United States Army's Cavalry Museum
The United States Army’s Cavalry Museum is located in Fort Riley’s historic main post area, a neighborhood of historic limestone buildings and parade grounds near the Kansas River. Named for Major General Bennett C. Riley, an admired cavalry commander who led the first military escort along the Santa Fe Trail in 1829, Fort Riley was established in 1853 and initially supported the Army’s mission of protecting the movement of traders and pioneers along the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. The beautiful limestone building that houses the Cavalry Museum was constructed in 1855, initially for use as the post hospital, and has recently gone through a comprehensive renovation to better highlight the development of the cavalry from its earliest days during the Revolutionary War to today’s high tech employment on the modern battlefield. A succession of galleries, dioramas, and displays introduce the visitor to the cavalry soldier’s ever changing world – the means of transportation from the horse to the jeep and tank to the helicopter, the period uniforms and the variety of weapons – all representing the equipment necessary for cavalry soldiers to accomplish their mission. Outdoor displays include a variety of vehicles – tanks, halftracks, personnel carriers, and artillery pieces. Original nineteenth century artwork by Frederic Remington, William Trego, and Daniel Huntington as well as contemporary artists Don Stivers, Frank McCarthy, Joe Grandee, Donna Neary, and Don Troiani provide dramatic visual reminders of cavalry history while the museum gift shop offers a wide range of items to ensure that visitors of all ages will fondly recall the time they spent at the United States Army's Cavalry Museum.
Hours of operation
The museums share a large parking lot and are located in buildings 205 and 207 on Henry Avenue. Once renovations are complete and the museums are open hours of operation will be:
Monday – Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday Noon – 4:30 pm
There is no entrance fee for the museum.
