10 Museums in the U.S. You Had No Idea Existed

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Museums are a great way to learn about history, art, and science. You’ve heard of the Smithsonian or the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but there are so many hidden gems across the United States that fly under the radar for most.

These rich and quirky museums will catch your attention whether you are a history buff, an Art lover, or someone who gets a kick out of the odd. So let’s get into 10 museums you might not have known about.

Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)—Somerville, Massachusetts

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Somerville, MOBA is devoted to celebrating art that’s so bad it’s good. The museum’s tagline is ‘art too bad to be ignored,’ its works go beyond the boundaries of creative expression in all the wrong and somehow right ways. It’s funny because you can enjoy art, even if it’s not perfect.

The International Cryptozoology Museum—Portland, Maine

Photo Credit: Syrio/Wikimedia Common

Have you ever considered Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster? If you’re interested in creatures of legend, this museum is a treasure trove. Sasquatch and sea serpents are just a couple of the mysterious and mythical animals explored at the International Cryptozoology Museum, the only one of its kind.

Museum of Clean – Pocatello, Idaho

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This museum is dedicated to cleanliness. It houses a collection of old-fashioned vacuum cleaners and antique washing machines. There’s something unexpectedly engaging about the place and its story of the evolution of cleanliness and its consequences in our daily lives.

The Museum of Everyday Life—Glover, Vermont

Photo Credit: Andreykor/Wikimedia Common

At this museum, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The Museum of Everyday Life, which shows you toothbrushes, scissors, and safety pins that are not uncommon, is meant to expose the little-known stories and enormous importance of the everyday objects used every day. It’s a reminder that sometimes the little things are the most beautiful.

Home of the National Mustard Museum– Middleton, Wisconsin

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Mustard enthusiasts will love this quirky museum with more than 6,000 jars of mustard from all over the world. Visitors can explore this beloved condiment’s history, culture, and variety, from spicy to sweet. This is a surprisingly delightful dive into a pantry staple.

The Museum of the Weird— Austin, Texas

Texas' Museum of the Weird
Photo Credit: Larry D. Moore/Wikimedia Commons

This museum lives up to its name and is located on Austin’s famous 6th Street. The Museum of the Weird has oddities such as shrunken heads, a two-headed calf, and wax figures of monstrous creatures. It’s perfect for anyone with a love of the bizarre.

The Idaho Potato Museum— Blackfoot, Idaho

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Potato fans will love this spectacular museum! It is dedicated to Idaho’s most famous crop and features everything from the history of potato farming to fun facts about the versatile vegetable. There is also a giant potato sculpture that offers opportunities to take crazy photos.

The American Visionary Art Museum—Baltimore, Maryland

Photo Credit: Cynthia Ortega Espinosa/Wikimedia Common

The American Visionary Art Museum is for self-taught artists and their amazing creations. It features inspiring yet unconventional works. The statues here are startling tales of creativity and resilience at their own height.

The SPAM Museum— Austin, Minnesota

Weirdly Wonderful U.S. Attractions
Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull/Wikimedia Commons

SPAM has a great story behind it. Interactive exhibits, vintage advertisements, and even an opportunity to taste different SPAM varieties. Step into this world of canned meat in this museum. It’s a fun, flavorful surprise.

Vent Haven Museum— Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

Photo Credit: just-pics/Pixabay

Vent Haven is the world’s only museum devoted to ventriloquism, with more than 900 ventriloquist dummies, photographs, and memorabilia. Walking through this collection is fascinating and eerie, giving a glimpse into the history and artistry of this one-of-a-kind form of entertainment.

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Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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