Now that the Mardi Gras hoopla is past, the Crescent City can settle down to its usual not-so-quiet self with other exciting attractions. Among the most popular is the National World War II Museum, formerly called the D-Day Museum, and it has now expanded its ever-growing collections into three buildings.

On our last visit, we were taken through the exhibits by guides who were veterans of that historic war. It was exciting to hear about their personal experiences, as well as see the thousands of artifacts from that important period of American history.

There are many actual relics of the era there for visitors to see close up, including assault landing craft, airplanes, tanks, jeeps, weapons and uniforms from participating nations, both friend and foe. There’s also a U.S. Navy submarine that can be boarded, offering the experience of how it felt to serve under the ocean in wartime.  

The museum complex is just a short walk to the French Quarter, and located at 945 Magazine Street. It’s open daily from 9 to 5. Admission is $21 for adults, $12 for students and kids 12 and under, and free for children 5 and under. For more information, go to ddaymuseum.org