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1. Walk the Army Heritage Trail
The Army Heritage Trail is a 1-mile trail that winds through USAHEC’s grounds and serves as an outdoor museum. As you walk down the path, you’ll encounter exhibits, artifacts, and reconstructions representing every period of Army history. Sometimes, historians are on site to give presentations as visitors walk past.
The Army Heritage Trail’s 14 exhibits include replicas of the World War I trench system, French and Indian War waystations, Redoubt 10 from the Battle of Yorktown in the Revolutionary War, American Civil War encampment cabins, artillery from the Battle of Antietam, a World War II induction center and battle scene, the Vietnam Fire Support Base, and more. A variety of tanks, weapons, and aircraft from U.S. Army history also line the trail, and you can pause to visit the Memorial Garden that commemorates Army veterans.
The trail is open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and dog-walkers from dawn to dusk.
2. Visit the Soldier Experience Gallery
Within the Visitor and Education Center, you can explore the Soldier Experience Gallery, which showcases Army history — from the Spanish-American War to the War in Afghanistan — through the lens of the individuals who lived it. First, pick up a dog tag representing one of six soldiers from the information desk. This dog tag will guide you through the gallery, teaching you about that soldier and how he or she experienced Army life.
You’ll get to view hundreds of Army relics, listen to recordings, watch introductory and closing films, try your hand at the digital shooting range and basic combat training, admire the Vietnam booby traps and tunnels display, and relive momentous military moments such as D-Day and the night attacks of the Korean War. Kids will enjoy the World War I tank experience and the World War II parachute jump. At the end of your visit, you’ll have the chance to pen a letter to an active-duty Army member.
3. Learn About the Reserves
A Call to Arms is one of USAHEC’s newest exhibits, and it tells the history and story of the Army Reserve. The U.S. Army Reserve is a group of men and women who are trained to serve the country both here and abroad in times of need. After, they can return to their normal lives. A Call to Arms uses visuals, photographs, and artifacts to guide visitors through the Reserve’s history, from pre-U.S. years to its current role. Walk the exhibit’s halls to learn more about these selfless individuals.
History buffs, military supporters, and anyone else looking for a fun and educational outing will appreciate a day at the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Image by Pixabay
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