Motts Military Museum, Inc.

Immerse yourself in living American history by visiting the Motts Military Museum, located just a few minutes' drive from Columbus. Founded in 1987 by enthusiast Warren E. Motts, this museum has grown from a private collection into one of the most significant educational sites in the USA. Here, across more than 5,000 square feet, the lives and deeds of those who have served their country over the centuries are carefully preserved.

The museum's collection is impressive in its scope, spanning from the Civil War and the Indian Wars to modern historical events. The walls are filled with artifacts — from rare uniforms and medals to personal diaries that offer a look at military history through the lens of personal stories. This is more than just an arms display; it is a deep exploration of human resilience and patriotism.

The outdoor area is of particular value, where tanks, helicopters, and even a rare Higgins landing craft are spread across four acres. Visitors often note the special atmosphere of the place: thanks to the work of volunteers, history feels tangible here, and every exhibit — from a button to a howitzer — is ready to tell its unique chapter from the past.

For further details regarding your visit, booking group tours, or checking for upcoming events, you can contact the museum administration directly. The staff are always ready to answer questions and help organize your trip through the halls of history.

The current contact details for the Motts Military Museum are provided in the table below:

A stroll through the halls of the Motts Military Museum turns into a detailed exploration of the past. Be sure to spend time in the Ohio Military Hall of Fame and the Vietnam War Dog Team memorial, dedicated to the four-legged heroes of war. Inside the building, you will see thousands of personal items: letters, flight suits, and captured trophies. Don't miss the poignant Holocaust exhibit and the special section dedicated to women's contributions to the military.

Truly impressive objects await you outdoors. You can get an up-close look at the legendary Cobra helicopter, tanks, and artillery pieces. One of the most emotional exhibits is the Ladder 18 fire truck, which was damaged during the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York. Also on the grounds is an exact replica of the home of legendary pilot Eddie Rickenbacker, where you can see his personal belongings.

The real secret of this museum is its people. Don't hesitate to talk to the volunteers: many of them are veterans or expert historians themselves. They will be happy to give you an informal tour and share fascinating facts about the exhibits that you won't find in official guidebooks. For a family visit, it's a great place to touch history through real objects and personal stories.

The easiest way to reach the museum is by car, as it is located in the suburbs, approximately a 20-minute drive south of downtown Columbus. The most convenient route is via I-70 or Rt. 33 to the intersection with Hamilton Road. For guests arriving by private vehicle, there is a large, free parking lot right on the complex grounds.

If you are arriving from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), the trip by car or taxi will take about 20–25 minutes. Using services like Uber or Lyft is the most practical option if you don't plan on renting a car, as public transportation in this part of the state is limited.

For those who prefer buses, there are routes from the city center to the Groveport area. However, keep in mind that you will have to walk about 2–3 kilometers from the nearest stop to the museum or take a taxi, so a direct car trip will save you a lot of time.

The history of this remarkable place began in 1987, when Warren E. Motts decided to open his private collection to the public in a typical 19th-century residential house. His passion for preserving the memory of the country's defenders quickly gained support, and by the mid-90s, the need for a separate, modern building became clear. An interesting fact: in 2000, the museum received a unique gift from Arnold Schwarzenegger — an actual M47 Patton tank, which has become one of the highlights of the collection.

A special place in the museum's history is held by the creation of a replica of the home of Eddie Rickenbacker, the legendary World War I ace and Ohio native. An attempt to move the original building was unsuccessful, so enthusiasts built an exact replica, filling it with the pilot's personal belongings and artifacts. This allowed the legacy of the national hero to be preserved for future generations in close proximity to the main collection.

The museum's development has never stopped: in 2012, it acquired the Ladder 18 fire truck, a silent witness to the tragedy of September 11, 2001. This exhibit was moved here as a symbol of resilience and courage. Most of the expansion work and the construction of new pavilions were carried out by professional volunteers, highlighting the deep community significance of this project in the USA.

To fully experience the indoor exhibits and view the equipment in the outdoor areas, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to explore the main halls without rushing, examine the uniforms and soldiers' personal letters, and take photos with the large-scale exhibits.

If you are a true military history buff or plan to speak extensively with the veteran volunteers, who often share unique first-hand stories, you should plan for a visit of up to 4 hours. Keep in mind that the outdoor exhibition covers nearly four acres, so comfortable shoes will be very useful.

The Motts Military Museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. It is recommended to plan your visit for the first half of the day to ensure you have enough time to explore both the indoor halls and the outdoor exhibition.

The standard operating hours are as follows:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Sunday: 01:00 PM – 05:00 PM
• Monday: Closed

Before your trip, we suggest checking the museum's official website to ensure there are no changes to the schedule due to holidays or special events.

After immersing yourself in military history, you can continue your journey through the surrounding areas of Groveport. Exploring nearby locations will provide a change of scenery and activities for the whole family.

Below are some interesting sites located near the museum: