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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Missouri

Interesting museums

Museums that offer genuine intrigue rather than just a collection of dusty artifacts behind glass.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum image 1
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum image 2

Beautiful Art Deco building houses comprehensive military exhibits across multiple floors, including a moving loggia for reflection. The atmosphere is calm and respectful without feeling stuffy, supported by wide walkways and accessible features. Displays offer detailed historical insights with thoughtful, educational presentations.

Admission is free, making it easy to explore the high-quality exhibits. The museum features moving displays like the Ghost Army and Tuskegee Airmen, plus tactile exhibits for the blind that add a unique touch.

Exhibits on martial history and the Ghost Soldier stand out as very interesting. Learning about German immigrants adds a unique historical layer.

People are saying

"I learned so much about St. Louis's military history and local service members."

"I learned so much about the courageous Tuskegee Airmen at the museum."

"It's interesting to learn about the Ghost Soldiers of WWII."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free.

2

The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Parking is very limited at the museum.

02
Missouri Civil War Museum image 1

Museum occupies a beautifully restored historic building with well-lit displays and authentic artifacts. Atmosphere is dark and cool downstairs, warm upstairs, with informative videos enhancing the experience. Visitors encounter a wide array of collectibles and thoughtful exhibits reflecting deep historical context.

Beautifully restored building houses authentic artifacts and excellent displays. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, making the museum very informative and well thought out.

Short videos provide a clear overview of the Civil War and the conflict between Missouri and Kansas. The collection includes unique artifacts that highlight American history.

People are saying

"I found the museum's exhibits and artifacts to be very interesting and well done."

"This historical site is packed full of amazing history."

"I found the collection interesting with many unique and original artifacts."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging near the museum.

2

The museum has an elevator for accessibility.

3

Admission fee is $10 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and students.

03
Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum image 1

Small museum housed in a fully restored historic building offers working rotary phones, switchboards, and vintage switching mechanisms that visitors can operate. Quiet atmosphere with meticulously arranged exhibits inside glass enclosures creates an engaging and informative experience. Volunteers with industry backgrounds share stories, adding depth to the hands-on demonstrations.

Exhibits showcase early phones with magneto cranks, operator switchboard equipment, and designer phones from the 90s. Volunteers run the museum with care, making it informative and engaging for all ages.

Telephone history exhibits offer more than expected with informative displays and engaging demonstrations. Staff share interesting tidbits and some comical stories, making the visit quite engaging.

People are saying

"The guided tour of these historical sites was fabulous, thanks to the knowledgeable guide."

"The museum tours are fabulous, thanks to the guide's knowledge."

"The tour guide's knowledge of telephone history was really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission is very affordable, making it accessible for all visitors.

2

The museum features exhibits on phone history from the late 1800s to 2012.

3

Volunteers, many with phone company backgrounds, provide informative tours.

04
National Museum of Transportation image 1

Sprawling museum campus combines indoor and outdoor spaces with well-maintained grounds and gardens. Friendly atmosphere supports self-paced exploration of extensive collections including trains, planes, and vintage cars. Multiple rides and interactive activities engage visitors of all ages, creating a comfortable and fun environment.

Transportation and auto collections include rare cars and interactive exhibits. Restoration shop doors open for viewing old equipment. The museum is accessible and engaging for all ages, including toddlers.

Large trains and cars fill the space, offering a deep dive into railroad history. Inside old train cars and rare locomotives provide an interesting tour that appeals to both kids and adults.

People are saying

"It's a really fun and educational place for kids to explore."

"You'll love the museum's vintage cars and historic trains."

"I found the cars and trains here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure tickets as slots fill up quickly.

2

The museum offers a wheelchair for visitors needing assistance.

3

Expect a $100 admission fee for a family of four, including two seniors.

05
Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum image 1

Museum offers spectacular river views through large windows and an outdoor balcony. Atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxing, with a clean, modern building and a small, informative exhibit focused on history. Activities and a movie room provide an interactive experience for children.

Small museum with a significant collection on American westward history and Lewis and Clark's expedition. Features interactive exhibits, a documentary video, taxidermied animals, and a clean facility with a nice patio by the river.

The museum offers interesting exhibits and large boats that capture attention. A personal tour shares engaging stories and plenty of historical details.

People are saying

"This museum is packed with artifacts and offers a lot of history."

"It's a great place to learn about Lewis and Clark's history."

"I found the exhibits packed with interesting artifacts."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

2

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during events.

06
The Soda Museum and Main Street Arcade image 1

Museum space combines vintage soda memorabilia with a retro arcade in the basement featuring games from the 1960s to 1980s. Atmosphere feels relaxed and nostalgic, with carefully curated displays and a Happy Days vibe downstairs. Visitors of all ages enjoy the well-maintained classic arcade machines alongside historical exhibits.

Unique Coca-Cola collection and rare soda history artifacts stand out here. Visitors can play vintage arcade games included with admission and explore interactive exhibits with hands-on access.

A variety of interesting sodas includes some from overseas. The space features fun exhibits and a vintage soda bar with a 1950s vending machine and old Coke commercials.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and knowledgeable about the Arcades."

"The museum staff are so nice and helpful, sharing fun tidbits and extensive knowledge."

"I found the soda history and memorabilia really interesting."

Good to know

1

The entry fee is $15 per person, which includes access to the arcade.

2

Unlimited play in the basement arcade is included with upgraded admission.

3

The venue is fully handicap accessible for all visitors.

07
Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis image 1

Historic Federal Reserve building features marble architecture and modern interactive exhibits that explain monetary policy and the economy. Visitors pass through security checks before exploring educational displays suitable for all ages. The experience includes unique hands-on opportunities like lifting a real gold bar and receiving free shredded money souvenirs.

Educational and interactive exhibits introduce economics concepts clearly for all ages. Visitors can handle a twenty-eight-pound genuine gold bar and explore US monetary policy in a secure, well-laid-out space with free admission.

Displays include ancient and unique money alongside plenty of interesting facts about cash. Interactive exhibits make learning about US monetary policy eye-opening for all ages.

People are saying

"It's so interactive and informative, definitely Kid Friendly for learning."

"It's interesting how many facts about cash you can learn here."

"This museum is interactive and fun for all ages, especially lifting the gold bar."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free with no payment required.

2

Visitors must bring a valid ID for entry due to security checks.

3

The museum offers interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.

08
Museum of Illusions - St. Louis image 1

Museum offers mind-altering illusions and exciting photo opportunities in a tight, warm space. Atmosphere feels inviting and fun despite occasional crowding and noise. Visitors respect personal space while engaging with interactive exhibits.

Interactive exhibits create a trippy and fun experience that surprises the eyes. The vortex tunnel stands out as a favorite, and people of all ages enjoy the engaging displays.

Exhibits offer creative illusions that challenge perception and sometimes cause a head-scratching effect. Plenty of interesting photo opportunities and interactive displays keep things engaging for all ages.

People are saying

"I had a lot of fun exploring all the illusions."

"The museum staff were so helpful explaining everything."

"I found the exhibits here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Admission costs $34 per person, with discounts available for EBT cardholders.

2

Expect to spend about 45 minutes exploring the museum.

3

The museum is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly destination.

09
National Blues Museum image 1

Museum offers an intimate live music venue with top-flight musicians performing in a well-designed theater. Exhibits provide a clear history of blues music with quality artifacts and visual presentations. Atmosphere stays relaxing and inviting, attracting music and history enthusiasts.

Exhibits offer a comprehensive overview of blues history with objects, photos, and testimonies. Interactive stations and an art gallery featuring the Queens of Blues highlight the cultural legacy and roots of blues music.

Exhibits include interactive displays and artifacts that cover the full history of the blues and its musicians. The collection offers a deep dive into the genre's story.

People are saying

"The museums here have really cool interactive exhibits."

"You'll learn the full history of blues music here."

"I found the artifacts and interactive exhibits really interesting."

Good to know

1

The museum is only open 16 hours total for the week, from 11 AM to 3 PM.

2

The National Blues Museum charges $15 for admission.

3

The tour is suitable for people with mobility issues.

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