general george s. patton memorial museum

EWB-in-MB

This small museum has an amazing variety of exhibits, many related to General Patton but also to history of other wars, Korea, the holocaust, etc. Very interesting display of WWII nurse memorabilia. Also "trench art" that I had never heard of before. And the number of tanks parked outside the building is much greater than I would expect just looking from the outside. It's not large nor glitzy but more of a grassroots labor of love to show articles that were central to warfare in several arenas, mostly WW II. I am not a history buff, my husband is, but I really found this place quite fascinating.

895gingerw

Well worth the sometimes challenging drive up the summit - mainly due to the truckers not staying in the right lane, so take your patience .. However, once there you'll be glad you came. Not fancy by any means - which is another sad reflection on our government's spending choices. My Dad was in the Battle of the Bulge, so I particularly found that portion of the museum interesting. And I'll be donating an inscribed brick in his name for the wall behind Gen. Patten's statue. ($100-$150).Take the time and sit down for the video before walking around to the exhibits. I'm humbled at the bravery and sacrifices our Military men and women made in order to stop the Nazi advance. There are no refreshments at the museum itself - only restrooms, but next door you can get a cone or something to drink before heading back down the "hill".Plan on three hours for your visit from Palm Springs to tour and drive back. In addition to the $4.50 admission, we should all try and leave another small donation...

sunburnt_curt

I've been driving past this place for years and finally stopped because I'm reading about WWII in North Africa. Can't believe I didn't visit much sooner. The museum has a lot of information and artifacts from not just about Patton and WWII, but also WWI, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. The topo map of southern California and Arizona is worth the price of admission, which is only $5 and worth every penny. In fact, it's worth $5 just to check out the tanks. Highly recommended!

MsBloo

My 14 year old son and I stopped off here on our way to San Diego from Arizona. It was time to stretch our legs and get fuel. There's a gas station across the parking lot. My son loves tanks and there were several here to check out. Inside the museum there were several displays to show what war was like in 1942. Outside they have the military vehicles on display. It's quite an impressive collection and is more than worth the small price of admission.

hannahm283

This was a place to visit with the utmost respect and awe of those who served under Patton. There were comprehensive displays and a video depicting camp young which is where the musuem is located. As we wove our way through the museum, perhaps the most touching moment came when a bus pulled up with about 10 men in uniform. They seemed to come to life for those brief moments because for them it was like yesterday. The display of all the tanks outside is also impressive. The most amazing thing about this place is the family that until 2000 had to use generators to power the gas station and other amenities that their parents started. It is still a family owned corporation and well worth the stop...well worth it.

janec445

In the region where General Patton established a desert training center in 1942, this museum is a tribute to him and all who have served in the military, to the present day.Be sure to see the outdoor exhibit of tanks.Admission is only $4.50.

tima705

I was impressed with this venue with all of it's artifacts and information of the famous World War II tank commander. Looking at some of the articles that were written about Gen. George S. Patton were amazing! For you war buffs this is something to add to your bucket list along with the Palm Springs Air Museum. Somewhere out behind the museum buried in the sand are many remnants of some of the training equipment that was used while training Patton's troops for the battle in Africa. Indio was the perfect place to practice in the sand for the troops going overseas to the African Desert! If you are in the Coachella Valley for any length of time, you should put this on your itinerary to see because it is a way to understand what troops went through to prepare for battle and the equipment and logistics it took to get there! There are many static displays inside and out, to include some of the many tanks that Patton used to practice with. The price to see the attraction is fairly priced and keeps the museum open all year round. Enjoy this piece of history and see why it was a part of keeping this nation free!

JMorgan92

We went for Veteran's Day and had a blast. There was a fly-over from San Diego (4x) with a "missing man" formation. There was a band and singers from the 40's, tanks for viewing, speakers, a chili cookoff, and a 96 yr. old man who drove Gen. Patton's jeep. Great time. Hot, but loads of fun.

233geraldh

This museum is well worth spending about an hour at if you are in the area. It is at an Interstate exit so it is very convenient to stop at. The museum has an indoor and outdoor display. The outdoor exhibit is a great place to see military vehicles, mostly tanks, from WWII onward. The indoor display opens with a huge 3D map map that shows landform of the Desert Training Center stretching from the San Diego coast up to Las Vegas and east to central Arizona. It is a spectacular high detail construction from 1920's. The indoor museum continues to include Patton era military hardware and an interesting video on Patton's accomplishments and vision that contributed to the success of USA in the North African desert warfare of WWII.

NEofAZ

Nice quick museum that high lights a very goood warrior general. The museum may be small but it has alot to offer inside. The pictures, collectables(weapons etc) and general(no pun intended) facts make this a nice break on your trip between Phoenix and the LA basin.The tanks outside are fair, but it was nice to see the M46 namesake along with the M4A4 that won the war in Eurpoe. The M48s and M60 are well used junk; however, if you've never been near one before you'll enjoy them(retired marine who has riden in M60 before). The gift shop is very small but you may find something you like.Hours are from 9am to 4pm with a very reasonable addimission($5 for adults, FREE if member of American Legion or VFW).Next door is a clean "pit-stop" and a small restaurant for your enjoyment(not associated with the museum).

CharleySays

Wow - to think all this stuff was collected and placed in the desert! And is all dusty as if it was in the desert. If you want to follow military history with Patton, you will be fascinated. There is a lot of history here. If the war effort and tanks are not you cup of tea, move along. This is a chance to get the feel of a commander and his troops and some of the things hey needed to endure to be soldiers in the desert theatre as they call it. The surrounding area was as close as we could get to the Sahara for training. Think about driving these metal beasts in 120 plus weather and it boggles the ming

clancy2013

Found this museum on trip advisor and changed plans at last minute to visit.Was worried that such a small museum would be a disappointment so it was a pleasant surprise. Very interesting museum with great outdoor exhibits. My 15yo son is a real World War 11 scholar but he learnt plenty of new facts while here.Great attraction which was the highlight of a long boring drive through the desert.Make sure you stop here to break the journey.Its well worth it.

nass673

...that turned out to be great! I was on my way to Blythe when I came across the sign for Patton's museum. I thought I'd stop and give it a go. I enjoyed reading about the rich history that General Patton lead during the war times. The most exciting part was viewing the tanks and old machinery used. Definitely worth the visit!

505gwynm

I'm a bit of a WWII buff, so finding this little museum paying tribute to General Patton was a great little find. Lots of neat artefacts inside, plus the outside tank exhibit, make this a worthwhile stop.

mesatraveler

This museum sits next to a well-used restaurant and gasstop on the I-10 mid-way between L.A. and Phoenix. We skippedit many times but decided to stop with young grandsons recently.Patton doesn't mean anything to their generation, but the indoorexhibit of guns and the sprawling outdoor exhibit of vintage tanksgrabbed their attention. A 30-minute stop probably suits mostvisitors of any age, so it's not a major time commitment and a lot of fun.