If you’ve driven on Mopac on the north side of town, you’ve seen the airplanes and helicopters on display at the Camp Mabry military base. Did you know there’s a free military museum at Camp Mabry?
The Texas Military Forces Museum covers the military in Texas from 1823 all the way to the Global War on Terrorism. It’s a 45,000-square-foot museum, so it’s bigger than it seems at first glance! There are vehicles, artifacts, maps, flags, and lots more.
The museum also hosts live battle reenactments, history programs and other events.
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What does the museum cover?
The Camp Mabry museum covers Texas military action. The main displays focus on World War II and the Civil War, but there are lots of artifacts and information from other conflicts as well.
How much does it cost to go to the Texas Military Forces Museum?
Admission to the military museum at Camp Mabry is always free. It’s a great free indoor activity in Austin for hot or bad-weather days with kids!
What are the hours of the museum at Camp Mabry Austin?
The hours change seasonally. From September to May, the museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10-4.
From June-August, it’s open daily 10-4.
The outdoor exhibits are open dawn to dusk all year, and the museum is open on Veterans Day, July 4th and Memorial Day.
How do I get to the Camp Mabry museum?
To get to the entrance of Camp Mabry, use this address for your GPS: 3038 W. 35th St., Austin, TX 78703.
When you’re on W. 35th Street, drive past the light at Exposition and down a hill. At the bottom of the hill, the entrance is on your right, just before the flashing street light. Drive through the gates to the security check in, where they’ll check the ID of anyone 18 or over.
Once you’re past security, turn right at the three stop signs you come to, and then head straight down General Mabry Boulevard until you get to the museum at Building 6 (follow the signs if you’re not sure).
Can you see the planes at Camp Mabry?
There are exhibits outside that are open year-round to the public. The planes and helicopters by the track (the ones you can see from Mopac) are part of the exhibits and the public is welcome to view them on their visit to the museum.
You can also find lots more vehicles and weapons right beside and behind the museum building on Armor Row and Artillery Park. Tanks, howitzers, and different types of vehicles are on display.
Is the Texas Military Forces Museum kid-friendly?
Yes, the museum at Camp Mabry is good for kids. There is a scavenger hunt (we printed it from the website before going, but they had copies there) with a prize for completing it. There are also a few interactive displays, like an old-style TV you can play with, different trumpet calls, and a mess truck you can go inside. The best one is the plane you can climb into and sit in for a photo.
Since it’s a military museum, it’s obviously about war and weapons, so it’s up to you if that’s a kid-friendly topic. None of the displays were graphic in nature.
Camp Mabry FAQ
What is Camp Mabry?
Camp Mabry is a historical landmark and the third oldest active military installation in Texas. It is the headquarters of the State Military Forces — the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas Army National Guard, and the Texas State Guard. It’s also home to the United States Property and Fiscal Office, a parachute packing and storage facility, and a clinic.
Camp Mabry is in North Austin just west of Loop 1 between 35th St and Perry Lane.
Can the general public visit Camp Mabry?
Yes, the general public can visit Camp Mabry but everyone 18 and older must show a valid ID at the gate. The public can visit the museum, walk the track, and potentially tour the chapel — contact the Department Historian to find out options and schedule tours.
Is Camp Mabry still active?
Yes, Camp Mabry is an active military installation and is headquarters to the State Military Forces.
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