National Museum of the Pacific War: Fredericksburg, TX

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In the heart of the Texas Hill Country lies an amazing slice of history.  The National Museum of the Pacific War, in Fredericksburg, TX, is a must see for all ages. 

Formally known as the Admiral Nimitz Center, the original museum was housed in the former Nimitz hotel on Main Street.   This museum honored Admiral Chester Nimitz, who grew up in Fredericksburg.   In November 2005, the Texas Historical Commission property became what it is today, adding on many more exhibits, gardens, and monuments.  Today, it is a valued resource to honor the memories of those who fought in the Pacific Theater of World War II.

 The new George H. W. Bush Gallery, opened in 2009, is filled with over 900 artifacts, literature, and equipment, including planes, tanks, and submarines.  The history of the Pacific Theater is told throughout the exhibit and tells an inspiring story.  You find your self awe-struck many times at the conditions and situations soldiers and civilians alike went through.  What I really enjoyed is the different uses of media to display and inform - one is captivated through out the entire exhibit. For example, lights flash, torpedos are dropped and the room shakes as you experience the attack of Peal Harbor. You can easily close your eyes and imagine you are there!

 Our favorite part of the museum is the Pacific Combat Zone.  Guided tours are led through 3 acres of exhibits displayed to mimic the conditions in the Pacific.  My kids particularly enjoyed seeing the tanks, planes, torpedo boat, and hangers up close.  Re-enactments (Pacific Combat- Living History) occur on these grounds on certain weekends out of the year.  Try to plan your visit around one of these - they are pretty exciting!

 Both my kids learned a great deal at the National Museum of the Pacific War.  Like I mentioned previously, the museum uses many different techniques to pull you into the experience.  It is very effective and leaves a lasting impression.

Fredericksburg is a fun German town in Central Texas. There is tons of fun shops, fantastic cafes and ever a few wineries.  Close by is Enchanted Rock - you could easily make a day our of both.  Start with a early hike, have some lunch in Fredericksburg, and visit the museum in the afternoon.  Finish the day with some yummy Salt Lick BBQ on the way back to Austin!

More Fun Things to do in the Hill Country:

Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm

LBJ Ranch at Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park

Longhorn Caverns State Park

Inks Lake State Park

Enchanted Rock

Vanishing Texas River Cruise

Sweetberry Farm in the Fall

Picking Strawberries at the Sweetberry Farm 

BlueBonnet Cafe

Salt Lick BBQ

Texas Travel Facts on the National Museum of the Pacific War:

Location: 340 East Main St., Fredericksburg, TX

Hours: Mon - Sun 9 am - 5 pm

Admission: WWII Veterans- Free
                    Adults - $14.00

                    Children/Students (6+) - $7.00

                    Children 5 & under - free

Recommended Time: 2+ hours

Good to know: All ages welcome, lots of walking, strollers are allowed

Website:http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

http://www.onlineuniversities.net/

Fredericksburg on Dwellable