Military Service Recognition
Military members and their immediate family members receive a 10% discount on daily admission rates
May 18 - September 2, 2024
Blue Star Museum Initiative
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America, offering free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
Please present one of the following upon check-in at the Front Desk: Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), or DD From 1173 -1 ID. The active duty military family member does not need to be present in order for their family to visit the Museum.
The 2024 Blue Star Museums program begins on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024 and ends on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024.
July 5 - July 7 and November 11, 2024
Military Appreciation Days
These special events take place at the Museum twice a year to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Military Service members (past and present) and their families and includes free Museum admission.
2024 Military Appreciation Days will take place on July 5 – 7 and November 10.
Every Day
Daily Admission & Membership Discount
Military members and their immediate family members receive a 10% discount on daily admission rates* or an annual membership.
*NOTE: active-duty military personnel get free admission through Blue Star Museum Initiative May 18-September 2.
For more information, please contact Kim Kleven, Vice President of Play and Learning at kim.kleven@cmsouthernmn.org.
Many thanks to Mankato Eagles Aerie & Auxiliary, VFW Post 1803 Le Center, American Legion Post No. 294, and Albert Nagel RADL Post 1648 VFW for providing funding to help support Military Appreciation initiatives at the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota in 2022.