45th Infantry Museum

Dedicated to collecting and preserving "Militaria relative to the military history of the State of Oklahoma," the 45th Infantry Division Museum was created in 1965 and moved to its current location, the Lincoln Park Armory built in 1937, in the mid-1970's. The museum, funded by the state of Oklahoma, is a must for fans of military history, and it features 27,000 square feet of exhibit space with weapons collections, art and exhibits as well as a 15 acre park featuring tanks, artillery, personnel carriers and aircraft. Curator Mike Gonzales has been with the museum for more than 15 years.

2145 N.E. 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73111

The 45th Infantry Museum is located on NE 36th, just east of Martin Luther King Avenue in Oklahoma City. It is just south of a number of Adventure District attractions such as Remington Park, Science Museum Oklahoma and the zoo.

Admission to the 45th Infantry Museum is absolutely free, though donations are gladly accepted. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

The museum is closed on Mondays, and the Thunderbird Park portion closes no later than 5 p.m.

The 45th Infantry Museum has over 27,000 square feet of exhibit space. There are art collections, a "Supporting Forces Hall," weapons collections such as the Reaves Military Weapons Collection, featuring artifacts dating back to the Revolution War, and historical exhibits such as the galleries for World War II and the Korean War.

In addition, the outside Thunderbird Park is 15 acres and includes tanks, artillery, personnel carriers and aircraft.

The 45th Infantry Museum tours are self-guided, but groups of 10 or more should make a reservation in advance by calling (405) 424-5313. In addition, there are strict policies on ratios of children to adult for children's groups.

On the final Monday of each May, Memorial Day, we all take a moment to honor and recognize the sacrifice of military men and women lost in service to the United States. Many in Oklahoma City take the opportunity to visit the 45th Infantry Museum for the annual that includes helicopter flyover, massing of the colors, patriotic music and guest speakers.

Coming to OKC for the 45th Infantry Museum? Here are some hotel options nearby:

• Best Western Broadway Inn and Suites
  6101 N Santa Fe Ave.
  Approximately 3 miles from the 45th Infantry Museum
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• Bricktown Hotel & Convention Center
  2001 E. Reno Ave.
  Approximately 3 miles from the 45th Infantry Museum
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• Quality Inn Trade Winds
  1800 E Reno Ave.
  Approximately 3 miles from the 45th Infantry Museum
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• Hampton Inn
  300 East Sheridan
  Approximately 3.5 miles from the 45th Infantry Museum
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• The Skirvin Hotel
  One Park Avenue
  Approximately 3.5 miles from the 45th Infantry Museum
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Also, see other Bricktown & downtown hotels.