Military Museum [Hawthorne NV] First, thank you to the thousands of Military, Civil Service and Civilian Corporate Personnel that have made significant, and even the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. During one of our road trips we took a little detour in the small town of Hawthorne to stretch our legs. We stopped at the museum on a Friday morning with no intention of staying long but ended up staying for about an hour. There was so much to see! Outside alone we spent 15 mins visiting the outdoor display. Inside, the museum featured many vintage and classic military uniforms, photographs, memorabilia, newspaper clippings from significant dates in history... and, of course, displays and exhibits of a range of ammunition dating back to the early part of the 20th century. Volunteer veterans were happy to answer questions from guests. We had a Marine Vet give us a little history about the world's largest ammunition depot. What a rare opportunity for us to get up close and personal and see the ammunition displays. Btw, Yelp didn't allow me to post some of the inert missiles, bombs, rockets and nuclear weapons collections. FREE Admission but accepts donation. The museum is a dream come true for fans of military history and veterans. They have a souvenir gift shop - Cash only. Review #3520 read more

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The Hawthorne museum is the most thorough ordnance museum we've ever been to! It's literally packed full of every single type of ordnance you can imagine. Both my husband and I are Navy Veterans that worked in the ordnance field so seeing it all in one place was definitely right up our alley! The staff was very friendly and welcoming and the displays are well thought out and easy to follow. The local history displayed was perhaps the greatest history lesson of all! We never knew Hawthorne held the secrets it holds! read more

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Awesome museum!! So much history and so much awesome stuff on display. The museum is free but please buy something and/or donate what you can to keep things like this growing and thriving to preserve the history. Wanda was so full of information on the day we came I really enjoyed looking around and hearing stories. They are currently open M-W-F 10-4 and Sat 10-2 Come see all the cool stuff. I realize I was listening to all the stories and didn't take too many photos to share but there are a few to give you an idea. read more

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Amazing Ordnance Museum in Hawthorne, Nevada. This did not happen by accident, but an accident caused it to happen. The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum commemorates the history of the country's largest Ordnance Depot. Established before World War II because in July 1926, during the same week that a fire destroyed the Hawthorne business district, the Navy's principal ammunition depot in Lake Denmark, NJ blew up, destroying the town and killing over 50 people and injuring hundreds more. read more

Very cool museum! The staff was incredibly friendly. Amazing history and great artifacts! read more

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum - Vintage cash register - Museums Near Me - Hawthorne, Nevada

Any red blooded AMERICAN will find themselves smiling and enjoying all the displays in this museum. Lots of history. Very friendly staff. I always buy a hat and a mortar every time I go here. Can't do that at McDonalds read more

As a former Navy Leaguer, I have to admit that I have a weakness for our naval services. And Hawthorne, back in the day must have been something. Now it's a quiet little sleepy town. The only signs of life are the private contract employees with automatics weapons at the Front Gate. No Marines here. The Museum is also a nice piece of history, that unfortunately wasn't open as we came through town. The sight of those anti-aircraft guns and 16" shells caught our attention immediately. Wow My Three Star, "A-OK" Review reflects our limited ability to evaluate. Hopefully on our next trip they'll be open, so I can raise the rating and update the review. read more

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum - Hawthorne, NV Ordnance Museum store front - Museums Near Me - Hawthorne, Nevada

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There may be nowhere more appropriate than Hawthorne, NV to operate an ordnance museum. Hawthorne is, afterall, home to the "World's Largest Depot", which in its case is in the business of munitions. Take a look out across this otherwise empty desert valley and you'll spot hundreds of prism-topped crypts holding who knows how many live rounds of any number of weapons of war. I'm no gun nut, scholar of war, nor nostalgic service member, but I do love small town private museums operated by volunteers. And while this museum is very specific in what it displays and how it does so, the bigger story it tells hides just below the surface like live munitions, patiently waiting for the call in the cool air of innumerable, desert ammo cellars. The museum itself is chock full of all manner of efficient destruction. If you're a reader, you're in for a treat- plenty of placards. About halfway through my self-guided tour, a volunteer joined me to better describe what it was I was looking at. He spoke with such knowledge and enthusiasm that you'd think he was guiding me through a formal garden or art museum. As he so thoroughly described how each weapon worked to impose the most destruction, he somehow avoided the elephant in the room- that these machines were meticulously engineered to kill other humans not too different than ourselves. Like it or not and regardless of which country you call home, the history on display here is yours. Like any decent museum, it's a place for questions rather than answers. Is it a relic of a violent past, or an omen of a violent future? Is this what it means to be American? What is patriotism anyway? What's the purpose of a flag? How are these weapons tied to the incredible landscape that they exist in? Is my country a place or a thing? Regardless of your leanings, you should visit the Ordnance Museum and ask your own questions. If you're having trouble finding answers, ask one of the friendly museum volunteers. They're sure to have a story or two to tell. read more

Great place to visit between Reno and Las Vegas. Pay respect to our military. The gift shop did not seem overpriced. Friendly staff. Places like this are what makes America great. A respect for history. read more

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This is a very unique museum. This place is full of different types of bins used in our wars... it gives you a history of what they were and why they were used. Very unique touch to a museum in America's most patriotic home. It is a cool blast from the past and a look into our future.This is a fun little place to enjoy while thinking about where they come and go from. Without these place we would be lost to history. Great place! read more

Very sad to see Covid hit small towns like this forcing them to close their doors, some forever. We were passing through and hoped to see the museum but it was closed due to the governors order. But even closed there is so much cool stuff on grounds surrounding the building. We wandered through the lot and took some pictures. We will be back when this is all over to take a look inside. But it was worth the stop even closed. read more

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum - Museums Near Me - Hawthorne, Nevada

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Lots of very interesting items and the staff is very knowledgeable! You can definitely tell there has been a lot of work put into our history. read more

The blighted desert outpost of Hawthorne pretty much owes its existence to the local US Army Depot, which stores its surplus munitions in dozens and dozens of creepy, molehill-like bunkers that blanket the surrounding desert. Driving into town is like an episode of the Twilight Zone -- Red-White-n-Blue everywhere, Stars-n-Stripes everything. Even the local tavern is painted in a USA! USA! motif. If you're driving a Prius, better take the Bypass route...all others come on down; you have arrived in The Most Patriotic City in America (TM). The crown jewels of the Army's collection are showcased at the Ordnance Museum, right on the main drag as you pass thru town. If you're into bombs, missiles, tanks, guns, bullets, grenades, torpedoes and other implements of destruction, you will totes dig this place -- they have tons of freaky shit on display, with plenty of interactive photo ops. Bring your aviators and do your best Gen. Patton; don't forget to hashtag #ShockNAwe! My own interest in ordnance lies strictly in the realm of aesthetics and Freudian symbology, so there was plenty to amuse me here, even tho the museum was closed at the time of my visit -- you can still look thru the windows and get the gist of it, plus there's a bunch o'weapons out front to play with. No matter your political bent, this museum is DEFINITELY worth a stop if you're passing thru Hawthorne. Afterward, stroll down the street for a drink at Joe's Tavern (the one with the USA! USA! motif) to discuss your impressions -- but be cool! This IS the Most Patriotic City in America; if they hear any kinda pinko talk coming out of your elitist Reno-Vegas mouth, they'll put a boot in your ass...it's the Amurrican Way! Alright now you sons-of-bitches, you know how I feel. read more

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While passing through Hawthorne on the way to Carson City we noticed this museum and decided to stop and check it out. Admission is free, but donations are suggested. The museum is small (2 rooms) but packed with old missles, guns, and other old military and war relics. There are volunteers here to answer your questions and they were very knowledgeable and friendly. The museum isn't hard to spot when driving down the road because the front is lined with old missles. If you're passing through or in the area I'd recommend checking this place out if you like military artifacts or history read more

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Great museum in Hawthorne. Tons of memorabilia. Make sure to go inside as well. Treasure trove inside. Everything is so nicely put together and well taken care of. Staff is very knowledgeable and kind. read more

This place is large and has just about one of every type of every munitions they have at the depot. Great displays, free and knowledgable volunteers! A great stop on the way to Vegas. read more

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A gem hidden in a small town. The volunteers, who staff it are knowledgeable veterans. If you're traveling through Hawthorne, it should be a must-see. It's modest outside hides a treasure trove of memorabilia. read more

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum - Familiar. - Museums Near Me - Hawthorne, Nevada

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It was awesome museum you are3 Full rooms to see military Equipment ammunition guns bombs and various other weapons I think it's a learning experience for anybody at any age and I highly recommend it read more

Museum was one of the best I have been to. It' has all most every type of ordinance the U S has used . Each item is well displayed and identified . They have more than just ordinance. They have small arms machine guns, military gear and personal items . I loved the old newspapers with the historical headlines . The museum personal are full of knowledge and are willing to answer all your questions. They really enjoy their jobs. They have a map of the world and visitors have put pins identifying where their from . It's amazing where people are coming from to enjoy this great museum The gift shop has got some good items to purchase. Spend a little money and help keep this place open for all to enjoy in the future Don't forget to sign the guest book read more

We actually happened upon the Ordnance Museum by accident on the way back from Burning Man. There's a split in the road where you can go through town or stay on the highway and we accidentally went through town. When we saw that the museum was open, even on Labor Day, we opted to go in and check it out. It ended up being a great experience and I'd recommend checking this out if you're around! The museum has a vast collection of curated weapons, missiles, munitions, etc. There are photos of past workers in the ammunition depot, also located in Hawthorne, as well as tons of historical items around the museum. They have a volunteer staffing the museum at all times and Mike, the volunteer that was there during our visit, was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of everything we inquired about in the museum. Some of the display highlights included a (now banned) inert cluster bomb, old projectiles, torpedos, and even a Gyrodyne QH-50D drone from the late 50s. We were even able to purchase some old inert ordnance as well which is an interesting conversation piece to have around. Overall a really great stop and I'm glad we found this museum! read more

This place is one of the best places i have been. The staff is awesome and there is so much to see. They do so much to help out other museums. These guys are top notch and awesome. read more

Nothing to do in Hawthorns? Then swing by the Hawthorn Ordinance Museum and say hi to Harold and Bob. This is one of the few remaining hands-on museums out there and a treasure trove of American military history. Featured in the front room is an original 1967 torpedo dropping drone, complete with control center. Not to be missed! read more

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Great little museum! All kinds of munitions - from Civil War to present. This museum had every kind of ordnance from the platforms I was associated with during a 30 year Navy career in Aviation (except AIM-54 Phoenix missile). Fantastic! They also sell some pretty cool surplus stuff for way cheaper than flea market or eBay prices as well. Highly recommended for all veterans - you'll see stuff you remember from your days serving without a doubt! read more

Loved it. Spent several hours checking out all the different ordnance and military items. This is a must for military buffs and curiosity seekers. Don't miss it!!! read more

This is a great museum and the guys working there are veterans who are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what the museum displays. If you are in Hawthorne, you should visit this place! read more