Sample Entry: Camp Mabry
Camp Mabry, an operating military post open to the public, offers a surprising range of activities for young civilians, from tank and aircraft displays to a military museum and even fishing. Extending over eight hundred acres, there is much to explore.
Texas Military Forces Museum
The Texas Military Forces Museum on the grounds houses a large display of exhibits in the former dining hall that will awe visitors, especially young ones. The exhibits span Texas’ military history from early settlement to modern day. Kids can enter chuck wagons, greet soldiers on horseback, or check out the army tanks, radio communication shelters, helicopters, and airplanes. In adjoining rooms, impressive dioramas of battles from the Texas Revolution can be found. Visitors can try on soldier uniforms and view military gear and historical artifacts too.
Military Vehicle and Aircraft Displays
Just outside the museum visitors can walk down Armour Row to see an impressive array of army tanks and missile launchers. Cross the street where kids can get an up-close view of the airplanes, helicopters, and artillery displays that circle the jogging track. Visitors are also welcome in the All Faith Chapel on the corner.
Pond and Nature Trail
Bring your own bait for catch-and- release fishing in Camp Mabry’s pond. To obtain an annual permit ($5 for adults), stop by the Garrison Command Building just south of the Museum and Armour Row during the weekdays. The pond sits at the bottom of the hill behind these buildings. It’s a bit swampy, but there are small inlets and a bench or two along the bank for fishing (watch for snakes in the late spring and summer). If you take a right onto the dirt road near the pond, you can head upstream to the dam. Scenic and shady, you’ll find a small spot along the bank here where you might drop a line. Picnic tables, restrooms, and a short Nature Trail are located in this area.
Muster Days
Each April, Camp Mabry hosts Muster Days, a family-friendly, week- end-long celebration in honor of our military with live music, reenact- ments, and air shows (see Muster Days at Camp Mabry in the Annual Festivals and Events section).
Location:
2210 W. 35th St.
The public entrance to Camp Mabry is on 35th St., just west of Mopac Expy./Loop 1. Drive 6/10th of a mile past the old main gate (now barricaded). Go through the light at Exposition Blvd. At the bottom of the hill, just before a flashing traffic signal, turn right onto Maintenance Dr. to the gated entrance. Be sure to bring a photo ID with you, as all visitors must pass through the checkpoint at the gate.
Parking:
For easiest access to the exhibits and track, park at the Texas Military Forces Museum.
Website:
www.texasmilitaryforcesmuseum.org
Phone:
(512) 782-5659
Museum Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday 10AM – 4PM
Grounds Hours:
Open to the public during daylight hours
Admission:
Free, museum donations are accepted
