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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of US

History museums

Made for those who crave intellectual stimulation and want to spend their weekends uncovering the stories behind the artifacts.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Morrison Natural History Museum image 1
Morrison Natural History Museum image 2
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Natural history museum

Small, cozy museum offers hands-on exhibits and a working fossil lab where volunteers extract specimens. Peaceful atmosphere suits families, with a kid-friendly sandbox for digging dinosaur bones outdoors. Displays include local fossils and casts, creating an intimate, educational experience.

Fun activities include engaging tours with passionate guides who share unique stories like a Sauropod gastrolith linked to Wisconsin. Exhibits feature baby dinos and footprints that entertain all ages.

Small but mighty, this museum features a wonderful collection of fossils that captivates kids, especially those into dinosaurs. The staff are awesome, making it a fun and engaging spot for families.

People are saying

"The museum guides here are so knowledgeable and make the displays come alive."

"The tour guides make it fun with jokes and passion."

"This history museum is great for kids interested in dinosaurs."

Good to know

1

Tickets include a guided tour from an expert.

2

Regular tours are available at the museum.

3

The museum features actual fossils and allows close-up views of the lab.

02
Hutchings Museum image 1

Museum offers hands-on exhibits and a dense collection covering local history, fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts. Atmosphere feels welcoming and educational, with spaces suited for families and children. Exhibits include unique features like a Wild West jail and a rare aquarium, creating a varied and engaging experience.

Events offer lots of fun for all ages. Staff stay kind and accommodating to keep everyone engaged. Exhibits provide fun learning moments for kids and families.

Focuses on natural history with exhibits that differ from typical museums in the area. Recognized as a solid ASTC history museum with quality displays.

People are saying

"The lantern light tour was a unique and fun activity, even with refinements needed."

"It's really fun and kid friendly with lots of interactive exhibits."

"This history museum packed a ton of history into the building."

Good to know

1

Admission is free for children under 5 years old.

2

The museum store has affordable gifts and educational items.

3

Special events often feature reenactments and themed activities.

03
Tennessee State Museum image 1

Large, modern museum offers a well-laid-out space with immersive multimedia like music, sounds, and films enhancing exhibits. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and relaxed to lively, with families and children enjoying interactive play areas and scavenger hunts. Views of the nearby capitol and skyline add to the visually engaging experience.

Fun comes from the free admission and the activity center for children. Exhibits offer informative displays that engage all ages.

Exhibits cover a wide range of state history with clear, engaging displays. The museum offers a family-friendly environment that appeals to all ages, including children.

People are saying

"I learned so much about Tennessee's history at this museum."

"It's a fantastic family activity and completely free to visit."

"I found this history museum to be great."

Good to know

1

Admission to the Tennessee State Museum is free.

2

The museum offers guided tours at 2pm highlighting the main exhibits.

3

Parking is extremely difficult to find, requiring patience and multiple drives around the area.

04
Martial Arts History Museum image 1

Museum showcases martial arts history through unique exhibits and real artifacts with video references enhancing understanding. Layout supports smooth flow, creating an engaging and informative atmosphere. Space feels like a hidden gem packed with rich culture and connections to the movie industry.

Small size makes it easy to explore. Offers fun and informative exhibits for martial arts enthusiasts.

Extensive exhibits showcase the evolution and impact of martial arts. Visitors gain deep insights into its history and culture through well-curated displays.

People are saying

"I found the martial arts exhibits filled with rich history and culture."

"I learned so much at the Martial Arts History Museum."

"I found the fun activities here very informative and fun."

Good to know

1

The museum is located underground next to a bakery; enter on Wilson and go downstairs.

2

Parking is available nearby with free 90 minutes and $1 for every additional 30 minutes.

3

Admission is by donation, so bring cash for the donation jar.

05
Mesa Historical Museum image 1

Small museum with several rooms featuring baseball memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and a replica one-room schoolhouse. Quiet and relaxed atmosphere invites slow exploration of local history and culture. Exhibits focus heavily on Mesa's Spring Training and regional heritage.

Events like Cat Fest and family-friendly activities create a fun atmosphere. The museum offers engaging experiences that make spending time together enjoyable.

Small size offers an easy walk through with a local focus. Exhibitions provide interesting insights into the area's past.

People are saying

"The exhibits on baseball and local history are really interesting."

"This local spot has interesting exhibits on bison and the Cactus League."

"I found the History Museum's exhibits on local history and baseball fascinating."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is reasonably priced, making it accessible for families.

2

The Cat Festival features booths with cats and kittens available for adoption.

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Parking is limited, so arrive early for events to secure a spot.

06
Elgin History Museum image 1
Local history museum

Historic building with a well-preserved facade and clean, well-lit interiors creates a welcoming atmosphere. Interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt for kids engage families and learners. Focus on local industry history, especially watchmaking, offers detailed insights into the city's past.

Interactive exhibits include a general store, covered wagon replica, and telegraph. A scavenger hunt adds extra fun, especially for kids. Exhibits pack in fun facts and local history clearly.

Compact layout offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's rich past. Exhibits engage visitors of all ages with clear, concise storytelling.

People are saying

"You'll love the interactive exhibits at this museum."

"You'll love the fun, interactive exhibits about local history."

"The History Museum staff was so knowledgeable and passionate."

Good to know

1

Admission is free for kids and teachers, making it great for school trips.

2

The museum features interactive exhibits like a general store and covered wagon.

3

One room is dedicated to the Elgin National Watch Company, showcasing its history.

07
Aurora History Museum image 1
Local history museum

Glossy displays and a life-size trolley car create a welcoming space that highlights local history with educational depth. The atmosphere is family-friendly, featuring interactive activities like scavenger hunts and face painting. Exhibits cover a broad timeline, from prehistoric fossils to the town's development, offering a diverse historical perspective.

Fun activities for kids include birthday cake and snacks. The small history museum offers educational displays that are also engaging and fun.

A welcoming space honors the past while inspiring curiosity and learning. It serves as a nice town history museum with a focus on local history and offers a hidden gem experience.

People are saying

"The historical sites here really bring Aurora's past to life."

"This history museum's exhibits bring local history to life."

"I found the displays and activities to be fun and educational."

Good to know

1

Admission is free for all visitors to the museum.

2

The museum features a dinosaur exhibit with fossils and a woolly mammoth bone.

3

Family-friendly activities are available on Wednesday mornings.

08
Arizona Museum of Natural History image 1
Natural history museum

Museum offers three levels of exhibits with life-size dinosaur skeletons and an interactive gold panning zone. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and immersive, welcoming families with children who enjoy hands-on activities and play areas. Older design adds unique character, while spaces remain clean and accessible.

Hands-on activities like panning for gold offer interactive fun. Exhibits include fossils, native art, and interactive displays that engage all ages.

Many full-size replica dinosaurs stand out in the exhibits. The museum offers a solid natural history experience with a variety of displays that engage visitors of all ages.

People are saying

"I loved the dinosaur exhibits and all the fossils."

"It's a blast for kids with awesome hands-on activities."

"The History Museum's dinosaur exhibit is a hit with kids and adults."

Good to know

1

Kids under three get free admission, making it family-friendly.

2

The museum lacks a designated eating area, so plan snacks accordingly.

3

Getting there early is recommended to avoid crowds, especially in outdoor areas.

09
American Museum of Natural History image 1

Natural history museum showcases magnificent architecture and iconic taxidermy displays that create a majestic atmosphere. Crowds and noise from school groups often fill the large, well-organized spaces. Interactive exhibits and a planetarium with space simulations add engaging elements to the experience.

Combines education, entertainment, and inspiration in one visit. Offers more fun and enjoyment than the Museum of Modern Art.

Spanning four floors, this museum ranks among the largest and most complete natural history museums worldwide. Its beautiful architecture and extensive exhibits make it a standout destination for history enthusiasts.

People are saying

"The dinosaur exhibits at the Museums are breathtaking, especially the T. rex."

"It's like walking through eras at these historical sites."

"This History Museum is a journey through time and the universe."

Good to know

1

Buying tickets ahead of time saves a lot of time.

2

You have to reserve a time to enter the museum.

3

Entry to the museum is free during the last hour.

10
Bell Museum image 1

Building features impressive architecture and beautiful lighting design that makes glass disappear. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and relaxed to loud and lively depending on events. Interactive exhibits include a spacious planetarium, hands-on labs, and native species displays, attracting families and educational groups.

Planetarium shows offer a mix of education and entertainment. Interactive displays and dioramas engage kids and adults alike, while the Touch & See Lab features animals and digital microscopes for hands-on fun.

Exhibits focus on natural history with a strong Minnesotan twist. It offers a small museum feel with solid educational content.

People are saying

"The planetarium shows have stunning, beautiful images."

"The planetarium shows were so fun and informative."

"The planetarium shows at the History Museum are really neat."

Good to know

1

The planetarium offers shows that are both educational and entertaining.

2

Parking is available but not free; it's affordable for visitors.

3

The museum hosts various events, including the Native Round dance, which is free and open to the public.

11
Tenement Museum image 1
History museum

Five-story tenement buildings from the 1800s showcase preserved architecture and authentic interiors with well-researched props. Tours feel like immersive guided discussions that bring immigrant family stories to life in cramped, atmospheric spaces.

Guided tours offer fun and knowledgeable narration with perfect timing. Immersive and experiential exhibits create an enjoyable way to learn about history.

Offers a living history experience focused on immigrant families in the Lower East Side during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Provides an immersive look into daily life rather than a typical history museum setup.

People are saying

"These historical sites bring immigrant families' stories to life."

"It's a fun and interactive way to learn history."

"The History Museum tour guides are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable."

Good to know

1

A guided tour is required to visit the museum.

2

Tours can sell out quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance.

3

The tour lasts almost two hours and provides extensive information about tenement living.

12
Fernbank Museum | 3D Theater | Forest image 1

Natural history museum combines interactive play areas with a 3D theater showcasing immersive films. Extensive nature preserve features illuminated forest paths and glowing installations across 75 acres. Spaces attract families with children, offering hands-on science activities and outdoor playgrounds.

3D Theater offers fun, interactive shows that engage both kids and adults. The Forest area provides hands-on activities and realistic displays that make learning about dinosaurs enjoyable for all ages.

Rotating exhibits include a color exhibit from the New York Natural History Museum. The museum focuses on natural history with an emphasis on dinosaurs.

People are saying

"It's so kid friendly with interactive exhibits and play areas."

"It's a fun blend of science and nature with interactive exhibits for all ages."

"The History Museum's facilities, especially the bathrooms, were spotless."

Good to know

1

Parking at the Fernbank Museum is very limited and fills up quickly.

2

Tickets must be purchased online prior to arrival.

3

The museum closes at 5 pm.

13
Texas Science & Natural History Museum image 1

Art deco architecture frames a compact museum with dinosaur fossils and a giant T-Rex replica in the entry hall. The atmosphere ranges from cheerful and cozy when quiet to crowded and loud during busy times. Interactive features like a kids' scavenger hunt add engagement to the experience.

A fun scavenger hunt encourages finding items on every floor and touching some exhibits. Kids enjoy interactive activities like dinosaur drawing and asking scientists questions with creative answers.

Exhibits focus on Texas Titans and local mammals, offering a solid introduction to natural history. The museum suits kids new to science and history museums with clear, engaging displays.

People are saying

"The kids loved the dinosaur fossils and interactive games at the museum."

"I found the museum to be a really fun activity."

"This History Museum is much smaller than its name suggests."

Good to know

1

Admission is $10, and children under 5 enter for free.

2

Parking on Dean Street is free on Sundays.

3

The museum hosts special events like dinosaur day with a paleontologist.

14
The New York Historical image 1

Museum showcases Tiffany lamps and a replica Oval Office with interactive photo opportunities. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and peaceful to noisy during school visits. Layout features exquisite stained glass rooms and a well-designed gallery with minimal reflections.

Interactive children's section offers engaging displays that make learning fun for young history buffs. A fun Oval Office installation lets visitors sit at the President's Desk for photos, while docents share many fun facts about US presidents.

Historic building hosts an interesting collection with some nice touches. Admission matches the nearby Natural History Museum, which offers a more extensive experience and draws larger crowds.

People are saying

"The Tiffany lamps display is amazing and a must-see."

"The basement has interactive exhibits and a fun kids' area."

"The Tiffany lamps here are stunning and beautiful."

Good to know

1

The museum offers free entry every Friday evening.

2

On Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00, the museum operates a pay-what-you-wish policy.

3

Jazz and cocktails are available in the lobby on Friday evenings until the end of June.

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