15 Unforgettable Military Attractions in Georgia
Learn about battles fought near and far at these fascinating museums, historic sites, and military memorials in Georgia.
1. Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort in Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, Georgia Veterans State Park & Resort features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals, and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. An 18-hole golf course and pro shop, along with 8,700-acre Lake Blackshear and proximity to I-75, make this one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Admission is $5 with a daily park pass.
2. Currahee Military Museum in Toccoa
Currahee Military Museum in historic downtown Toccoa’s restored train depot, is home to the WWII history of approximately 17,000 soldiers that trained at Camp Toccoa to become paratroopers. The history of 501st, 506th, 511th, and 517th Paratrooper Infantry Regiments are on display for visitors to view seven days a week. This museum houses military history for the area's local veterans, Civil War, WWI, and WWII. A featured exhibit is a horse stable, built in Aldbourne, England, in 1922 that served as housing for Able and Easy Companies.
3. National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus
National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center in Columbus salutes soldiers in a 190,000-square-foot facility nestled where Columbus meets Fort Moore. It is the only museum in the country dedicated to the American Infantryman and preserves one of the greatest collections of military artifacts. The museum traces Infantry history from colonial times to the present in a series of galleries. The museum’s campus features major memorials to the Vietnam War and the Global War on Terrorism, as well as a Memorial Walk of Honor. The museum’s many attractions include a sit-down restaurant, Giant Screen Theater, virtual reality combat simulators and a gift store. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
4. National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler
The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler is dedicated to preserving the history and stories of the Eighth Air Force. Hear the unforgettable stories of bravery, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and see the ongoing restoration of the World War II B-17 Flying Fortress “City of Savannah” inside the Museum’s Combat Gallery. Stroll through our Memorial Gardens, a peaceful tribute to the brave men and women who served.
5. Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville
Andersonville National Historic Site in Andersonville pays tribute to all American prisoners of war. The park has three features: the National Prisoner of War Museum, the site of the Andersonville prison, and the Andersonville National Cemetery. Free admission.
The National Prisoner of War Museum commemorates the sacrifices of all American prisoners of war. Museum exhibits tell the story of prisoners of war using artifacts, visuals, text, and oral history interviews with former prisoners of war.
A self-guided driving audio tour, given out at the museum, gives visitors the opportunity to drive the road that encircles the prison site.
Andersonville National Cemetery contains the graves of nearly 13,000 Union prisoners of war who died at the prison site.
6. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in Fort Oglethorpe
Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in Fort Oglethorpe was the first major Civil War battlefield set aside as a memorial to the soldiers who fought there. Take a self-guided tour of the 5,200-acre battlefield and learn about the three-day conflict that claimed 34,000 Union and Confederate casualties. The visitors center offers interpretive exhibits, a book store, and a multi-media program that gives detailed information about the battle. Free admission.
7. Third Infantry Division Museum in Hinesville
The Third Infantry Division Museum is the largest military post east of the Mississippi River. Inside the museum, Liberty County’s military heritage is showcased in ever-changing exhibits featuring objects from WW11, Desert Storm, and present-day military activities. Free admission.
8. American Legion Military Museum and Post Cafe in Trenton
American Legion Military Museum and Post Cafe in Trenton features artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, with special emphasis on personal displays of local residents during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Free admission.
9. Walk of Memories Alpharetta American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta
Walk of Memories Alpharetta American Legion Post 201 in Alpharetta pays tribute, through a walkway composed of nearly 8,000 bricks, to all Georgians who served in the military and died. Free admission.
10. Black Patriots Monument in Washington
The Black Patriots Monument in Wilkes County pays homage to Black Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War. It’s estimated that 5,000 African Americans fought for the Continental Army, and 20,000 fought for the British. The monument, erected in 2012, honors former slave Austin Dabney, who fought valiantly for the United States, even spying on the British to aid his regiment. He was wounded but survived the war and was given his freedom and a pension following the war.
11. Veterans Wall of Honor in McDonough
The Veterans Wall of Honor in McDonough is an 80-foot-long granite monument that sits on a 2.5 acre hilltop site in the historic Heritage Park. The wall honors all veterans, living and deceased, for their service and sacrifices to secure our freedom. Free admission.
12. Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough
The Heritage Park Veterans Museum in McDonough tells a story – from the array of uniforms, some of which date back to World War I, to the rations, equipment and supplies – all of it is displayed to give the public a true sense of the life of a soldier. The museum is staffed by veteran volunteers ready to guide you through the displays. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
13. Gwinnett’s Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville
Gwinnett’s Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville pays tribute to all Gwinnett residents who died in the line of duty in military or public safety service. From native Americans “who were the first to love this land” to the most recent casualties, the memorial honors about 700 individuals, organized by categories of service.
14. The Drummer Boy Civil War Museum in Andersonville
The Drummer Boy Civil War Museum in Andersonville is home to Civil War uniforms, guns, flags, revolvers, carbines, muskets, and Civil War swords.
15. Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park in Kingsland
Kingsland Veterans Memorial Park in Kingsland stands as a reminder to all Americans that we will never forget the brave men and women who have served and are currently serving in all branches of the United States Armed Forces. The Memorial Park pays tribute to the American servicemen and women who have fought and lost their lives in service for the protection of our freedom. Statues representing the United States of America Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard line the brick walkways gently curving throughout the park. Memorial bricks list names of remembered ones and can be purchased to leave a reminder to future generations of a loved one's service to their country.