Mississippi is full of surprises. In fact, some of the state’s best attractions are also the most hidden. And that’s exactly the case with the GI Museum. Not only is it located off the beaten path, but it’s housed in a building that looks very similar to many others in rural Mississippi. However, no matter how much effort it takes to get to, it’s worth it. A great visit for all ages, the museum is stuffed with memorabilia, some of which is extremely rare. Take a look:

Remotely located in Ocean Springs, the GI Museum is one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets.

Sure to impress, the museum houses an impressive variety of military and war-related memorabilia.

You’ll easily spend hours perusing the more than 16,000 items on display in the museum.

The historic collection includes items from WWI all the way up to those used in Iraq.

With such a variety, visitors are treated to a unique glimpse into the past.

But the size of the museum’s collection isn’t the only impressive thing about it. There’s also the fact that it includes lots of rare items.

The museum’s highlights include a rare paratrooper dummy, one of only two Kodak battlefield darkrooms in existence, and 56 female dummies dressed in various uniforms, which is reportedly the largest collection of its type in the Southeast.

In addition to the slew of items inside, there’s plenty to see outside of the museum, including several military vehicles.

Among the outdoor collection, you’ll find four military jeeps, which have been completely restored.

There are also two helicopters for visitors to view.

You can even look inside the vehicles and helicopters, making for a truly unique experience.

So, are you ready to visit this hidden gem? The GI Museum is open every Wednesday as well as the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday of every month, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. And since it’s a non-profit, there's no charge for admission. However, donations are welcomed. For more information, call (228) 872-1943. You can also visit the GI Museum website or Facebook page.

Address: 5796 Ritcher Road, Ocean Springs, MS, 39564

This isn’t the only place to soak up some military history. Read about another here.