Open House at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, MN
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August 1, 2024: Crews started work on the new Minnesota Military and Veterans Muesum, just east of the Minnesota State Veteran Cemetery near Camp Ripley. The hope is that it will open on or about Memorial Day in May of 2026. Details in the Brainerd Dispatch.
September 16, 2023, 2 pm: Groundbreaking for the new Minnesota Military Museum was held just east of Camp Ripley. Kevin Doran from Hubbard Broadcating was the MC. Honor Guards from around Minnesota were there to present the flags. Minnesota National Guard General Lowell Kruse was one of the speakers, as was General Joseph Votel who gave the Keynote address. He said he is looking forward to the 2026 grand opening and seeing the conning tower of a submarine emerging from the snow in winter. Air Force Master Sergeant Jessica Lewellen sang God Bless America to the applause of everyone.
A 1943 vintage bulldozer was used by a Seabee re-enactor to push dirt at the ceremony.
September 16, 2023, 10 am to 2 pm: Camp Ripley was open to the public. The 34th red Bull Band performed for the audience. Civil War and WWII reenactors were on hand. There was even a first aid vehicle that was like you might have seen on M*A*S*H 4077 on TV.
August 19, 2022: Members of the 194th Armor Regiment, family and some Brainerd VFW members traveled to Camp Ripley to see live fire training of the Army's Abrams M1A1 SA Main Battle Tank, similar to the ones used in the Gulf War.
Members of the 194th Armor at Camp Ripley August 19, 2022
September 19, 2021: Open house at Camp Ripley, about 25 miles south of Brainerd. Visitors first saw Brainerd VFW Commander Chip Borle directing traffic because he is a part of the Minnesota National Guard. Lots of hardware was shown to the public, including antique cars. The presentation that day involved native Americans who served in our military. There was a flyover by two military fighter jets.
