Reviews of Russell Military Museum (Tourist Attraction)

Michael Miller

At first sight it looks small, but the display outside is huge, great representation out our US Military.

Javier Franco

Hands down the worst customer service possible. The guy that owned the place (who refused to give his name because he knew he was a jerk) treated me and my group like dirt. We went to do some photos in tactical gear and we were going to pay him $50 an hour to do it, but first I wanted my friends to enjoy the museum and see the sites since they've never been there. I hadn't pulled out my camera yet and we had paid regular admission. At that point we were just regular customers enjoying old military equipment. But he came at us suddenly angry because some of my group members were taking selfie photos with their cell phones. Just like any other customer would do on a regular day. We explained we weren't doing the photo shoot yet, just enjoying the museum and when we started the staged pics we were going to pay for two full hours. But he yelled, threatening to call police and kick us out for having done nothing wrong. We had paid and as paying customers he couldn't treat us like that. I talked to the group and they all agreed to cancel the photo shoot. None the less we were paying customers and had the right to enjoy the place the best we could after a hostel owner yelled at us. He proceeded to stalk us through the facility as we looked at exhibits, shadowing our every move. As he did, he would take any opportunity to yell at members of my group for touching something that they could not have known was off limits. The place is like bone yard with rusted vehicles everywhere and not everything is roped off so it can be tough to tell. He accused us of taking advantage of him and stated we had to be paying $50 an hour when we stepped on site (This was not what he said when he agreed to the photo session). He said we were scouting our pics for commercial use to get in and out fast. I had already committed to him two hours and planned on paying. I had also visited and paid twice before to take pics and scout. There was nothing to scout new or take advantage of. Here is a bitter old man who runs a business, but treats customers like crap unless you're forking over money immediately and fast. He likes to let you know how he doesn't need your money and would rather call the police then be customer oriented. I challenged him to call the police twice calling his bluff. He did nothing because he knew he was in the wrong and we hadn't done anything to complain about. I warn you to be careful before going to this place. The owner is hostile and quick to insult his paying customers.

Nein German Spies

The inside has interesting stuff and the outside is more of a military junk yard. Still cool and interesting to get up close to all these old tanks and planes.

Denny Erickson

Memories, History and the Visceral Feel of Mechanized Vehicular Combat .. These Vehicles are the reason we are Free People to this Day , you can see the difference in the Adaptations from early To Modern and the Realization washes over you this Thing Saved Someone's Life as we can be here today.

Cameron Sassano

Very fun.they have many different tanks jets helicopters jeeps and more to see.

Eric B

If you have bratty uncivilized children, stay home.

Julie Cotton

My sons and I loved it. Really puts things in perspective. Lots to see.

Johny Essers

THIS PLACE WAS AWESOME!!!! The best thing there was no rush the owners are very nice.

deanna Torres-mcgill

This place had so much stuff to look at! Was a great experience for my kids, both under 10.

larry daigle

A super place very unique and if your I to military items this is where you want to come to.

Integrity Lawn Care

I went with 6 friends. The museum was awesome. The people at the museum were very nice. There is no guided tour like their website says. And it would be nice if there were plaques with information for every piece of equipment with way more info on them. Many of the Plaques that were in place were so faded and water damaged so they couldn’t be read. Still well worth the money. The armored personal carrier ride was a lot of fun.

Amanda Forson

A larger private museum with a huge collection of military vehicles and planes.

Peter Zupinski

State of their equipment is not that great, but it is an interesting place to stop by if you have some time to kill. If you are into modern military history you will enjoy it, but probably not go back. They have also store with surplus equipment.

Nadia Trinh

we just pulled in, 3 other cars were there and the museum was closed. its only 2 and it says open 7 days a week

Steve Stell

They have an A10 Warthog and an MI24 Hind. What more could you ask for?!? Lots of severely decrepit Hueys and other assorted stuff. Worth 10 bucks if you're into military stuff. Just go on a nice dry day, because most of the vehicles are outside in an unpaved lot.

Norbert Barszczewski

Lots of military equipment. Good layout. Easy access.

Brady Reish

This museum was very cool. They have so much to look at that you could spend days and still miss something. In addition to things to look at, there are some vehicles you can sit in and some helmets/vests you can try on. There are signs explaining a bit of history about each vehicle. We would absolutely return. But, the best part: my motorcycle battery died and we were stuck in the lot well past the closing time of the museum. They came out to the lot and asked if I was ok. After explaining the situation, they jump started me with their truck and I was able to get back home to the suburbs of Chicago. I'd have been stuck a state away! Such friendly business is rare these days, you have to go check it out!

Rose Crye

What a wonderful trip back in time!

Ed Beshears

Nice place to stop and look at some old military stuff

Mark Crose

Pretty neat collection

Cheryl Birkett

A hidden gem. My son and I visited and it looks small when you walk in then you walk into the main museum and could walk around for hours. Then the surprise is when you walk outside! They have all types of military vehicles, planes, helicopters. The man there was so nice and very knowledgeable. Worth making the trip to no matter where you live!

Brent Anderson

Total waste of time. Completely random compilation of junk and surplus rusting away. Staff was rude but happy to take my money. It really does deserve a "no star" rating.

David Herek

Great place for young and old. Military veterans or just anybody who loves to see cool war machines. There are a few items to climb in. Take an hour and just walk through the history of machines uniforms and other items from past wars.

Joshua Jones

Thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. Owners were helpful, knowledgeable, and low key. It was much more hands on then most typical museums. Planes and helicopters were not in restored state, but made it feel exciting, like exploring an exotic junk yard filled with amazing finds. The inside museum with jeeps and tanks was more organized and full of information. Tank ride was short, but tons of fun on their dirt track. My son and I both loved it. Definitely recommend a visit.

Al Litwiller

Surprisingly good military museum, very nice

Jenny Medina

Fun experience

Kevin Suber Ph.D.

Many items to look at!!!

Mark Drake

Very cool tanks and vehicles

Wendy Heelein

Great place for a little boy to visit and get to ride in a real tank. Great staff!

Spencer Park

Good assortment of memorabilias from 1st World War to Vietnam. However the upkeep and organization is level of flee market. Could use some updates to the displays. Same goes for the outdoor planes and tanks. It resembled a junk yard than a proper museum. The tank ride was exciting for kids. The tank operator, who was also the cashier, was friendly. However, the owner of the place is a grumpy old man. He was very rude, yelling at my boys for getting excited during the tank ride. If he doesn't want little kids yelling or screaming of excitement during the ride, he should not be offering tank ride with kids sitting on top of the tank without any proper seating or restraints and driving over big bumps and quick turns on a dirt track at a fair speed. The driver later apologized and said he doesn't know what set the owner off. Needless to say, the owner's behavior abruptly ended what was to be a start of decent morning.

Marcus Pieczonka

A lot of old military stuff

Kathy Carr

Cool stuff

Robert Burke

This place is a real hidden gem! Possibly the biggest privately owned collection of military vehicles in the USA! Mostly US vehicles that span from WW2 to Desert storm, tanks, half tracks, at least 40 helicopters from Vietnam and desert storm era, F 15 Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt, artillery pieces, and an excellent collection of various helmets and gear from WW1 to present! All that and some of the nicest and most interesting owners. A great place to spend the day if your interested in military history!

Daniele Cereghino

Interesting exhibition of different military vehicles (different periods, country) including helicopters and fighter jets!

John Braeckman

Family had a great time. Lots of things to see (exhibits, vehicles, etc) Worth the trip

David Slama

Great price and great experience

karol rosa

Took my son there. We both loved it. Humvee ride would be cool as well

thelma amezcua

Awesome

Victor Shevchuk

Stop in if you ever in the area. Lots of military machines from different wars.

Velocity Transport

Very cool place

Krystofer Han

If you are interested in military vehicles and history it's a interesting experience.

mrshelbysprsnake

They have a good indoor and outdoor experience for war vehicles and planes and every day common military gear and weaponry

P J

This place is really neat. A lot of artifacts and history here. Totally recommend....

dave friebus

Great vehicles and military stuff.

Tom Gebarowski

I was impressed today at all there is to see here at this local military museum, conveniently located right off I94 tollway. There were historic helicopters, jeeps and tanks, a history of WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars, and even a NASA section. The gift shop had great hard to find items and clothing. Highly recommend!

Bella Tynski

This place makes my grandfather so happy and nostalgic, and for that I appreciate you Russell military museum!!

Michael Shade

Military equipment graveyard. If you're into it you can learn a lot.

J.A. Prather

So many rich historical treasures to take in, learn about and be thankful for. These landmarks of those who served to protect our freedom are a breathtaking collection.

Ken Pomeranets

Cool place but small. You can make it a 1 hour visit. It is a mini museum and military vehicle grave yard. It is pretty neat to be so close the the jets, especially the A-10 Warhog. Worth a visit if you are near by.

Barbara hoppe

Boys loved it...9 and 11 years old.

Erick White

Great place to see and learn about military items and vehicles. Owner has an amazing knowledge of the vehicles, history, and great stories of how he collected them. During summer months they offer tank rides in an M113 A2 armored personnel carrier

Teresa Byrd

Honestly thought with as many trucks and planes they have there would be more than just 5 that the kids can climb in. Not terrible, but also not great

Smile Always

Great place for little kids and adults

Bardargar

Tons of tanks that you dont see at most millitary mueseums

Drew

Great museam, I only wish they would expand the section where you could explore military vehicles, and I wish the PT boat was a bit lower so I could see it better ( it's a bit high sitting on a trailer) I loved getting to go inside the m113 , huey , humvee , and jeep they did let you get inside. The highlights for me was the A-10 they had at the far end

Karen Hardwick

Sooo cool to see history up close!

Elan Jackson

They have a great little store besides all the cool military machines out back. They do sell postcards and war memorabilia!!!

Mar Zie

Great history picture place. At first looks like a giant army junk yard. But it's not. There's lot of aircraft, jets, military cars, helicopters, tanks and everything army had.

E Lewis

Love this place. So much cool stuff to see.

Cahir ODoherty

One man's hobby has turned a personal collection into what's fair to say is an outstanding museum. Deserves support and keep open. But he could also benefit from some buddies training which can be forgiven since you get so close to everything

Nintendo Club

This guy puts a lot of effort into getting this millitary gear it is a great place to go to.

Pete

Loved it!

James and Aubrey Welch

Loved this place they ave alot of things I have never seen it was fun

Johanna Schneider

To be fair--you have to be into this topic to enjoy this place. I found it to be a random collection of military stuff/personal junkyard. But some people I was with are into tanks, planes, helicopters and such so they were more amused.

Bentley Wolfe

If you like military stuff and junkyards, check it out. If you like tanks, check it out. It's a little bit of a mess of mil leftovers. You can climb in and in a few big machines and helicopters, which is cool. Great for kids who are into vehicles and planes!

Stefan Bednarski

Great museum full of unique vehicles such as the Russian tilt-rotor prototype and the Centurion tank (fitted to look like M1A1 Abrams) used in the film Courage Under Fire.

Jeff Blaser

Great history

Chuck Bojniewicz

Great place lots of coll sruff

Linsey Maynard

Pretty cool place. Unless you are in the military you don't see these types of things in a normal day. Loved all the old memorabilia & vehicles inside. And loved walking through the outside and seeing all the different vehicles and aircraft. Some are huge! They also offer a tank ride on a smaller tank. Worth stopping by for a few hours if this type of stuff interests you.

Todd Kraus

Well worth the trip down to the state line. Alot of military history here. The owner is a great guy to talk to as well. A hobby turned into his passion.

Michael J. Brankin

Awe inspiring. My boys were fascinated and loved every minute of it.

Yolanda The crochet addict

I see bad reviews , to be honest we had an amazing time . so much stuff to see. and how many museums do you go to and get to sit or touch things ?!!! if you are tall and you climb in a tank or aircraft BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR HEAD :D

Donna Z

The jets no longer thunder above, the tanks no longer roll by, but the the spirit of each and every one who rode, flew or drove these magnificent machines lies here. Everyone should see this place. Feel proud to be an American

Sam Erens

A lot of cool military junk here

Savage J

Tons of very cool world war 1 and 2 stuff! Very cool

Howard Brumm

Very interesting to go through the museum. They have things that will interest vets from any military service some of which are prototypes of equipment which the services did not purchase, so are one of a kind. You need to keep in mind that everything there was purchased as surplus so it won't necessarily be in pristine condition, but still interesting. I was shocked to find that the AF A7D on display was an aircraft I personally worked on as a young troop at Luke AFB way back in 69-70 when it was fresh from the factory Anyway, if you have a couple of hours and find yourself around the boarder of WIS ILL on I-94 take some time to see it.

Evelyn Charland

It was huge indoor/outdoor and reasonable priced. It had stuff from everywhere and very interactive. Owners were involved and welcoming.

Tim Pardun

Really cool place especially the inside museum. Great place for kids to learn about things.

Brad Thurau

It was just ok. Only 4 vehicles are the kids allowed to climb on. Very deceiving. Price was ok. The only free water was out of the bathroom sink and then there was the 1.00 drink vending machines. So plan ahead.

Jeff Senger

Very cool place. I enjoyed my visit.

Douglas Hamilton

Great place to catch up on the history of the military and the equipment they used over the years. Plenty to see and experience. Photo opportunities galore! Great price and helpful staff to assist you with any questions you may have. And their gift shop has something for all ages. Well worth the drive.

Stephen Etheridge

Right next to Renaissance Fair. On Illinois - Wisconsin border.

fred freitag

Both indoor and outdoor exhibits. WW II to present. Once in life time vehicles to find (Jeb Stuart tank) to current air Force training jet (t38). Weapons models uniforms. Store has stuff for kids to artifacts for collectors.

Nan Kim

Nothing special and It was so messy that I was distracted. I felt like i wasted my time and money.

Brian Miller

Great museum, and kids enjoyed seeing and learning about Jeeps, tanks, planes and helicopters used in our wars.

Win Whelan

I'm not that interested in the military, but I did find it fascinating. It's like a scrap yard for old helicopters, airplanes, and tanks.

Jayce Ummarino

Such an amazing little museum. Worth every penny. The I side has a bunch of cool stuff but the outside is the real gem.

Ronald Taylor

A great time for learning about the past equipment used by the USA and others!

Konrad Lukasiewicz

Big parts of history, from WW1, WW2 Vietnam, Korea, Iraq. Really must see.

Cesar Garcia

a very interesting big place

Barney Rubble

Cool place to check out if you like tanks and other old military vehicles.

Zarriah Beck

Very nice museum placed locally for your military heart!

M.R. K.

Cool place a little over priced for what it is . You can't climb on 90 percent of the stuff such kinda sucks but still a cool place to take the kids

Bojan Anicic

Closed till april the first. Guy who was on parking told us that they doesn't wanna see us inside.

Heather Thrasher

Pretty cool place, they have some stuff kids can climb on. 10 bucks for adults 5 for kids so wasn't too expensive of a day trip.

John Doe

Easily one of the best hidden military gems in Illinois! If you're anywhere near the area and want to visit some of the old equipment you may have flown, ridden, or been near during your time in your branch of the military, this place is a great place to reminisce! Granted, some of the equipment has seen better days. But then again we all have seen better days! There is so much to see here you could easily spend hours looking over the different aircraft and land vehicles. They have also started a surplus store. This doesn't come up easily in the search results so be sure to give it a review after your done stopping by. And they do have an indoor museum is well. So what is still worth a stop even if the weather isn't the greatest. It really is an amazing place to see!

Terry Piatak

An enjoyable mish mash of military hardware.

Heather J

This place is fantastic and the owner has great stories!

Shengchu Ke

It is world war 2 musium and everything is real but is broken. The smell there is pretty bad though but reasonable because the real things smell bad. Price is good.

Jessica Shen

Came here last week with my boyfriend and had a great experience! This museum has so much to see, ranging from tanks and helicopters that you can sit inside to rare aircraft from WWII. Very few museums in the US have a war collection as wide ranging as this one, and for only $10 per adult, it’s well worth your time and money. There’s an indoor section and an outdoor section (which has a lot cooler stuff to see), so be sure to come here on a clear day. The family who runs the place is also very friendly and knowledgeable. Wish more people knew about this place!

David Blair

They have cleared up the inside and made it more organized. Looks good. Lots of different pieces outside.

Ji Cheng

Great place holding numberless military vehicles, can see a lot even from outside... but could not find information about opening hours. Only find ‘Closed for season’ upon arrival. How disappointing! Drove for 1.5 hours and found closing! Hope you could update this info later on.

Kate R

Very cool, lots to see. I appreciated that you could walk through at your own pace.

Kevin Eichelberg

Tons of military vehicles and memorabilia to browse through. Friendly staff and overall a great time with the family!

Anthony Heller

Seemed a lot less like a museum and more like a junkyard. Not worth the cost of admission.

Howard Andersen

Lots of vehicles and equipment from WW2, Korean and Vietnam wars. A few items in good condition, some in descent condition and lots of it in poor condition. They need lots of money to recondition the equipment and additional buildings to store it. They could also use volunteers to help restore and maintain the equipment.

The EpicMAG

They have great information and history there, where you can explore and even climb into some of the old military viechles. They also have tank rides! Great place for children!

Josh P

worth the walk through to see salvage military equipment but not worth a trip back.

William Revis

Rough around the edges interesting equipment worth walkthrough

Kayte M

This place was awesome! The owners are super friendly and fun, the gift shop is reasonably priced- we should know as we have 2 spoiled boys-, and the museum is full of old equipment and vehicles that show the age and history. I would recommend this to friends and family! We will definitely be returning for the tank ride.

Mogabie's Nation

Where to start with this one. We basicly pay to enter a military junk yard. The were some ok things that looked ok inside of the "museum" but once you walk outside it's just a big junk yard. I'm talking about pieces of helicopters, jets and different type of incomplete vehicles. I felt that taking pics of that would've being a waste of memory and I rather use it for something more interesting like taking vid of a spider building a web. The little shop you see at the entrance has some cool things.

I Wertzberger

It’s pretty cool to see all that military equipment, but it has more of a dumping look and rusting away, no one was there to guide us

Terrence Johnson

Very ccol place to see military history

Craig Sazama

This place is excellent! I've been here a few times, and will definitely be back. The indoor museum is very extensive and has a lot of content. The outdoor portion is a great place to spend a lot of time. When you exit the indoor museum for the outdoor potion, right away there are 4 vehicles that you can enter, including an M-113 APC in excellent condition. Great for anyone with an interest in military history and military vehicles. The gift shop is great too with a lot of apparel and merchandise. If you haven't been here, you need to check this place out.

Marc Vallee

It's a shame the way they are allowing these beautiful pieces of history rot away. A few pieces are on loan from the military. I wonder if they now how poorly they are being cared for. The people running this place should be ashamed of themselves. I doubt they even care.

Evan Robinson

Large collection of United States military vehicles!

Charles Rogers

Was here in October 2015. Went in looking for the CH-54 a model that I had posted on my website for the unit I was in while stationed in Germany. He did recognize the tail number, but sharply advised he sold it to Erickson and when asked if it was flyable when he sold it, stated sure. No more, no less, seemed disturbed I asked. Then later I ran into him again in the yard and asked if he had plans to rebuild or restore these aircraft, and was sharp to reply, just saving them from scrap...Didn't make me warm and fuzzy, but at least they are here, and you get to look and touch some of them, it is a museum. His wife was really great, and she turned the lights on for me so I could see inside displays. Well worth the trip if you have ever served in the military....lots of history here.

Chris Ganzow

Absolute must see for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs.

Sven Rosenberg

Great place, cool stuff, like a small boneyard. Great "find"!

Quin O'Brien

If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. It is a very cool collection of retired military vehicles and other paraphernalia. Much of it is hands-on. There are not many places where you climb on, touch, view, and smell authentic military equipment. It's easy to see from the tollway (look for the helicopters and tanks just south of the Wisconsin border). It takes more effort to actually get to it via the frontage road but it's worth the extra effort.

John Wrobel

A wide range og WW2 vehicles, and thousands of items to see.

Adam Torres

Loved this place. Only wish you can get on more vehicles.

s knogl

Stopped by at 330 pm on a Sunday afternoon coming back from Milwaukee. Don't waste your money. Staff isn't customer friendly and will close early (no refunds). Spend your money at the Ren faire instead.

Logan Rumbaugh

Really cool spot with a wide variety of rotting pieces of military aircraft, the place feels like a time capsule. On the other hand it's not well curated, so if you need explanations and would prefer well manicured exhibits each with significant meaning behind it, this is probably not the museum for you.

Karen G

Staff is very friendly and the inside of the museum is nice. There are a lot of items to view, but kinda heartbreaking to see so many sitting outside in all of mother nature's elements without some love and care.

Ville Välikylä

A lot of cool military stuff.

David Parry

The Russell Military Museum is about a stone's throw away from Bristol, Wisconsin. It's $10 or $15 admission, and if you have a party of 5 (or join up with other visitors to the museum) they offer tank rides for $75 minimum total or $15 p/person, 5 person minimum. While there are tons of tanks and aircrafts that stretch far and wide, there isn't a lot of information about them, though there is an indoor part of the museum which is like a warehouse of war memorabilia.

John Santucci

Much more than I expected. well worth the money!

J.W. Braun

My wife and I stopped by and found it well worth the money. There are tons of items inside to look at, and a lot of vehicles outside to see as well. Just be sure to choose a good weather day and bring a good pair of shoes.

David Woll

A few nice items,mostly just junk.

Gina Musgrove

You get to view many military airplanes, trucks, tractors, boats, helicopters

Trevor Hawkins

Saw some great combat vehicles

Tony Schmidt

One of a kind. Hundreds of salvaged military vehicles, jets and helicopters outside. A ton of military memorabilia, models and kooky stuff inside. My kids love it.

juan alvarado

Great place...love all the model military vehicles

Albert Burns

Interesting Museum to spend an hour at. They have an nice mix of historical military items, planes and vehicles.

steven

Had a nice indoor setup along with LARGE amount of vehicles outside. ACCEPTS CARDS and cash. Nice little gift shop. Gives rides on ACTUAL tank for $15 a person.

Max Hernandez

I loved the look, the atmosphere, and the staff. I only had to deal with one person, and he was kinda mean. In a tough love type way. Well worth my money.

Daniel Bozarth

It's a fascinating place to visit and is always deserted. It also has the only gift shop I'd recommend taking a look at.