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Visit Us

Come visit the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum today. The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum honors the heroic service of all Iowa veterans, as we collect, preserve and exhibit materials illustrating the story of Iowa’s military past, from statehood to the present. Our mission is to honor and depict the military experiences of Iowa citizens in all wars, homeland defense and service to the state.

Admission is always free.

Directions & Location

Download our for step-by-step PDF directions

The Museum is located on the northeast side of the Camp Dodge Joint Maneuver Training Center, located in Johnston Iowa. A valid driver’s license or government photo identification is required to enter Camp Dodge. The post’s main entrance is located at 7105 Northwest 70th Avenue, in Johnston.

To travel from the main gate to the Museum use the directions below.

• Once through main gate take Maintenance Drive north to 5th Street
• Turn right onto 5th Street and follow until reaching Burma Road
• Turn Left onto Burma Road
• Follow Burma Road north one block. The Museum will be on the north side of the intersection of 7th Street and Burma Road T intersection

Parking Options

Parking, including handicapped parking, is available in front of the Museum. Additional parking may be found either across the street on Burma Road, or in the parking lot located behind the Museum.

Accessibility

The Museum is wheelchair-accessible. There are a limited number of wheelchairs available for our visitors.

Groups and Schools

The Museum offers a variety of challenging programs, which creates unique and exciting educational experiences for both youth and school groups. To learn more, or to register for a visit, contact the Museum at (515) 252-4531.

Five Educational Field Trips Near the DSM Metro:

Five Educational Field Trips Near the DSM Metro and guess who made the list?

Exhibits

• Spanish-American War
• Civil War
• World War I (WWI)
• World War II (WWII)
• Cold War
• Korean War
• Vietnam War
• Persian Gulf War
• Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom
• Iowa State Patrol

Facilities

• Brig. Gen. (IA) Edward W. Bird Memorial Library
• The Ruptured Duck Gift Shop
• Museum Book Store
• Col. Al Rolfes Education Center
• More than 30,000 square feet of exhibit and storage space.

Our Gift Shop

The Ruptured Duck

WHAT IS THE RUPTURED DUCK?

The Ruptured Duck is the Honorable Service Lapel Button awarded to United States military service members who were discharged under honorable conditions during World War II. The award is sometimes colloquially called the Ruptured Duck.

We have a variety of items which can be purchased at the gift shop ranging from clothing to historical literature. We can ship some items for cost plus shipping and handling, please call (515) 252-4531 for details.

Our Used Book Store

The Museum also has a book store with a variety of items for sale including DVD movies. Most books are $2.00.