National Museum of Military Vehicles

Larry Cloetta

Larry Cloetta

Veteran
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Jun 16, 2006
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Am imagining there are few here who would be interested in this, but, for those who might be, this is an extraordinary museum. Opened in 2020. Located 8 miles east of Dubois, WY. Dubois (Dooboyz, not Dubwah. For those who believe that language doesn't degenerate it only changes, well, here you are.)
Dubois is in the middle of nowhere, so this museum is 8 miles east of that.
And, it is amazing, and I don't use the word lightly. World's largest private collection of military vehicles, larger than that of most, if not all, countries.

Anyone wanting to get out of the house this Summer, and remotely in the area, this is a must see.
Smattering of photos to follow.

https://www.nmmv.org


Entry off the highway



Entry area to main building
 

Dan Starks, Owner and Founder

He gives energetic, and information packed 2 hour tours of the museum twice a day, most days. Highly recommended.
The $100 million put into this museum was all his money, a true labor of love. The indoor facility is now 140,000 square feet, devoted mostly to WWII vehicles of the various involved countries. He plans to almost double the size of the facility by adding Korean War and Vietnam War sections, some of which may be opening later this year.

He bought his first tank in 2012 after discovering that private individuals could buy and own tanks. He thought it would be fun to have a tank to drive down Main Street in Dubois in the annual 4th of July Parade. Once you have one tank, you want another apparently. Then you do a museum so you can share them and some historical knowledge with others.
 





Every tank, motorcycle, armored personnel carrier, in here has been fully restored to full operating condition, and can be driven in and out of the museum. There are scores of other vehicles outside the main building which are in the process of restoration.
 

Map outlining the operating area of the Red Ball express of logistical support to the Allied invasion force post D-Day.





Transport and supply vehicles used in the above Red Ball express support operation. The attention to detail all through the museum is extraordinary. The "cobblestones", meant to convey a sense of the transport operation, are projected on the floor from the ceiling.
 

Muzzle sections from 3 of the USS Missouri's 9 16 inch guns, which fired 2,700 lb projectiles, and the ship on which MacArthur accepted the Japanese surrender.
Mr. Starks wanted to locate and purchase the other 6, but by the time he got there all the barrels from the big guns on the Missouri had been sold to the Chinese as scrap steel.
 




Some of the vehicles located outside the museum, awaiting full restoration of the completion of the Korean War or Vietnam War sections.
 

You can take your dog, but he can't go inside.

That's all from me. As noted at the outset, I realize this is a subject that won't be interesting to many here, but hoped some might find it interesting, and put this place on your radar if you are ever in the area. And, if last summer was any indication, most of the country will be in the area again this summer.
Pictures can't do justice to this museum. The fact that one man put this together by himself with his own money and time makes it even more amazing.
 
Larry, that is a spectacular effort by Dan Starks. To think that the museum is entirety his collection and his money, what an effort, and exceedingly well done. Thanks for sharing. Great photos from you.
 
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