The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Texas, United States

December 1, 2021 Hana Mouser

Texas has great beaches for bird watching, boating, and fishing. Plus golf courses, cowboy and high art culture, and a rich history. Bask on the beach and bird watch between golf games before, during, or after spring break in Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Crystal Beach, or South Padre Island. Explore East Texas from Dallas to Tyler, Texarkana, Jefferson, and Nacogdoches. Enjoy golf and big city life in Dallas or Houston. Visit Galveston's coastal Strand. Tour West Texas and Hill Country from San Antonio, New Braunfels, Austin, and Fredericksburg to Amarillo and El Paso.
Restaurants in Texas

1. George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845-3906 +1 979-691-4000 [email protected] http://bush41.org
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,229 reviews

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a research institution and academic environment dedicated to the preservation, research and exhibit of official records, personal papers and memorabilia from the life and career of George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, with more than 43 million pages of official and personal papers, 2 million photos, 2,500 hours of videotape and 100,000 museum objects. Covering much of U.S. history since 1941, the library and museum features a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a piece of the Berlin Wall, and precise replicas of President Bush's Oval Office, Camp David office and White House Situation Room. The museum also features a temporary exhibit gallery which lends to an ever-changing museum to visit. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Reviewed By 15er - Lake Charles, United States

This place is rich with history. Those who might enjoy this place: History Buffs, School-aged kids, WWII Vets, Gulf War Vets, etc. Also, who would enjoy this place are: People who are able to look at the Big Picture and see reality for what it is, Those who appreciate traditional family values, Those who know the value of serving others, those who value all Human Life, including the lives of our enemies overseas- This great man lived such values, as reflected by his quotes which are posted, throughout the museum. What a beautiful story of a great man. The legacy he left should be an inspiration to most Americans!

2. Silent Wings Museum

6202 N I-27, Lubbock, TX 79403-7523 +1 806-775-3049 http://silentwingsmuseum.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 228 reviews

Silent Wings Museum

This museum tells the story of gliders that were used during World War II.

Reviewed By 747Tracy - Waverly, United States

I had no idea what a glider plane was until I visited the Silent Wings Museum. What a neat part of history to learn about! There was a LOT to read- I did not read it all, but I did stop and read some very interesting stories. The bicycle story, the blood chits, the opportunity to look in a full size glider- the rope! I loved it. I could not get over the low cost to get into the museum- a discount was applied since we did go to the Buddy Holly museum prior to this museum. Thank you for this opportunity to come to this well laid out museum and breathtaking room that opened up to a real glider and planes.

3. Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

4341 Canyon Dr, Amarillo, TX 79110-1901 +1 806-358-4891 http://www.rvmuseum.net/
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 641 reviews

Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

Reviewed By ltt244 - Tucson, United States

Enjoyed the collection and story behind the collection of old RV's and camping paraphernalia. Brought back a lot of memories of camping as a kid. Fun stop and thanks to Jack for putting this together and keeping it free to the public!

4. Witte Museum

3801 Broadway St At the edge of Brackenridge Park, San Antonio, TX 78209-6396 +1 210-357-1900 [email protected] http://www.wittemuseum.org
Excellent
55%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 611 reviews

Witte Museum

The Witte Museum is Where Nature, Science and Culture Meet. Discover Texas Deep Time in spacious galleries located on a beautiful, riverside campus. Explore dinosaurs, Chili Queens and cattle kings, original Gallery Theater plays and so much more. Come discover YOUR Witte Museum.

Reviewed By BennettS_12

We visited the Witte to see their current art exhibition, which was fantastic. Then we were pleasantly surprised to learn they are more than an art museum with wonderrful interesting exhibits of native Texas history and wildlife.

5. The Houston Museum of Natural Science

5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030-1718 +1 713-639-4629 [email protected] http://www.hmns.org
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,002 reviews

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

This outstanding science museum has a spectacular collection of mineral specimens, a dinosaur skeleton, space-station models, a planetarium, IMAX theater and a six-story butterfly center in which these beautiful creatures land delicately on outstretched arms.

Reviewed By Agarrino

Another mandatory visit while in Houston, is the Natural History Museum. You will need a complete day (or even more) to really check everything on display, since there are 4 floors full of interesting items: Full body dinosaurs skeletons, phosils of all sort, trilobites, scientist working in labs opened to visitors, an impressive collection of cristal minerals and jewels, sculptures and a great collection of ancient Egypt items, including three real mummys. Also great the butterfly interior garden.

6. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202-3301 +1 214-747-6660 [email protected] http://www.jfk.org
Excellent
67%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9,127 reviews

The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

One of Texas’ most visited historic sites, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum is in the former Texas School Book Depository building, where evidence of a sniper was found after the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Much of the exhibit space looks as it appeared in the 1960s. Highlights include a sniper’s perch, the FBI model used by the Warren Commission, an original teletype machine that first transmitted news of the president’s death, Oswald’s wedding ring, historic films, photos and more. An interactive display overlooks Dealey Plaza. Admission includes an audio guide, available in eight languages including ASL. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. RECOMMENDED: Buy timed-entry tickets in advance at jfk.org. The most convenient paid parking is adjacent to the building; stay in the far right lane of Elm Street to enter the parking lot.

Reviewed By jennlovesfood - San Diego, United States

I have always, always wanted to visit Dealey Plaza. I was not alive when President Kennedy was assassinated, but I am a history teacher and I have studied the Kennedy Assassination extensively because it is one of the most fascinating turning points in American history. We arrived in Dealey Plaza very early (about 8:30am) which was absolutely fabulous because we had time to explore the ground before the crowds of visitors arrived and before our Sixth Floor Museum entrance time. As a matter of fact, we pretty much had the place to ourselves for awhile so we could explore every inch of this fascinating historical landmark. We had the first time slot into the museum that morning so we met our tour group ahead of time. The audio tour and visual historical accounts on the displays were phenomenal. It was creepy to walk through this building but also incredibly interesting. The spot where Oswald fired the fatal shots that killed JFK is behind glass but you can stand at the windows next to it and see what the shot looked like. Not much has changed in Dealey Plaza except for the trees growing taller so it was a good representation of what the area looked like in 1963. Standing in that spot answered the question I always wondered - could Oswald have made the shots from that window. Just BEING in Dealey Plaza and standing on the 6th floor of the former Texas School Book Depository answered all the questions I ever had about this mystery. The other coolest thing EVER was seeing the actual suit worn by the police officer who was handcuffed to Oswald when Jack Ruby shot him. And there was Jack Ruby's hat on display - gave me chills. I had seen the pictures so many times but to see the actual artifacts in person was just awesome. I highly recommend this spot to ANYONE - not just history teachers or die hard history buffs. American history changed in this spot back in 1963 and it is worth exploring.

7. Texas Prison Museum

491 State Highway 75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320-1119 +1 936-295-2155 http://www.txprisonmuseum.org/
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

Texas Prison Museum

Learn about the Texas prison system including an exhibit of the electric chair dubbed "Old Sparky".

Reviewed By CJTravelerTexas - Texas, United States

Earlier this week I visited the Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville, and had the opportunity to meet with the outgoing and incoming Directors of this marvelous museum and to see what expansion has taken place since I last visited. The added space has provided an opportunity to showcase additional exhibits. Persons interested in criminal justice and penal history, particularly as it relates to the Lone Star State, would enjoy visiting the Texas Prison Museum.

8. LBJ Presidential Library

2313 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705-5737 +1 512-721-0200 [email protected] http://www.lbjlibrary.org
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,411 reviews

LBJ Presidential Library

The Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, also known as the LBJ Presidential Library, is the presidential library and museum of Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. It is one of fourteen presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and located on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin. We are open daily (except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with last admission at 4:40 p.m. Admission is $3-$10 per person, with free admission given to children 12 and under, active military, student groups, and UT Austin students, faculty, and staff with valid ID. Free parking is available in visitor lot #38. Learn more at lbjlibrary.org.

Reviewed By DeniseCohenGershon - Beverly Hills, United States

Second visit since April 2018 yesterday It seriously is such a wonderful tribute to President Johnson and President Kennedy Great gift store and wonderful informative staff working there and The perfect ending to a spectacular visit to Austin

9. The Buddy Holly Center

1801 Crickets Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401-5128 +1 806-775-3560 [email protected] https://www.mylubbock.us/departmental-websites/departments/buddy-holly-center/home
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 549 reviews

The Buddy Holly Center

Hours of operation:Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 1pm - 5pm, closed on Mondays.

Reviewed By 913TonyV - Manchester, United Kingdom

I have always been a huge fan of Buddy Holly so when my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Texas this was No/1 on my bucket list. The venue is faily small but intimate enough to allow you to browse peacefully among the many artifacts on show. From focusing on his early childhood and progressing through his life as a Son, Brother, Band mate, Husband and iconic musical artist. Buddy's famouse Fender Stratocaster electric guitar and his Gibson acoustic guitar are there with photos showing him practising backstage at the Electric Park ballroom in Waterloo Iowa. Part of the guided tour includes the small house next door to the centre which is owned by Buddy Holly's drummer (Jerry Allinson) his actual drum kit is on display and Jerry still visits the house to this day. For music lovers and those of us who were around during Buddy's short life on this earth, this is a MUST VENUE TO VISIT. I Highly recommend it as there is so much more to see which I sadly havn't room for on this occasion.

10. Cavanaugh Flight Museum

4572 Claire Chennault St Addison Airport, Addison, TX 75001-5321 +1 972-380-8800 http://www.cavanaughflightmuseum.com/
Excellent
66%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Cavanaugh Flight Museum

Reviewed By boymomdfw - Dallas, United States

This museum has a surprising number of historical planes. It is well done. Most of it does not have air-condition. Enjoyed our visit.

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