checked to enter.

Hayley Williams

A great collection of South Carolinian military history through the ages!! Kid friendly with plenty of neat tidbits. Even my history loving husband learned a few knew things!

Ashley Smith

It is one of the most phenomenal military collections. It has some of the best well kept artifacts. Most definitely worth the trip. My 13 year old son enjoyed it.

James Jackson

Great museum! This was a quick stop with four boys on the way to TN... boys were ages 2 - 12 all liked getting to see the pieces this museum has including the mechanized display they have

Kandryss strahl

I had an amazing time. The lady at the front was very helpful and friendly. They had a wide selection of info. I spend about 2 hours in the first part alone. I would recommend it if you are in the area. They have a lot of interests.

Charles Swanger

Always enjoyed going there when my good friend Buddy was alive. I tell everyone if they are in the area visit the museum. It is a great place to visit and see the rich history of SC.

James McMurphy

Clean and well laid out in an orderly manner in historical sequence. Very helpful staff. Highly recommended. Plan 2 to 3 hours if you really enjoy history.

Jennifer Brown

The best date ever at my favorite price, free. Everyone should visit, the info and the displays are excellent. They have one of a kind exhibits.

Jonathan Whitlatch

Great museum hidden away. Free. Great assortment of artifacts and armaments. Constantly improving. Definitely check it out and give yourself an hour or two to do so.

R. Kelley

Great place to visit for any military buff. You will be required to show ID at the entrance gate which may make illegal immigrants and Democrats feel uncomfortable but everyone else should be fine with it.

Catie Perschke

This museum is a hidden gem! My boys and I completed a scavenger hunt as we walked through 350+ years of South Carolina's military history! We had fun and learned a ton!!!

Harvey Stone

Great museum! Everyone enjoyed our visit here. If you're in Columbia, you should stop and spend a few hours here. Well worth the time.

Valeri

You have to go through a security gate, and all adults must show ID. This was an amazing experience. We arrived an hour before closing so had to move quickly, but it was totally worth it!

maria espadas

It is a wonderful place. Very informative, nice display, helpful staff. You won't regret visiting and the kids will love it.

McWane Fairley

Amazing!! They got military items from all eras of war (revolutionary, civil, WWI, WWII). They have artillery, ammo, weapons, videos, tanks, jeeps, models, all levels of military history. Nazi Germany items, desert storm era.

Katie *angry chinchilla noise*

It was a great way for a teenager to learn about south Carolinas history and see all the cool artifacts they have in there. I would reccomend it to anyone willing to learn about south Carolinas history.

Nick Amico

A must-visit for anyone interested in military history. Great exhibits and very well maintained.

Chris N

A good museum to spend a couple of hours honoring South Carolina's military contribution to history. You can't beat the price. It is free.

Ciro DeSimone

We had a guy who worked there that showed us some really cool stuff

Lord Vader

This place had some of the coolest Items and Vehicles! Normally I don't like museums but this one I definitely like 👍 …

James Johnston

Free but not easy to find. You have to go through a security check point! Wonderful displays. Give yourself at least a couple hours.

Kelly Jacobson

Excellent museum and volunteers. Lots to see read and see. And the greatest part is that it's all for free.

Mark Winslow

Very well put together and very complete for the History of the US and the ties to SC. Also met the Govenor doing a press conference. What a cool day.

Paige Huggins

It's amazing that some of these artifacts have survived. We need to understand our history and they do a great job there.

eric craft

Took my son on a Saturday. We loved it. Great range of displays and free!

Mike Allen

Great place with a ton of military memorabilia and the history of the men and women of South Carolina that have fought for our freedom.

Stephen Pstrak

Love it! Knowledgeable South Carolina State Guard members assisting there helped me as well. ✔️

Stephen Rhem

Had a wide variety of displays of military items from many different era's. Could see all up close. Could go back again and view more in greater detail.

brian heck

Lots great military history here. Displays are first rate. Highly recommend if visiting Columbia.

D_P_M

This place was unexpectedly awesome. Excellent displays. If you like war history, stop here.

John Gross

A hidden gem with excellent displays and dedicated volunteers. My kids and I have enjoyed every visit.

Dennis Smith

Seems like a nice place to visit but they are not dog friendly so we could not go in.

Cathy Oliver-Kemmerlin

Great history. A must see for military buffs. Staff is wonderful.

Robert Stinson

What a nice collection of military history. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!

Clay Mcdaniel

Top notch. Full of artifacts through SC history. Medal, weapons, vehicles. A bit hard to find, could use more signage to find it.

Robbie White

Very Great place to visit. If you have never been. You need to go.

Irán Molina

This is amazing...🤙 …

Dorothy Gerber

Great displays and on the larger size, but bring ID to get in!

ray ange

A great event and my youngest grandson 9 was excited to be there also.

CATS FACTS

A bit small but nice

J Al

Very cool for military history and friendly staff make this a must see.

Tom Azevedo

Great Museum, well worth your time. And it's free!

Chris Moseley

Very educational and interesting place. Lots of cool stuff to look at.

Mike Trent

Outstanding display of SC military history. A must visit if you're in the area.

Historical /traveling

Great place for a history person you have to have your Id to get in.

Kerbalball 00

A very good museum :p

Tracy putnam

This was a cool museum. Lots of information. Worth your time.

Keith Alumbaugh

Excellent display of military artifacts to included captured WW2 German vehicles and artifacts you will not see anywhere else.

Lorri Mazzell

Lots of history here. Enjoyed seeing everything and talking to some of the vetrans from WWII

Samuel Dresel

Exceeded my expectations. Very good exhibit's

Jeffrey Potter

Great museum! And free! Tanks are sweet!

Kristopher Hunter

Neat place, very informative staff and nice, detailed displays

Duc Nguyen

Great place to visit

Ashrit Shetty

Great place to see arms from Civil War to World War II. Their tank collection is a must see.

RUBY Thompson

It was great to see about those that served in Service for all of us 🙏🙏💖😊 …

Dwellion Howard

Not much to see on the outside but an outstanding museum on the inside!

kill The Heretics

I loved it, it shows the history of America its awesome

Daniel Cooper

Small but a lot of neat stuff inside.

Ghost

Great loved it all!!- especially the ww2 stuff

Peter Frew

Great place to visit

danwoodcock

Real interesting! And friendly too.

Colin Williams

Free museum with tons of cool stuff to see.

Gwen Stanley

Good place to take your kids to learn about the military.

John Veazey

Amazing history of South Carolina military from 1670 to present day.

Robert Booth

Great place for the entire family! Loved it!

diane carithers

It has the most interesting exhibits.

maria natzel

Absolutely amazing!! Whole family enjoyed it!!

Jack Beers Jr

Great place to stop for those who enjoy history.

Barbara Kiser

I had no idea there was so much to see there !

Duane Long

Very thorough and well documented exibits

Edward Lovelace

My grand kid love going and look around

Steve Carbajal

Very educational and many items to look at

Wendy Simmons

Awesome!!!

Jordan Lowdermilk

Really like this place stop by every year

John Raymond

Awesome museum rich in history of SC

Robert Gause

Great synopsis of military history for SC.

David Thomas

Very detailed information, I love it.

Eric Roper

Cool place to spend a couple of hours

Danny Suggs

Great place to see SCARNG history.

William Laffey

Outstanding collection dating back to the Revolution

Paul Scargill

Great place with amazing pieces

Deborah Formosa

It was wonderful I recommend going

Thomas Bates

Love the history on display here.

Gunny Kuhns

Great historical selection

William Rawl

Drop off some things my father had

Luis “Luis” L

Small but nice

Steve Hearn

Wonderful museum!!

Rebecca Johansen

Wonderful and very interesting

Daniel Hovater

Great place to visit.

Michelle Hoff

A lot of great history

tom lines

Friendly and informative staff

Cashwe

Kids loved it.

Gunny Kuhns

Wonderful entertainment

jess terrapin

Very informative

Daniel Canup

Cool stuff

Richard Delmolino

Kids loved this

Steve Wasser

Nice museum

Annette Limonta

a lot of display

Robert Miller

Cool place

Dorota Rdzanek

Great place

John Peck

Cool museum

Barney Means

Check it out

Maria Hurtado

(Translation) GREAT. excellent attention, super nice, everything well arranged and above all it has a lot of history there. It is majestic. Would go again. Free 🫶🏻 (Original) BUENÍSIMO. excelente atención, súper bonito, todo bien arreglado y sobre todo tiene mucha historia ahí. Es majestuoso. Volvería a ir. Gratis 🫶🏻

Mildred Palen

Myrtle Tral

Kayla Orahood

Tosha

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