My family and I have been to Old Town for years. But never would I come to Mormon Battalion San Diego until this summer when I dragged myself and the kids outside the Old Town park to see what other places could be out there. And I am very happy that I found it.
The Mormon Battalion
This museum is a place to commemorate the grueling 2000-mile trek to San Diego by Mormon Battalion as part of the Army of the West in 1840s. The history comes alive through the multi-media world at the Mormon Battalion San Diego.
The tower at Mormon Battalion San Diego
Kids love this wagon in front of the museum
The Interactive Tour
Admission was FREE, including free old museum photograph and free gold panning. It opens daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Upon entering the museum, we were greeted by a nice lady (or sister) that told us what the museum for and the interactive cinema tour that we would see soon.
Inside the Mormon Battalion San Diego
There was also a theater room to see a video but we didn’t watch at that time. Instead we went straight to a waiting room while waiting for more visitors to come. The wall on one side in the room was covered by photo frames of the actors and artist involved in the tour.
Actors and Artists from The Cinema Tour
After many people gathered, the sisters introduced us to the tour. And suddenly the people in the photos spoke. And that was the starting point of the tour that has became my favorite. I won’t spill the beans. To sum, I loved it enough to make me came back for the second time.
We stopped in one room with an interactive screen. Nice story and effect
Kids Activities
After the interesting tour, we headed to next room to have our photo taken (below) as the ‘honorary member of the battalion’. The photo can be emailed or printed. I got a print and emailed it as well to my husband who was surprised to see us at the museum.
Honorary Member of the Mormon Battalion
Then, we were directed to the backyard for kids’ activities such as gold panning, water pumping, exploring the brick making and getting water from the well. My kids loved gold panning and water pumping the most.
Free gold panning at Mormon Battalion Museum
Pumping water like the old days
After playing with water, we went upstairs to the tower. In the tower you can see the views of the old town park and buildings. Binoculars were provided as well.
View from the Tower
My Review
Overall, it was fun. I am not a Mormon but I really recommend it. The tour is about 35 minutes. Make sure you have plenty of time before coming. Mormon Battalion San Diego is located at 2510 Juan Street. It is east north from the Old Town park and next to the Heritage Park. It’s still in a walking distance from the park. Parking is available behind the museum.
So have you ever been to Mormon Battalion San Diego museum? Feel free to share your experience.