The museum's mission encompasses all branches of service as well as the home front and is certified by the United States Army Center of Military History[3] and the U.S. Air Force.

[4] The mission of the library, archive, and museum is to document, preserve, and depict the stories and contributions of Minnesotans who served in all branches of service or on the home front—in time of peace and war—from Minnesota's early frontier years to the present.

It seeks to strengthen public understanding of how armed conflicts and military institutions have shaped Minnesota's state and national experience.

The collection holds nearly 35,000 artifacts: uniforms, weapons, equipment, insignia and flags, training aids, and personal items—objects central to the museum's core mission—as well as tanks, aircraft, vehicles, artillery pieces, etc..

The archive includes photographs, personal letters and diaries, scrapbooks, maps, posters, sheet music, periodicals and newspapers, and official correspondence, records, and orders.