Museum takes part in Military Appreciation Month

The Miracle of America Museum in Polson is recognizing Military Appreciation Month in May.

Visitors will find posters and memorabilia along with more than 30 military vehicles ranging from bicycles and motorcycles to Jeeps, tanks and armored personnel carriers. Twelve of the 30 military vehicles have been driven in Memorial Day parades from Polson to Whitefish and Plains. In addition to the vehicles, visitors can check out an A7D Vaught Corsair attack bomber and a T-33 fighter trainer. Both planes have stairs up to the cockpits for an up-close inspection.

In the main building, history comes to life in the displays that cover the military in war and peace. The exhibits provide a special place for veterans to remember and their families to learn more about their time spent serving their country.

“The tribute to veterans isn’t to glorify war, but to recognize the veterans of all wars and to help each of us remember the sacrifices they made to preserve our freedoms,” said Gil Mangels, founder of the museum.

The kid-friendly Museum complex contains more than 42 buildings on 4 acres including a Pioneer Village with a school, blacksmith shop, gun shop, barber shop and a sod-roofed log cabin.

The Museum is located at 36094 Memory Lane in Polson and is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for children 2-12 and $10 for adults. Children under 2 are admitted free.