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    12th Armored Museum

    4.7 (10 reviews)
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    Outside section of the museum

    My husband, the history buff could have stood in this place for hours. My daughter and I skimmed through the museum and found interesting tidbits. They had a little play area for kids and a cute little store area. The gentleman and teenagers that manned the information desk were so friendly and helpful.

    Karol M.

    This privately owned museum chronicles the training, maneuvers, achievements, and losses of the 12th Armored Division "Hellcats" of World War II. A relative of mine was a member of this division, and I've been meaning to visit it for some time. I'm sorry I waited so long. For a very affordable entrance fee (our mixed party of 7 came to $22), you get a personal introduction & explanation, a short video, and are set free to wander through the displays, which encompass two floors and an outside area (for the armored vehicles). The front area now includes a Sherman tank simulator, and an authentic rifle that you can hoist & aim, which my kids enjoyed. The exhibits include many uniforms & artifacts from both sides. This Armored Division was known as the Mystery Division, because they were sent through Europe on reconnaissance to capture bridges for the Allied troops, and had to take off all identifying insignia in case they were spotted by Nazi troops. The Germans nicknamed them the Suicide Division because they went in first & suffered some heavy losses. It was not in vain, however. They ended up accomplishing their tasks, capturing many Nazi troops, and liberating at least one concentration camp, at Landsberg, Germany. Photos & physical exhibits chronicle these events. Each company has its own section, with specific photos & artifacts & posters explaining their contribution. In one of the most moving sections, a model POW barracks is set up, next to photos and explanations of what they found & did at the concentration camp at Landsberg, Germany. They were able to save some of the victims, and captured the camp commandant (his uniform is on display) and the rest of the Nazi command there. The museum offers school tours & programs, as its mission is to educate. An expansion is underway. The reason it's located in Abilene is because the Division trained at Camp Barkley there, back in 1943. Several of the board members are actual 12th Armored Division members (now in their 80s). We left with new understanding and respect for the men of this Division & for the contributions made by all WWII soldiers. Highly recommended if you're in the vicinity.

    A large version of this statue is at the state Capitol in Austin
    Garry H.

    Since my dad was in the 12th armored, this was a must. This was way better than I expected. 3 floors and some armored vehicles outside. We went during the Vietnam display of dog tags from Texans that were killed in Vietnam. My father in law found his brothers dog tags which was pretty emotional. Lots of displays and info on where they went and what they did. I was very impressed and everyone should see this. It's a great memorial for those men that fought for our freedom.

    M1911
    Anthony M.

    This WWII museum is one of Abilene's hidden gems. There are 3 floors of various aspects of the war. There are American uniforms, guns, equipment, medals, and much more. They have a whole section dedicated to Nazi memorabilia from their weapons, guns, equipment, uniform, medals, etc. There's a section dedicated to the holocaust, a prisoner of war section, another dedicated to different vehicles including a tank, and so much more. The admittance fee is just $5 for adults and it's definitely worth the price. Spent over an hour here and I'm highly satisfied. This is a must come!

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    7 years ago

    Very cool. Lots of interesting information to read about and see. There have individual handheld electronic audio tours if you prefer that.

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    Review Highlights - 12th Armored Museum

    Several of the board members are actual 12th Armored Division members (now in their 80s).

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    Frontier Texas

    Frontier Texas

    (45 reviews)

    Man, if there is one thing to do when you visit Abilene, it has to be to come here and check out…read morethis unique museum. I was in town and killing time before meeting up with some people in the evening, and came across this as an option. I swung by and was thoroughly impressed. The young man behind the counter was friendly and walked me through where I'd be going and what I'd be seeing. I was the only one in the "next group" for the intro video, and he even delayed the start time since I ran to the restroom before roaming the grounds. They have an impressive display of artifacts ranging from early Texas all the way through the frontier days, including a very impressive array of historic guns towards the end. They have interactive kiosks and hologram displays where actors portray historical figures and tell "firsthand" accounts of what was experienced on the frontier, right out of the accounts left by those people beforehand. There's a second theater towards the end of the museum that's a lot more immersive. You have to rotate around in a swivel chair as the story is told from all around you, and there's lights and sound to really sell you on the experience-- all from the comfort of your air-conditioned chair. I don't plan on being back in Abilene anytime soon, but if I ever was back with friends, I'd take them here to check this place out.

    Excellent displays of artifacts from the early days of Texas. Quality movies portraying how Texas…read morechanged and the demise of the buffalo. Very sad, but made way for cattle. Good coverage of the Native Americans and their culture. It was seriously the best kept museum I have seen. And many hands-on elements. Definitely worth a visit if in the area. The staff were very friendly as well!

    The Grace Museum - Room

    The Grace Museum

    (19 reviews)

    It was a nice afternoon in Abilene when my girlfriend and I explored the historic Grace building…read moreand visited the Grace Museum. We got in a little after noon to see new exhibits that had genuinely just opened for the season that day. The museum is very quiet and, thanks to road construction, a little confusing to get to, but it is worth the drive and adventure. As we arrived, we noticed that a wedding was being set up in their courtyard and event space, and we were in awe of how cute the space was for a wedding. On the first floor was the Gail Norfleet collection, where we were amazed by these multi-layered plexiglass paintings that added depth to her floral pieces and recreated rooms. It is such a unique style. Gail's use of color is quite impressive. On the second floor sat the other two new exhibits. The first was Focus on Photography: Selections from the Permanent Collection, which includes a diverse and vast collection of still images printed on numerous materials such as gelatin, inkjet, tintype, and metal, giving each image a unique display. As a photographer myself, this was my favorite exhibit. My girlfriend's favorite was the Cindi Holt collection showcasing colorful, prairie-inspired pieces. Other areas included the play zone that has the tower challenge and the history exhibits on the third floor focusing on downtown Abilene and the Texas railway. I'm excited to return to the Grace Museum next time I'm in Abilene when new exhibits are on display. What a cute and small museum! RIYL: The Tower Challenge or feeling so much cooler than everyone else because you're being enriched at a museum

    Stopped by The Grace Museum today! We were immediately greeted by a sweet woman at the front desk…read morewho was very informative. The museum is small but so so beautiful. Everything is thoughtfully designed. They have a kid's section that was fun even for adults. Definitely check this place out.

    12th Armored Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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