National Museum of the Pacific War
About This Museum
Tucked away in the Texas Hill Country, far from any ocean, lies the National Museum of the Pacific War. It feels both improbable and profoundly right, a world-class military museum born from the hometown of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. You don't just walk through exhibits here; you descend into the claustrophobic interior of a submarine and feel the deck shake beneath your feet during a simulated naval battle. The sheer scale of the conflict unfolds across multiple buildings, making it a deeply immersive, and surprisingly emotional, journey.
Collection Highlights
The museum's heart is the Admiral Nimitz Gallery, housed in his family's old hotel. But the true showstopper is the Pacific Combat Zone, an outdoor exhibit featuring a full-scale PT boat, a Japanese tank, and a recreated Tarawa landing beach. You can also stand mere feet from a restored B-25 Mitchell bomber and see the Japanese midget submarine that participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Visitor Information
Give yourself at least three to four hours; this isn't a place you can rush. It's right on Main Street in Fredericksburg, so you can easily pair your visit with lunch at one of the local German restaurants—a unique cultural juxtaposition. Check their website for the live reenactment schedule at the Pacific Combat Zone, as they're worth planning your trip around.
Architecture & Building
The complex blends history with modern design. The original building is the restored Nimitz Steamboat Hotel, a charming 19th-century structure with a distinctive 'steamboat' facade. This historic core is now seamlessly connected to sleek, contemporary pavilions and expansive outdoor exhibit spaces that house the larger artifacts.
Contact & Location
Address: 311, East Austin Street, Fredericksburg, Gillespie County, Texas, 78624, United States
Phone: +1 830-997-8600
Website: Visit Website
