This past Saturday, I got up early and drove down into Virginia to visit the National Museum if the Marine Corps, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center. Both are amazing. Here's a little bit about each and my thoughts.
Marine Corps Museum- Located in Triangle, Virginia. Basically it's right across the road from the entrance to the Quantico base. No charge for admission, no charge for parking. Covers the history of the Corps from its birth in 1775 up to modern times. Lots of personal artifacts from famous Marines like John Basilone and "Chesty" Puller. Some cool interactive things in an area dedicated to the boot camp experience.
The marquee artifacts of the museum are both of the Mount Suribachi flags from IWork Jima. One of them is always on display. I'd say this museum is a must see for anyone who served in the Corps, or had family who served or are currently serving.
Udvar-Hazy Center- Part of the Smithsonian, located on the grounds if Dulles Airport. No charge for admission, but a $15 charge for parking. Basically the building used to be an aircraft hanger. Lots of different planes.
They recently got the space shuttle Discovery on display in the space themed area. Other planes of note are the Enola Gay, and an SR-71 Blackbird. A must see for anyone interested in planes, or the history of flight.
Marine Corps Museum- Located in Triangle, Virginia. Basically it's right across the road from the entrance to the Quantico base. No charge for admission, no charge for parking. Covers the history of the Corps from its birth in 1775 up to modern times. Lots of personal artifacts from famous Marines like John Basilone and "Chesty" Puller. Some cool interactive things in an area dedicated to the boot camp experience.
The marquee artifacts of the museum are both of the Mount Suribachi flags from IWork Jima. One of them is always on display. I'd say this museum is a must see for anyone who served in the Corps, or had family who served or are currently serving.
Udvar-Hazy Center- Part of the Smithsonian, located on the grounds if Dulles Airport. No charge for admission, but a $15 charge for parking. Basically the building used to be an aircraft hanger. Lots of different planes.
They recently got the space shuttle Discovery on display in the space themed area. Other planes of note are the Enola Gay, and an SR-71 Blackbird. A must see for anyone interested in planes, or the history of flight.