The National Infantry Museum & Soldier Center sits at 1775 Legacy Way, and the museum says its collection includes more than 70,000 artifacts covering the last 250 years of American military history.

Whether you live nearby or are passing through, the museum rewards an unhurried pace. This guide covers the basics before you head out.

Hours and admission

The museum's regular schedule is Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It closes on Mondays except Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Admission is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person. The Giant Screen Theater and the virtual reality simulators are separate charges, and the museum's page does not list their prices.

The museum also lists special hours and closures for certain dates, so open its visit page before choosing your day.

What to expect inside

The visit is self-guided. You receive a visitor's guide and a short welcome from a volunteer, and volunteers in blue shirts are on hand to answer questions about the exhibits.

The museum recommends allowing at least three hours, and its site says you could easily spend a full day there. The site also points families to a NIM Kids section and a Graduation Day guide, and there is a store for gifts and souvenirs.

Comfortable shoes help, and arriving early leaves room for both the galleries and a theater showing.

Getting there and getting around

Parking is free, with a traffic circle at the front for drop-offs and accessible parking near the entrance. Elevators serve every floor, seating is placed throughout, and manual wheelchairs can be used at no charge. A limited number of free strollers are available; visit the info desk in the lobby or call (706) 685-5800 for details.

Service dogs and other trained service animals are welcome. Other pets are not allowed on the museum grounds.

Rules to know before you go

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the museum or the Giant Screen Theater, though the museum says it will accommodate dietary restrictions. A concessions stand at the Giant Screen Theater sells food and drinks.

Oversized bags and so-called smart bags are not allowed, and guns, knives and pepper spray are prohibited. Staff run bag checks and wand scans at entry, so allow a few extra minutes. The museum describes itself as a family venue and bars clothing with profanity or language that demeans people.

Planning the rest of your trip

Visit Columbus GA, the area's tourism organization, also lists the museum. You can reach the museum at (706) 685-5800.

Hours, special schedules, and policies can change, so confirm the details on the museum's official visit page before you go.