Museums are are a favorite among travelers, and why wouldn’t they be? They provide a journey through different time periods and other worlds. They can take you into the Wild West, the Oval Office and medieval times without ever leaving the building. Museums are the perfect addition to any group itinerary. No matter the age and background of your group, the following museums will captivate everyone through their one-of-a-kind artifacts, engaging art and interactive features.
Buffalo Bill Center of the West
Cody, Wyoming
The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is the largest history, art, and nature museum between Minneapolis and the West Coast. The seven-acre facility typically leaves visitors stunned as they venture inside. With nearly 200,000 visitors annually, the center is the most popular cultural attraction in the Yellowstone National Park region. The five museums boast priceless treasures related to the art, history, culture and nature of the American West. (centerofthewest.org)
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville, Tennessee
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a hallmark of Nashville’s musical heritage. Located downtown, the museum is equipped to handle multi-bus arrivals and offers self-guided tours and pre-arranged private programs. Visitors will enjoy on-site eateries and nearby attractions such as the museum’s own Hatch Show Print. The museum also operates Historic RCA Studio B, which is situated on famed Music Row. Private studio tours and recording packages are available as group-only options. (countrymusichalloffame.org)
Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Winter Park, Florida
The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933). Exhibits include Tiffany’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. The museum’s holdings also include American art pottery, turn-of-the-20th-century American paintings, graphics and decorative art. (morsemuseum.org)
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
Simi Valley, California
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)
Flight 93 National Memorial
Stoystown, Pennslyvania
Located at the crash site of United Airlines Flight 93, the Flight 93 National Memorial honors the crew members and passengers aboard the flight. Learn about the actions of the passengers and crew that prevented the hijackers from flying the plane to the planned target: Washington, D.C. Groups can admire the beautiful memorial wall and experience the story told through outdoor exhibits, cell phone tours and interpretive programming offered by park rangers. (flight93friends.org)
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
Miami, Florida
Bring your group to Frost Science. Looking for an unforgettable field trip or group activity? Book a thrilling day of adventure Band exploration at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami’s only planetarium, aquarium and science museum. Guests will explore lively ecosystems, the human mind and body, the adventure of flight and the beginning of innovation and technology through interactive, fascinating exhibits. Be amazed at the 250-seat planetarium and the three-level aquarium. (frostscience.org)
The Gettysburg Museum of the American Civil War
Gettysburg, Pennslyvania
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)
Portland Museum of Art
Portland, Maine
The Portland Museum of Art houses over 18,000 works of art, with artists ranging from Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer to Louise Nevelson and Claude Monet. The museum is proud to present noteworthy holdings of American, European and contemporary art. Iconic works from Maine highlight the deep artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The Docent Tour is ideal for groups of ten or more and is led by experts and art-lovers. (portlandmuseum.org)
Saint Louis Art Museum
St. Louis, Missouri
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 over 10 people. (slam.org)
The Mob Museum
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Mob Museum, steps from Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas, chronicles over 100 years of organized crime history through high-tech theater presentations, hundreds of artifacts and interactive exhibits. Private guided tours, audio tours, scavenger hunts, Mob Mystery games and more are also available. Ranked among TripAdvisor’s “Top 25 Museums in the Country.” New in 2018 is “The Underground Prohibition,” a glimpse into a lost way of life. Enjoy a classic cocktail in the speakeasy. (themobmuseum.org)
The Huntington
San Marino, California
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)
