9 Weird Museums That Are Anything but Boring
Main destinations such as renowned national parks and serene beaches often take center stage during a road trip. This time, why not challenge yourself to see some unusual museums across the continent?
Museums can get a bad rap, but they aren’t all packed with the standard-issue, dusty historical exhibitions. There are weird museums dedicated to everything from SPAM to roller skates—you just need to know where to look for them. Here’s a list of nine quirky museums to get you started.
1. International Cryptozoology Museum - Portland, ME
Cryptozoology is the study of those legendary creatures that you don’t see, but always hear about. It focuses on animals whose existence has never been scientifically proven, such as the Loch Ness Monster or Bigfoot.
Museums tend to shy away from the quirkier side of nature, but this unusual museum embraces it. Founded by cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in 2003, the International Cryptozoology Museum delves into mythical creatures, blending scientific curiosity and folklore to tell their story.
2. SPAM Museum - Austin, MN
Head west to visit Spamtown USA and one of the most unique museums around. Yes, SPAM, the legendary canned meat product, has its own museum. A stop there shows you the impact of SPAM on this country, from the Great Depression to pop-culture stardom. Today, it’s even a staple food in Hawaii and the Philippines.
You’ll find this weird but tasty museum is a celebration of all things SPAM. While there, you’ll see the Great Wall of SPAM, interactive exhibits like SPAM trivia, and take part in the SPAM Olympics. Plus, you can test free samples of all SPAM flavors. Challenging everything you thought you knew about this iconic food, the SPAM Museum is a real culinary and cultural treat.
3. The American Museum of the House Cat - Sylva, NC
The American Museum of the House Cat is the ultimate shrine to a beloved and disagreeable pet. A perfect stop for all cat lovers, it’s the passion project of Harold Sims, affectionately known as CatMan2.
The odd museum is a collection of more than 10,000 feline artifacts stacked floor to ceiling. You’ll see antique cat toys, a cat carousel, and a 2,600-year-old Egyptian cat mummy. And the best part is that your tour guides are the fluffy, furry Ambassacats that roam the halls.
4. Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) - Boston, MA and Quebec City, CAN
MOBA is located in two distinct cities, Boston and Quebec City. These interesting museums showcase art that, despite the best of intentions, clearly went hilariously wrong. Here, you’ll find the most unique and somewhat baffling portraits, landscapes with questionable perspective, and sculptures that are hard to define. These endeavors are accidentally brilliant—in a bad way.
5. National Mustard Museum - Middleton, WI
Turn your car Midwest to investigate the colorful, pungent condiment that people either love or hate. Barry Levenson, the founder of the National Mustard Museum, began collecting different types of mustard after pondering the meaning of life in the mustard aisle of a supermarket in 1986. Today, the weird museum boasts more than 6,000 mustard varieties from all 50 states and 70+ countries.
The museum houses historical ads, novelty jars, and, of course, the Great Wall of Mustard. You learn that not all mustards are created equally, too, by sampling flavors at the infamous tasting bar. You’ll enjoy dozens of mustards with interesting nuances, such as yellow jalapeño mustard or sweet honey mustard, and even fiery Chinese varieties.
6. National Museum of Funeral History - Houston, TX
If you prefer a more macabre experience, the National Museum of Funeral History might be just right for you. This unique museum’s classic tagline says it all: “Any day above ground is a good one.” It may sound morbid, but the weird museum features cultures around the world and how they say goodbye.
While touring the 30,500 square feet of space that make up the National Museum of Funeral History, you’ll see some delightfully awkward displays, such as the Fantasy Coffins from Ghana and the celebratory jazz funerals in New Orleans. It’s truly an educational experience, with a touch of moroseness to make it memorable.
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7. Idaho Potato Museum - Blackfoot, ID
The Idaho Potato Museum is the one true foodies don’t want to miss. Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, the heart of spud country, this museum showcases much more than a sack of potatoes. It focuses on the complicated process of harvesting one of the world’s favorite starches. The unusual museum flaunts everything from the original machinery used to produce it to its nutritional benefits.
The star attraction of this museum is the world’s largest potato chip. There is also plenty of potato-themed memorabilia to entertain you. Plus, every paid admission often comes with a coupon for a free baked potato with all the trimmings!
8. National Roller Skating Museum - Lincoln, NE
The National Roller Skating Museum will take you back to a time when all you wanted to do was cruise on four tiny wheels. Tucked away in Lincoln, Nebraska, it’s the world’s only museum dedicated to those nostalgic and sometimes painful days, going round and round on skates.
The quirky museum possesses the most extensive collection of roller-skating artifacts and memorabilia anywhere—from the first awkward skates in the 1800s to modern inline skates and roller derby.
But the history doesn’t stop at the wheels. You’ll also see dazzling costumes worn by champions of the sport, photographs, and even bizarre inventions associated with skates.
9. The Neon Museum - Las Vegas, NV
As the name suggests, the Neon Museum has neon signs, but it really tells the story of Las Vegas. The Neon Museum is where famous neon signs from casinos, resorts, and motels go to die; it’s affectionately called the Neon Boneyard.
On your tour, you’ll experience a dazzling outdoor display of more than 250 signs in a garden-like setting. It resurrects the ghosts of old Las Vegas, like the Stardust, Silver Slipper, and the Riviera, for a nostalgic glimpse at one of the most thrilling cities in the world.
Save On Your Trip to a Quirky Museum
From the National Roller Skating Museum to the National Mustard Museum, there’s no shortage of weird museums to see. Looking to save on your next trip to an unusual museum? Check out our budget travel tips now!