5 weird and wacky U.S. museums to visit

By Cheri Sicard
Are you tired of the same old boring museums? Do you crave something a little more… unusual? Then buckle up, because we’re hitting the road with the team from Scripps News Life to explore five of the strangest, most unique and wacky U.S. museums.

These museums stand out for their cool interactive games, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and fascinating histories. From the savory to the shocking, get ready to add these offbeat attractions to your travel bucket list.

#1. Spam Museum

First stop: Austin, Minnesota, home of the one and only Spam Museum. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a celebration of all things Spam!

For those not in the know, Spam gets its name from a combination of “spice” and “ham.” Here, one can dive into the history of Hormel Foods and discover how Spam became a household name. Even better? Admission is free!

Inside, people can enjoy a variety of attractions, including a theater, historical displays, family activities, and interactive games. Imagine testing your skills on a Spam-themed game or snapping a photo with a giant can of Spam. It’s an experience people won’t soon forget!

#2. Las Vegas Neon Museum

Next, it’s off to the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada, to visit the Neon Museum. In a city known for its over-the-top displays, the Neon Museum shines a light on the iconic neon signage that has shaped Las Vegas’ visual identity.

The museum’s “Boneyard” is a nearly 2-acre outdoor campus filled with more than 200 signs. Seven of these signs have been fully restored, offering a glimpse into the city’s dazzling past. For a truly unique experience, visitors can even participate in hot yoga sessions among the neon relics.

Looking for a memorable venue? The former La Concha Motel lobby, now part of the Neon Museum, houses additional rescued signs and is available for weddings and events. It’s a retro-cool space that perfectly captures the spirit of classic Las Vegas.

#3. The National Mustard Museum

Ready for a zesty adventure? Head to Middleton, Wisconsin, and discover the National Mustard Museum. The museum’s founder, Barry Levenson, claims he was inspired to create the museum by a voice from the mustards themselves. That voice told him, “If you collect us, they will come.” And come they did!

Founded in 1986, the National Mustard Museum boasts an impressive collection of more than 5,500 mustards from 80 different countries. Visitors can sample mustards from around the globe.

But don’t expect to find ketchup here. The museum takes a strong stance against ketchup. They even claim it is “now the leading cause of childhood stupidity in America.” Whether people agree with that statement or not, it adds a humorous touch to the museum’s quirky personality.

#4. The International Spy Museum

The next stop is Washington, D.C., home of the International Spy Museum. This is the only public museum in the United States dedicated to the world of espionage, offering a fascinating look into the secret lives of spies and the tools they use.

At the International Spy Museum, visitors can step into the shoes of a secret agent. They can run missions, climb through air ducts, and unscramble decrypted messages. It’s an immersive experience that will test people’s skills and knowledge.

#5. The Museum of Bad Art (MOBA)

The final stop is just outside Boston, Massachusetts, at the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA). This museum has a unique mission: to collect, exhibit, and celebrate “art too bad to be ignored.”

But what exactly is bad art? According to MOBA, it’s art that is sincere, original, and has something go wrong in an interesting way. The museum’s collection comes from a variety of sources, including yard sales, flea markets, and donations from around the world.

MOBA reminds everyone that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be appreciated. It is about creativity, expression, and finding beauty in the unexpected. Visit the Museum of Bad Art website to see some of its collections.

These five museums offer a unique and entertaining look at American culture. They prove that museums don’t have to be stuffy or boring. Instead, they can be fun, engaging, and full of surprises.

So, next time you’re looking for an adventure, skip the usual tourist traps and explore these offbeat attractions. Who knows what strange and wonderful things you might discover?

RELATED

• Visiting Elkhart’s RV/MH Hall of Fame—the ultimate RV museum
• Arizona Museum pays homage to Navajo WWII Code Talkers
• Visit the best vintage car and trailer museums in the U.S.
• Discover secrets of the Mob at Las Vegas’ Mob Museum, real speakeasy and all
• Henry Ford Museum a ‘must see’

RVT1212