HEARTLAND MUSEUM OF MILITARY VEHICLES - Lexington, Nebraska

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The Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of military equipment. Located just off Interstate 80 and US 283 at 606 Heartland Road in Lexington, Nebraska, the Museum is open to the public seven days a week, Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday, 1 pm to 5 pm. Telephone: 308-324-6329. A non-profit organization, the Museum depends upon voluntary donations for its support.

Most of the exhibition materials, objects, vehicles, helicopters etc. have been collected within a fifty mile radius of Lexington, known as the “heartland of the United States.” Recent acquisitions include several UH 1 “Huey” helicopters, M-60 tanks and a Bradley fighting vehicle. Among the exhibits are:

• The Bradley: The Bradley’s role is to provide both transportation and fire cover as it delivers and discharges troops on the battlefield. Two versions of the Bradley carry either a three man crew consisting of gunner, driver and commander plus six infantry men (Bradley M 2) and the Bradley M 3 carrying the same three man crew and two scouts, and is primarily used for scouting missions.
• Keubel-Wagen – Type 82: Manufactured in Germany during WWII, this vehicle was an ambulance version of the Volkswagon or “peoples car.”
• M 110A2 8 Howitzer: This giant artillery piece, mounted on tank tracks for mobility, had a crew of five and is the largest of its type in U.S. Army inventory. The gun fires a 200 lb. shell with a range of just over 13 miles. With rocket-assist the shells have an 18 mile range. This gun was used extensively in Vietnam.
• Bell UH-1 Iroquois Helicopter: Commonly referred to as the “Huey”, the UH-1 has been in front line service for over half-a-century and achieved fame in Vietnam as a troop transporter and armed assault helicopter.

Four partners whose goal was to honor and preserve the memory of our gallant military warriors, decided to create a museum dedicated to their achievements and to showcase the equipment and vehicles upon which they depended.

Currently, a 1600 square foot building houses a Visitors Center, library and exhibition hall that contains various types of military equipment such as clothing, gear and small arms which comprise only half the total collection. Plans are under way to continue expansion as funds are raised. Large pieces such as trucks, tanks and helicopters are located both in the building and on the Museum’s grounds, depending upon the size.

Veterans groups have offered their enthusiastic support to the Museum, and one result has been the restoration of the Museum’s twin-engine Beechcraft C-45 which is now flown on museum “missions.” The Museum is certainly worth a visit for anyone planning to be in the area.

HEARTLAND MUSEUM OF MILITARY VEHICLES - Lexington, Nebraska