The Best War Memorial to Visit in Every State

For better or worse, war has helped define the very foundations of America. Between breaking away from English rule or keeping the country together during the Civil War, war has been a central theme of American life. It’s for this reason that so many different war memorials exist across the United States. If you’re ready for a road trip, this list will help you discover the best war memorials to visit in every state.

Alabama

You can’t visit Alabama without seeing the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. It’s hard to pass up exploring all 12 decks of this mighty ship that once patrolled the oceans.

Alaska

The outdoor Alaska Veterans Memorial located at Denali State Park was established to honor fallen soldiers. The Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, and Merchant Marines are all remembered.

Arizona

The Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in Phoenix is a prominent World War 2 memorial. A total of 400 one-foot limestone markers honor 1,000 lives each symbolizing the 400,000 Americans who died in the war.

Arkansas

Located in Camp Robinson in Arkansas, the Fallen Soldier Memorial honors those who have given their lives in combat since World War I. The National Guard hosts ceremonies at this location yearly to honor fallen soldiers.

California

The West Coast World War II Memorial in Golden Gate Park is the best war memorial in California. The curved granite wall is inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives in service to this country.

Colorado

The first memorial in the country to be dedicated to those who fought in every American war, the Colorado Freedom Memorial is well worth visiting. Every branch of the military is honored.

Connecticut

Visible for miles, the Soldiers’ And Sailors’ Monument in New Haven is the best in Connecticut. Built in 1887, it honors the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War.

Delaware

Located near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated in 1956. The memorial honors those from Delaware and New Jersey who gave their lives in World War 2 and Korea.

Florida

In Port St. Lucie Florida, you will find a memorial honoring soldiers who have fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In total, more than 349 names of Florida soldiers are inscribed on the granite memorial.

Georgia

As the only national park to serve as a memorial to Americans held as prisoners of war, Andersonville National Historic Site is well worth visiting. It’s the site of the largest Confederate military prison set up during the Civil War.

Hawaii

It goes without saying the Pearl Harbor National Memorial is the place to visit in Hawaii. It honors those who lost their lives on December 7, 1941, and helps us remember one of America’s darkest days.

Idaho

In Idaho, the Minidoka National Historic Site is a must-see location for all Americans. This is one of the sites where the Japanese were interred during World War 2 out of fear they were double agents.

Illinois

There are plenty of great monuments in Illinois, but none are as popular and well-known as Soldier Field. Home to the Chicago Bears, the 1924 stadium is a giant memorial honoring those who lost their lives in WWI.

Indiana

The best war memorial in Indiana is the Indiana War Memorial and Museum. Originally built to honor those who served in WWI, the entire five-block plaza is the largest war memorial in the United States.

Iowa

Dedicated to Iowa residents who fought in all wars, the Iowa Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum is a wonderful place to see.

Kansas

Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas is the best war memorial in the state. A multi-purpose auditorium, the location was built to honor World War II veterans.

Kentucky

The Kentucky War Memorial is dedicated to all the Kentucky residents who died in war. Over 65 feet high, the 1850 monument originally honored just those who died up to 1850.

Louisiana

No visit to Louisiana is complete without a stop at the National WWII Museum. Both a place of history and a memorial to fallen soldiers, this is one of the most comprehensive war museums in the country.

Maine

The USS Maine Memorial overlooks the remains of the 230 crew members who died on the ship. Exploding off the coast of Havana, Cuba, the event set off the Spanish-American War.

Maryland

The Maryland World War II Memorial in Annapolis should be your first stop in a state full of war memorials. The 48 granite pillars honor the 48 states that participated in the war.

Massachusetts

The oldest war memorial in the United States belongs to the Lexington Revolutionary War Monument. Its location matches exactly where the Lexington militia confronted British soldiers on April 19, 1775.

Michigan

An unusual but moving war memorial in Michigan is The War Memorial housed at the Russell Alger family mansion in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. The house was dedicated to those lost in battle during World War II.

Minnesota

Located near the State Capital Complex, the Court of Honor memorializes all Minnesotans who fought and died in the Civil War through Vietnam. In total, 57,413 Minnesotans are honored by this memorial.

Mississippi

It’s easy to argue the Vicksburg National Military Park is the best war memorial in Mississippi. The memorial has about 1,400 different monuments honoring this pivotal Civil War battle.

Missouri

When in Missouri, take a trip to the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City. First opened in 1926, this is the country’s primary war memorial dedicated to World War I.

Montana

The Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument should be your first war memorial stop in Montana. This site commemorates the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 between the U.S. Army and Native Americans.

Nebraska

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Memorial Park offers a beautiful monument to soldiers from Douglas County who served in the armed forces.

Nevada

Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetary is a memorial well worth visiting. Across 79 acres, this site is the final resting place for any qualifying member of the armed forces.

New Hampshire

Located in downtown Lebanon, New Hampshire is its beloved World War I memorial. Inscribed on the memorial are all of the Lebanon residents who served in World War I.

New Jersey

The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is dedicated to the 1,500 residents of the state who lost their lives in the war. The “Letters from Home” sculpture is a beautiful place to visit.

New Mexico

In New Mexico, the Veterans’ Memorial Park is located in Las Cruces. The 1999 memorial includes memorials for the Korean War, Marine Corps, Special Forces, World War 2, and more.

New York

The most important war memorial in New York is the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Honoring those who lost their lives on 9/11, it’s a reminder for those fighting the global war on terror.

North Carolina

Moored near historic downtown Wilmington is the Battleship North Carolina. Serving in every major naval offensive in the Pacific during World War II, the ship earned 15 battle stars.

North Dakota

Connecting Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota, the Veterans Memorial Bridge commemorates those who have served in the U.S. military. Ten columns represent the different branches of the military and various veteran organizations.

Ohio

One of the most prominent war memorials in Ohio is the Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Celebrating a naval victory during the War of 1812, the memorial is 352 feet tall.

Oklahoma

Located at the Kiamichi War Valley Memorial in Talihina, Oklahoma is a M110 howitzer. While this location honors fallen service members, it’s also believed this weapon points to a similar howitzer in Talihina, Virginia.

Oregon

Dedicated to World War II veterans, the Oregon World War II Memorial is located on State Capitol grounds. A total of nine memorial plaques honor the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Corps, National Guard, and Civilians.

Pennsylvania

Located in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania is the National Memorial Arch. The arch celebrates the arrival of George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge.

Rhode Island

A big attraction in Rhode Island is the World War II Veterans Memorial State Park. A large granite monument honors Rhode Island residents who gave their lives during the war.

South Carolina

There is something incredible about visiting the USS Yorktown in Charleston. Having participated in 40 World War II battles, the Yorktown is a beautiful display of the once mighty ship.

South Dakota

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is one of the most unique war memorial locations. The memorial is designed to the approximate size of the battleship while honoring its World War 2 history.

Tennessee

No visit to Tennessee is complete without seeing the beautiful World War II Memorial in Nashville. A total of 2,800 square feet offers larger-than-life sculptures and a granite plaza honoring those who served and died.

Texas

With more than 289,000 Texans serving in the Korean War, the Korean War Veterans Memorial includes the name of 1,723 Texas who died fighting in the “forgotten war.”

Utah

The Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park is in Bluffdale. This location offers a central plaza full of sculptures as well as a final resting place for many of Utah’s veterans.

Vermont

As the tallest man-made building in Vermont, the Bennington Battle Monument is worth visiting. The monument memorializes a pivotal victory for American forces against the British in 1777.

Virginia

The Virginia War Memorial and the Shrine of Memory are must-see in Virginia. This beautifully built memorial celebrates Virginians who lost their lives from World War 2 until today.

Washington

Best known as Winged Victory, this World War I memorial in Olympia, Washington is beautiful. The memorial is dedicated to all who died in World War I and is celebrated for including a Red Cross nurse in the group.

West Virginia

A two-story oval-shaped monument, the West Virginia Veterans Memorial honors more than 10,000 West Virginia soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Wisconsin

The largest manned Veterans Park in the country, The Highground Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project is a 155-acre park that includes a museum, gift shop, and picnic areas.

Wyoming

Originally dedicated to the 30,000 Wyoming veterans who served in World War II, the University of Wyoming “War Memorial” is now dedicated to all Wyoming Veterans. It’s also the highest Division 1 stadium in the country at 7,215 feet above sea level.

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