The National Museum of Military Vehicles (NMMV) near Dubois has been recognized as one of the 10 best new attractions in a national competition conducted by USA TODAY.

The  privately funded, 140,000 square-foot museum houses the largest collection of military vehicles in the world. Its primary focus is on vehicles from World War II and the U.S.-involved military conflicts in Korea and Vietnam.

“This award is a tribute not to our museum, but to the service and sacrifice of American veterans and their families,” said Dan Starks, founder and chairman of NMMV. “Their stories, and the history of American freedom depicted in our museum, resonate at a deep emotional level with museum guests, as confirmed by this recognition.”

Starks said museum visitors typically respond to their tour of the museum by saying it offers more than they expected. While tanks, jeeps and trucks are the focal point of the facility, its prize artifact is the musket that fired the first shot at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, said Alynne Catron, executive director of NMMV.

“We refer to this musket as the Liberty Bell of American firearms, given its role in founding our country,” Catron said.

The nonprofit museum is home to more than 450 military vehicles, with many other firearms, documents, accessories and archived materials. The collection is growing. NMMV also offers a 64-seat theater, classroom and meeting space, a gift shop and an outdoor pavilion.

Nominees for the top 10 recognition were chosen by a panel including USA TODAY analysts, 10 Best editors, travel experts and other relevant contributors. The winners were chosen by the public.

The NMMW opened on a limit basis in August, with a mission “to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families, educate next generations on the history of American freedom, and share historic military vehicles.” Planners hope to conduct a grand opening this year, when COVID-19 conditions safely permit.