Smaller Stops With Bigger Personality
When you think of museums, you likely think of the big cities that everyone already flocks to. We know it’s hard to turn your back on the Mona Lisa or cool suits of armor, but the smaller, stranger, and more specialized cities can also make your trip memorable. If you like to travel with a little surprise tucked in, these five cities have museums that deserve a closer look.
Barry Mulling from Los Angeles, USA on Wikimedia
Los Angeles, California: Museum of Jurassic Technology
Los Angeles has plenty to offer tourists, but rather than cruising down Rodeo Drive, you might want to head to the Museum of Jurassic Technology! It mixes art, science, folklore, and odd little mysteries in a way that feels like stepping inside a very organized dream. Sure, you may not leave with every question answered, but that’s part of the charm.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Mütter Museum
Philadelphia’s history is everywhere, and you’ll never get a better slice of it than at the Mütter Museum. This phenomenal building stands apart with its fascinating focus on medical science and the human body, and while that isn’t for everyone, it’s worth considering! You’ll balance curiosity with respect, which makes the visit way better than a simple afternoon stop.
Las Vegas, Nevada: The Neon Museum
Las Vegas has never tried to hide its personality, but The Neon Museum gives you a different way to experience the city’s glow. Its collection of vintage signs turns advertising into history, design, and a weirdly emotional walk through the past. Forget the casinos—you have other things to explore!
Portland, Maine: International Cryptozoology Museum
Portland may be known for coastal charm and excellent food, but it also has a museum dedicated to mysterious creatures. If you’re a big fan of cryptids and folklore, you won’t find anything cooler than the International Cryptozoology Museum, which explores legends like Bigfoot and the Yeti with a playful sense of curiosity.
Houston, Texas: National Museum of Funeral History
Okay, we know this one sounds a little bleak, but stick with us! Houston’s National Museum of Funeral History is actually more intriguing than gloomy. The exhibits look at rituals, vehicles, memorials, and customs connected to death across history. It’s unusual, sure, but it’s also human, and you’ll leave with more appreciation for how cultures honor a final goodbye.
