13 Quirky American Museums You’ve Got to Check Out
There are museums all over America dedicated to art, science, and history, but for the adventurous traveler with a sense of humor, there’s a whole world of oddball museums waiting to be discovered. From toe tickling tickle spots to downright bizarre collections, these quirky museums will give you experiences you won’t get from a history textbook or art gallery.
If you’re looking for the perfect pit stops on a road trip or a reason to plan a weekend getaway, why not consider these quirky museums?
Middleton, Wisconsin – National Mustard Museum
Get ready for something that’s anything but bland. Over 6,000 mustards from all 50 states and over 70 countries are housed at the National Mustard Museum. That’s right, 6,000 mustards! This museum celebrates everything mustard related from vintage mustard pots to unique flavors you never imagined. You can even take a few exotic varieties and buy a jar of your favorite to bring home. If you’re ever in the Midwest, it’s a must stop.
Austin, Minnesota – The Spam Museum
The Spam Museum is the place to go if you’ve ever been curious about the iconic canned meat that Americans love. This museum in Austin, Minnesota, is all about Spam, its history, and its surprisingly global fan base. Interactive exhibits, recipe cards, and odd facts about this beloved (or bewildering) food are some activities to expect here. There are also giant cans of Spam you can take pictures with.
Somerville, Massachusetts – Museum of Bad Art
The Museum of Bad Art is a refreshing twist for anyone who’s ever been confused in an art museum, wondering what’s ‘good’ art. What makes these pieces so endearing is that they didn’t quite hit the mark. Whether it’s a self-portrait that’s a little quirky or a landscape that’s a little baffling, the museum embraces art gone wrong. Sometimes art is just as enjoyable when it’s delightfully bad, and this place proves it.
Portland, Maine – The International Cryptozoology Museum
If you’re a fan of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or the Jersey Devil, then Portland’s International Cryptozoology Museum should be on your travel list. This museum is all about the mysterious creatures that may (or may not) be out there, and the exhibits will make you wonder twice about what’s out there in the wilderness. It’s a thrill for the curious — from plaster casts of footprints to alleged hair samples.
Baltimore, Maryland – American Visionary Art Museum
The American Visionary Art Museum is dedicated to displaying the work of self-taught artists and is full of unexpected and unconventional creations featuring sculptures created by very traditional methods, deeply personal paintings, and lots more. This museum celebrates raw creativity and you’ll see work from artists who aren’t traditionally trained but have a way with the extraordinary from the everyday.
Mecca, California – International Banana Museum
A museum devoted to bananas? Yep! This small museum in California has every banana related item you can imagine, from vintage banana pins to banana shaped salt shakers. Even a banana themed snack bar is available where you can have a banana milkshake or split. It’s quirky, fruity, and a riot if you have a soft spot for the yellow fruit.
LeRoy, New York – The Jell-O Gallery Museum
This museum is about the classic American dessert that’s wiggled its way into family dinners, potlucks, and holidays for generations — and it’s located in the birthplace of Jell-O. You’ll read about Jell-O’s history, see vintage ads, and look at some oddball flavors that didn’t quite catch on. It is a sweet, nostalgic, and whimsical adventure.
Fort Mitchell, Kentucky – Vent Haven Museum
Vent Haven Museum is dedicated to ventriloquist dummies; Over 800 of them! They’re charming to some, and well… a memorable experience for others. The personalities, expressions, and outfits of these dummies are all their own and the museum has amassed an impressive (and slightly eerie) collection of them. Vent Haven is a one-of-a-kind visit if you’re brave enough.
Pocatello, Idaho – The Museum of Clean
A museum about cleanliness? The Museum of Clean is surprisingly fascinating, it might sound strange to say. This museum covers the history and culture of staying squeaky clean from antique vacuums to early soap advertisements. Hands on exhibits and artifacts that will make you realize how rich the art of tidiness really is, who knew scrubbing had such a rich background?
Burlingame, California – Museum of Pez Memorabilia
If you’re one of those people who had fond memories of collecting Pez dispensers as a kid, this museum in California will bring you right back. It’s like stepping into a Pez time capsule with an impressive collection of Pez dispensers from every era. The collection is a colorful nod to candy, and its quirky pop culture impact, from superhero dispensers to rare finds.
Blackfoot, Idaho – Idaho Potato Museum
Idaho is famous for its potatoes and has a spud museum. The Idaho Potato Museum celebrates potato farming history and the role potatoes played in American food culture. Potato art, potato cooking tips, and the world’s largest potato chip are all here. It’s a delight for fans of French fries, mashed potatoes, or any other form of spud.
Las Vegas, Nevada – Neon Museum
The Neon Museum does a bang-up job capturing all the glitz of Las Vegas’ iconic signage. Vintage neon signs that used to light up the Las Vegas Strip can be found here. It’s like walking through the blazing history of Vegas itself, with signs from famous casinos and hotels. Nothing beats a nighttime tour so you have an up close and personal view of the city’s dazzling past.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Kazoo Museum
The Kazoo Museum rounds out the list with a celebration of the niggling, buzzing instrument that has brought joy and sometimes irritation to generations. This tiny museum in South Carolina has historical kazoos, novelty items, and even a workshop where you can make your own kazoo. A quirky, musical experience that’ll make visitors smile.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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