Museum of Natural History

Discover hands-on science adventures along the frozen Mississippi in downtown St. Paul, where curious minds of all ages can explore everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Catch an immersive film in the iconic Omnitheater dome, then dive into interactive exhibits that spark wonder and ignite your passion for discovery—all while warming up from the Minnesota winter.

Step into South Dakota's farming story at this free museum, where you'll explore the crops, livestock, and innovations that shaped rural communities across generations. Housed on the State University campus, the exhibits reveal how diverse cultures and traditions took root in the land, bringing to life the people and ingenuity behind the state's agricultural past.

Step into a vibrant showcase of American artistic expression, where classic paintings and contemporary works inspire wonder across generations. This Minnesota institution brings art to life through interactive exhibits and creative programs perfect for a summer visit, inviting you to explore everything from traditional sculptures to innovative studio crafts in a welcoming, dynamic space.

Planetarium audiences can now experience immersive high-tech adventures in a true 360 degree theater.

Discover the rich heritage of Southeast Alaska at this community-centered museum, where Native Tlingit culture, local history, and regional art come together under one roof. Through carefully curated artifacts, clan treasures, and rotating exhibits, you'll gain authentic insight into the Chilkat Valley's diverse past and vibrant present. Perfect for curious travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The Alaska Veterans Museum is planned with a focus on honoring our nation's veterans and insuring that because of the sacrifices they made to defend America's freedom, "They Shall Not Be Forgotten." As President Calvin Coolidge said, "A nation which forgets its defenders, will itself be forgotten."

Step inside Alaska's premier hands-on science center where curiosity becomes discovery. Stand inside a giant bubble, explore marine ecosystems in the touch tank, meet exotic reptiles up close, and uncover the physics behind everyday phenomena through interactive exhibits and our immersive planetarium. Perfect for families who learn best by doing.

The Center has 12,000 square feet of exhibition area. Fossils and life forms from earliest geologic time periods are displayed in a chronological perspective. There are over 200 displays throughout the museum. The central hall houses dozens of full-size mounted skeletons, including over 20 dinosaurs.

Walk through the doors of a museum that broke new ground when it welcomed visitors back in May 1998—the first Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission addition in two decades. You're stepping into a space devoted to the U.S. Brig Niagara, the reconstructed warship that turned the tide at Lake Erie during the War of 1812, and now permanently berthed here as a living centerpiece of the collection. Winter visits carry a particular magic, with the ship's silhouette against grey skies and quiet galleries that let you linger over the multimedia displays and hands-on exhibits chronicling the vessel's remarkable journey. The museum brings this maritime legacy vividly to life through interpretive programming and engaging installations that dig deep into Pennsylvania's connection to the water and the region's seafaring past.

Tucked between two striking sculptures that frame the story of the Americas, this Manhattan institution showcases centuries of Native heritage through thoughtfully curated galleries housed in a landmark building that commands attention the moment you walk in. The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House provides an elegant setting near Battery Park, and wandering through these corridors—especially peaceful during the quieter winter months—you'll encounter thousands of artifacts, textiles, recordings, and artistic pieces that bring multiple perspectives and voices to life. Best of all, there's no admission fee to experience it. Families find plenty here to explore together, from regular film screenings and live music performances to dance presentations that keep things engaging beyond the galleries. Educators can tap into their lending library of classroom materials organized by region and tribal nation, making it accessible for lessons at every grade level. The entire operation carries a genuine commitment to sharing what they've collected, ensuring visitors of all backgrounds find something meaningful. Whether you're planning a school group visit, a winter afternoon with relatives, or just looking for an enriching experience that won't strain your budget, this museum delivers both education and a deeper understanding of the lands and peoples that shaped this country.

The Museum of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, also known as the RISD Museum, is Rhode Island’s leading museum of fine and decorative art, housing a collection of 84,000 objects of international significance. It is southeastern New England’s only comprehensive art museum and is accredited by the American Association of Museums. The RISD Museum strives to be a vital cultural resource by educating and inspiring a wide variety of audiences: families and individuals, scholars and researchers, artists and designers, and students of all ages. The Museum maintains an active program of exhibitions, lectures, tours, workshops and publications dedicated to the interpretation of art and design from diverse cultures ranging from ancient times to the present.

The Staten Island Children's Museum appeals to the intrepid explorer in every child. Interactive exhibitions and creative workshops offer plenty of opportunities for hands-on, first hand experiences that nurture children's natural curiosity and creativity. Visits to the museum launch children on a voyage of discovery - about themselves and the world around them.

Presenting a collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. It is located on a 2.4-acre site adjacent to the Dallas Museum of Art in the heart of the Dallas Arts District. The mission of the Nasher is be an international focal point and catalyst for the study, installation, conservation, and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture.

Discover the wonders of Texas's natural world through fascinating exhibits and hands-on collections that bring the state's incredible biodiversity to life. This museum combines engaging research and education programs to spark curiosity about nature and inspire a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems that shape our region. Perfect for a winter day of exploration with family and friends.

Explore one of New Orleans' oldest museums, where Confederate-era artifacts and personal stories have been preserved since 1891. This historic collection offers insight into Louisiana's Civil War heritage through authentic memorabilia donated by veterans and their families.

Explore Dallas history in this stunning 1892 courthouse, perfectly positioned near the JFK Memorial, Dealey Plaza, and other iconic downtown landmarks. Perfect for curious minds of all ages seeking authentic stories about Dallas County's past.

One of the world's largest (over 200) privately owned collection of coin-operated mechanical musical instruments and antique arcade machines in their original working condition. (You can play them!)

Discover California Indian history, art, and culture told through Native voices at this remarkable community museum. Explore vibrant exhibits celebrating the resilience and ongoing renaissance of California Indian traditions, while supporting Native professionals gaining hands-on experience in museum work and cultural interpretation. Founded by the National Indian Justice Center, this institution stands as a powerful testament to Indian sovereignty and cultural pride.

The San Diego Natural History Museum traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists, who formed the San Diego Society of Natural History in 1874. <br> The San Diego Natural History Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums, which certifies that this museum continues to demonstrate a professional level of operation in accordance with the standards of excellence prescribed by the AAM.

Feast your eyes on some of the rarest and most beautiful cars ever created at the San Diego Automotive Museum.

Since opening, the Wisconsin Veterans Museum has attracted more than 11,000 visitors per month. Over 3,000 objects are on display in a very modern exhibit environment. Continued growth in visitorship is anticipated, particularly as an outreach effort is underway to advertise the facility. The unique characteristics of the old museum-its legislatively established mission to recognize the role of Wisconsin citizen-soldiers in the Civil War and “any subsequent war,” its fortuitous administrative position as part of a dynamic state agency, its programmatic link to some of the important events of history, its impressive and long established collection of historical materials, the emotional association with Wisconsin’s tradition of service to the nation, and the high regard accorded to veterans by a grateful citizenry continue to be embodied in this living memorial.

Dive into Wisconsin's maritime legacy at this Lake Michigan waterfront museum, where you'll explore the stories of sailors, shipbuilders, and the submarines built here during World War II. Perfect for curious minds of all ages seeking hands-on learning and unforgettable Great Lakes history.

Explore Michigan's natural wonders through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences. Student guides lead engaging tours designed to inspire curiosity about dinosaurs, fossils, ecosystems, and the world around us.

All aboard at Green Bay's premier railroad museum, where you can explore massive locomotives, vintage passenger cars, and the stories that built America's rail network. Perfect for families and history buffs, hands-on exhibits and guided tours make a century of railroad heritage come alive.

Step into a castle-shaped wonderland where kids explore through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning adventures. Perfect for curious minds of all ages seeking summer fun in Jacksonville!

Located in the historic district of Goldsboro, the Wayne County Museum strives to educate and entertain people of all ages by offering varied and diverse exhibits. The aim of the museum is to collect, preserve, study, and exhibit objects illustrating the history, science and cultural heritage of Wayne County and Central Eastern North Carolina. <br> The Wayne County Museum was founded in 1986 when the Goldsboro Woman’s Club graciously donated its classical Jeffersonian style building to the Wayne County Historical Association. The building constructed in 1927, and the home of the U.S.O. in the 1940’s, is filled with the rich history of Wayne County. The museum officially opened in 1988 and sponsors several special exhibits each year.

Explore exhibits of antique locomotives, rail cars, automobiles and more. Take a train ride around the N.C. Transportation Museum's historic 57-acre site, enjoy the many family-friendly special events, and learn about how transportation progress helped build North Carolina.

Step back in time and discover how rural doctors cared for their communities with ingenuity and heart. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases over 5,000 medical artifacts spanning nearly 200 years—from handmade remedies to early surgical tools—with knowledgeable docents guiding you through three historic buildings. It's a fascinating glimpse into the resilience and resourcefulness of American healthcare before modern medicine.