Great American Museums

Whether your group is looking to be surrounded by famous works of art, time travel through history or be amazed by one-of-a-kind aquarium exhibits, these museums have something that will appeal to each traveler. They very likely will be the star attraction of your itinerary.

Milwaukee Public Museum

The Milwaukee Public Museum is Wisconsin’s Natural History Museum, welcoming more than half a million visitors annually. Located in downtown Milwaukee, it was chartered in 1882, opened to the public in 1884 and currently houses more than 4 million objects in its collections. MPM has three floors of exhibits that encompass life-size dioramas, walk-through villages, world cultures, dinosaurs, a rainforest, and a live butterfly garden, plus the Daniel M. Soref Dome Theater and Planetarium. (mpm.edu)

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), including the artist and designer’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows; his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. Museum holdings also include American art pottery and late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics and decorative art. (morsemuseum.org)

Saint Louis Art Museum

The Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates, inspires discovery and elevates the human spirit; and preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world. The museum is home to a collection of more than 33,000 works of art. Group visits are available. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. (slam.org/group-visits)

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum welcomes visitors from across the world to Twain’s hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Tour two interactive museums and five historic homes, including the Boyhood Home of Samuel Clemens, a National Historic Landmark. View memorabilia from Sam’s life, the famous white picket fence and discover the people and places that inspired classic works like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. (marktwainmuseum.org)

The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas offers a bold and authentic view of organized crime from vintage Las Vegas to the back alleys of American cities and—increasingly—across the borders and networks of the entire world. Explore the real stories and actual events of Mob history through interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind Mob and law enforcement artifacts inside a restored 1933 former courthouse and post office building located just minutes from Fremont Street. (themobmuseum.org)

The Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

What began in 1919 as Henry Huntington’s pursuit of his interests in reading, horticulture and the arts blossomed into one of the most varied museums in the United States.Visit the botanical gardens and wander through 120 rolling acres of rare flowers, idyllic ponds and breathtaking sculptures. Head to the library, where you’ll find rare works like Gutenberg’s Bible, then swing by the art galleries and enjoy pieces by American and European masters. (huntington.org)

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science

Spend a day of discovery at Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum. Frost Science offers a range of memorable options for groups of 10 or more. Whether your group plans to visit for a few hours or has all day, the museum makes it easy to customize your trip with special itineraries, group activities and lunch options. Plan your group visit today. (frostscience.org/group)

The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War

Experience more than a history lesson—discover Gettysburg’s world-class museum at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Be engrossed in Civil War history as you travel passageways filled with one-of-a-kind artifacts, educational interactive exhibits and short films. Visitors of all ages are moved by stories of the Battle of Gettysburg and its significance to our nation’s history as well as perspectives from President Lincoln, Confederate and Union generals and soldiers, war correspondents and civilians. (gettysburgfoundation.org)

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

The Reagan Library is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations. Guests tour through the actual Air Force One that flew seven U.S. presidents, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall and view a full-scale Oval Office replica. It’s also home to the President’s and Mrs. Reagan’s memorial site. Docent-led tour group packages and tour meal packages available. Don’t forget to inquire about special rotating exhibits. (reaganfoundation.org)

• 
• 
•