Veterans Day is a time to express our appreciation and respect for the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Almost every year on this day, I take my kids to one of the many Veterans Day events that are free to the public, from exploring national parks and museums to attending parades and ceremonies. It’s both fun and shows respect to our country’ history. In case any of you are interested, I pulled together a list of sites across the United States that usually give free admission to everyone on Veterans Day. Just make sure to call ahead and confirm they’re still participating and if you need reservations. Have a memorable Veterans Day, everyone!
- Iowa Gold Star Military Museum (Camp Dodge, Johnston, Iowa): Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the military history and heritage of Iowa, and particularly the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in service (Gold Star families).
- National Museum of the Marine Corps (Quantico, Virginia): This museum showcases the history and traditions of the United States Marine Corps. It has offered free admission to all visitors on Veterans Day.
- National Naval Aviation Museum (Pensacola, Florida): Located on the Naval Air Station Pensacola, this museum features a vast collection of naval aircraft and offers free admission year-round, making it a great destination for Veterans Day.
- National World War I Museum and Memorial (Kansas City, Missouri): This museum commemorates the history of World War I and typically provides free admission on Veterans Day.
- USS Midway Museum (San Diego, California): This museum is located on the aircraft carrier USS Midway and is a popular attraction. It often offers free admission or special discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day.
- Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (New York City, New York): This museum is located on the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid and includes exhibits related to sea, air, and space. It has offered free admission to veterans on Veterans Day.
- Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (Mount Pleasant, South Carolina): This museum, home to the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and other historic ships, has provided free admission to everyone on Veterans Day in the past.
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center (Columbus, Georgia): This museum has a history of offering free admission on Veterans Day. It focuses on the history of the U.S. Army Infantry and the soldiers who have served.
- Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum (Savannah, Georgia): This museum commemorates the history of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. It has previously offered free admission on Veterans Day.
- Battleship USS North Carolina (Wilmington, North Carolina): The USS North Carolina has celebrated Veterans Day by offering free admission, allowing visitors to explore the battleship’s history.
- Tennessee State Veterans Museum (Nashville, Tennessee): The museum has offered free admission in the past on Veterans Day. It pays tribute to the service and sacrifices of Tennessee veterans.
Artwork in the Iowa Gold Star Museum’s WWI Exhibit
…and more!
- Effigy Mounds National Monument (Iowa)
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (Iowa)
- State Historical Museum of Iowa (Des Moines, Iowa)
- Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
- USS Hornet Museum (Alameda, California)
- USS Iowa Museum (Los Angeles, California)
- Yosemite National Park (California)
- Pritzker Military Museum & Library (Chicago, Illinois)
- First Division Museum (Cantigny, Illinois)
- Indiana Military Museum (Vincennes, Indiana)
- Veterans Memorial Museum (Huntsville, Alabama)
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum (Madison, Wisconsin)
- Kentucky Military History Museum (Frankfort, Kentucky)
- Connecticut Veterans Memorial (Hartford, Connecticut)
- West Virginia State Veterans Museum (Dunbar, West Virginia)
- Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
- Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives (Huntsville, Alabama)
- South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
- Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming)
- Zion National Park (Utah)
- Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, Tennessee)
- Rocky Mountain National Park (Idaho)
- Everglades National Park (Florida)
What a great list of places to visit on Veteran’s Day. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to try something new this year.
Thanks for sharing this great list of places to visit on Veteran’s Day. There are a lot of great ideas here that will no doubt start some very meaningful conversations between parents and children around appreciating our veterans.