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    General Patton Memorial Museum

    4.4 (73 reviews)
    Closed 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

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    A Sherman tank named Rosie
    Nate S.

    A WWII museum in SoCal focusing on the life of General Patton. It talks about the military camp that used to be here as well as the life of General George Patton. The museum has many tanks and other items to look at. The museum also has a good 30 minute documentary talking about the camp.

    Manny S.

    I finally stopped by, after driving by for years, and it was amazing inside. If you love history, then this is a definite must stop! The outside definitely does not match the inside. I love how wonderfully surprised I was the moment I walked in. The memorabilia, the displays, the history, all was wonderful. I can't say enough, but you have to stop!

    A tank body (no turret) restored for display.
    D. S.

    This museum was so much more than I expected. I'm a "peace-nik" and not at all supportive of armed conflict. But I understand why Patton and military leadership were backed into a corner by Germany and Italy -- there was no other option than war. Thank goodness the Nazis were defeated. The museum has many, many interesting displays both inside and outside. You could spend a whole day here reading the descriptions and reviewing the photos and artifacts. The presentations are very well done. It was worth the stop. Too bad Patton is not here today, as we are again facing Nazis and their threat to democracy.

    Sherman
    Tom G.

    We really enjoyed this museum and it was great to learn more about WWII and General Patton. It was cool seeing tanks and other vehicles.

    Char C.

    This is a great way to spend a couple hours while learning about the local history as well as Patton and many other facets of our history. And it's not just for male veterans, there are several exhibits about the many contributions made by women and people of color. While it is the General Patton Museum, and much of it is dedicated to him, there is so much more to see. There is even a tank you can sit in, and let me tell you, unless you are comfortable with your knees at ear level, you may not want to sit in that seat! On a solemn note, with all the things happening in our world today, seeing the millions of people who died during the war and in Nazi captivity should remind us of how lucky we really are. Be kind.

    Demetria W.

    Not the most ideal place for a museum, but definitely a must stop. We stopped for gas, and saw there was a museum, café, and souvenir shop in the same parking lot. Everyone in the car shrugged and shared the same "when in Rome" sentiment. My dad is also retired Military, so he was definitely down to check it out. Off we went. It's also my goal to visit one new museum each month, so this checked that off. Extensive information about the area and General Patton, with a lot of artifacts. It's bizarre to think that area was a base camp for soldiers as there's not much around. But I understand why. There is also an area of tanks they used. My my, those things are big! Seeing them on tv and in books do not do them justice. If you read everything like I do, expect to spend over an hour here. They also have a library and computers. If you are working on a project, this would be the perfect place to visit.

    Joe S.

    A small museum loaded with WW 2 information and a fitting tribute to General Patton. The documentary about General Patton and the desert training grounds was enjoyable. The role of famed vaudevillian and comedian Al Jolson was fascinating also. The outdoor display of various tanks and jeeps was unique. A very pleasant way to spend 2 hours. I'll stop by again.

    Darci K.

    What an amazing museum! I had been invited for a private tour, and a private screening of the renovations that are taking place at the General Patton Memorial Museum. The new renovations will be unveiled for special grand opening in November 2018. I have been to so many museums over the years and I will say, this was absolutely a true first. I have never been to museum that is solely based on the wonderful tanks that have been used during wartime. This lovely museum is located in Indio California, and he will find it if you were driving anywhere between Los Angeles going towards Arizona. I will say it's absolutely worth the stop, and at the time it will take you to explore everything that they have. By all standards, it's not a gigantic museum, but it absolutely is a nice size museum that's filled with history that some of us have only read about! General Patton memorial museum, is located in the very spot that General Patton himself has been. The indoor portion of the museum is filled with amazing visual history of past wars, and everything is displayed beautifully. The sneak peek that I was given is going to be part of their expanded interior part of the museum. I was granted permission to take a few pictures of what will be part of the sneak preview, but by no means is that everything. This is just a small fraction of what will be part of this incredible display. You will see my pictures attached. The exterior is mind blowing. Like many of us, I have seen pictures of different sized tanks that have been used during wartime, but have never experienced an up close and personal view. As odd as it may sound the tanks are truly a thing of beauty. Our tour guide shows how the tanks have been used, and I'm still amazed at their capability. If all of the wartime artifacts aren't enough, they have a entire restoration area that is filled with some amazing antique cars that are in the process of going through the restorative process. General Patton memorial museum not only is a complete and wonderful experience, but they also have an amazing café that is attached to the museum. It makes for a perfect afternoon. They serve breakfast through late lunch, the prices are extremely reasonable, and parking for both the museum and the café are free. There is even a gas station next-door should you need to fill up before you get on your way. I encourage you to visit this museum, and taken all of the wonderful things that has to offer.

    Nini J.

    Leave it up to my husband to find a place like this in the middle of no where!!!! We were in the area before it opened so didn't spend time inside. They did have some cool things to see outside. A few Memorial walls from the different wars. Old history & great place to just get out & walk around.

    Sat in a tank!
    Sherilyn B.

    Lots of fun for history buffs like my son. He even enjoyed seeing all of the models that have been made and donated.

    07.13.17  located in Chiriaco Summit
    May A.

    Historic museum! I bookmarked this museum not too long ago not knowing when I'll be able to return to Indio but it turns out sooner than later! I was excited to include this museum in our itinerary during our road trip. It was quite a ways from Big Bear Lake but we've already gone to the two Presidential Libraries (Nixon and Reagan) in SoCal what's another trip further down to Indio. Well, it turns out the museum was actually in Chiriaco Summit, some 31 miles further. The General Patton Memorial Museum is located on the site of General Patton's former Camp Young, which was the Headquarters Camp for the former Desert Training Center from 1942 to 1944. Over one million soldiers trained here before going off to serve in the war. Outside, in front of the museum, is a statue of Patton standing on tank treads and next to him is an English bull terrier puppy that he named Willie. Willie was known to follow Patton everywhere, and the two were rarely separated while in England. The museum has plenty of war memorabilia and a large collection of tanks used in World War II and the Korean War. The museum isn't very big inside but every inch of the room was filled with exhibits including memorabilia from Patton's life and career - especially in regard to his service at the Desert Training Center. Gen. George S. Patton was considered one of the most successful combat generals in U.S. history, he died on December 21, 1945, just 12 days after breaking his neck in a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. So sad that a few hours after that tragic car accident, Patton was due to return back to the US. Wish my Dad was still around. He would've enjoyed this museum. He is not in the military but a minister, who enjoys reading biographies of heroes and world leaders. The rest of my family are in the military- brothers, nephews, and niece. While I enjoyed taking in all what was offered inside the museum it was the tank farm I enjoyed the most! It was hot, hot, hot outside but we spent some time in the back lot taking photos of these mean machines. Fun experience! Review #0795

    German Helmet and Hand Gun.
    Jon B.

    I've been wanting to come here for awhile, but it had to wait until a staycation in Palm Springs to make the trip here, since its hours away to get to this part of the desert from home. First off, admission for adults is $8, seniors $7, ages 6 and under are free, active military are free as well. It's a small museum and I believe it is not government funded. I appreciate the organizers in building this place dedicated to one of the most decorated generals of all time and honoring the service and sacrifice of United States veterans. Inside the main exhibit are a collection of memorabilia. You'll see on display are antique weapons, uniforms, newspaper paper articles, vehicles, and a seating area for a video documentary. My favorite part of the experience is the tank yard. The heavy artillery surroundings gives you a feel of how it's like when our armed forces do battle in desert heat conditions. Also, inside a pavilion there's more special vehicles on display. We were staying at a resort in Palm Springs and to get here took about 40 minutes. This location is about a halfway point to Arizona, so if you're road tripping, this place is a nice pit stop for an hour or two to educate yourself of General George S. Patton's life and career.

    Georgie M.

    I have been looking forward to coming here for a very long time, but left wanting more. Over the years, I have read several books on Patton and his life. His understanding of logistics, the putting of tanks on flat-bed rail-cars and moving them to other parts of the battle field is legendary. Also, his development of the Desert Training Center (DTC) and Camp Young in the Mojave Desert helped train our troops before and during WWII. This Museum sits at the former entrance of Camp Young. General Patton died in December of 1945, and the Museum should be commended for assembling an impressive collection of tanks. But sadly, almost all are post his death. It could have easily been called a Korean War memorial. The only actual vehicles used by Patton during his life are the trailer (photo) outside and a staff car inside. I have taken pictures of most of the tanks in the grave yard, they include a M4 Sherman (1941), several M26 Pershing (1945), several M41 Walker Bulldog (1947), M48 Patton (1953), along with it's replacement M60 Patton (1963). However, there are no German Panther or Tiger tanks in the exhibit, the main battle tanks Patton fought against. So, "A-OK" Three Stars for a very cool collection of tank memorabilia!

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    2 months ago

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    6 months ago

    How can I get this thing to 10 stars!!! Superb military exhibits for every age! Bring the family, just know you will be in the heat!!!

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    3 months ago

    Very informative-worth the stop, nearby cafe is good too, lots of historical significance

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    3 years ago

    Very informative. Worth the stop. Lots of great exhibits. Thank you to our greatest generation.

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    3 years ago

    Very interesting museum. A best kept secret along I-10. You should take the time to stop and visit this museum.

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    Ask the Community - General Patton Memorial Museum

    Do you accept donations of memrobilia from a soldier who said he fought under patton. He has since passed away and I would like to share the items I have?

    I think they would. They had donated items there. Give them a call.

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    Review Highlights - General Patton Memorial Museum

    We stopped for gas, and saw there was a museum, café, and souvenir shop in the same parking lot.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    General Patton Memorial Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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