By definition, a museum is “a building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.” What often comes to mind when we think of that are the Smithsonian or the Houston Museum of Natural Science. But if we’re using that same definition, collections of things not so ordinary and exhibits of cultural interests that are also considered oddities are still museums, right? Check out these museums next time you’re camping nearby to these unique, but nonetheless, museums!
The Umbrella Cover Museum is dedicated to displaying those functional, yet cute, little sheaths that cover umbrellas. Opened in 1996, the museum has umbrella covers from more than 70 countries. Located on Peaks Island, which is a short ferry ride from Portland, Maine, the museum is open seasonally so check the website for operating hours (umbrellacovermuseum.org).
Nearest campground is Thousand Trails Moody Beach
If you fancied yourself a pinball wizard in your youth, or maybe you still do, take a trip back in time with a visit to the Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum which has an arcade full of still operational pinball machines dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. For admission info and hours of operation visit myrtlebeachpinballmuseum.org.
Nearest campground is Carolina Shores RV Resort
Of course we are all familiar with the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts, but have you been to a museum that is dedicated to really bad art? Boston’s Museum of Bad Art, or MOBA, has exhibits consisting of “art” that was found through thrifting, trash diving, yard-saling and some pieces direct from the “artists” themselves. The collections are cleverly divided by category – Dopplehangers, In the Nood, Poor Traits and the MOBA Sports Section. More details can be found at https://museumofbadart.org/.
Nearest campground is Thousand Trails Sturbridge
Where do neon signs go when they are no longer bright and shiny? The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is where! More than 250 retired neon signs that once lit up the Las Vegas strip are living out their golden age here. For information visit neonmuseum.org.
Nearest campground is Thousand Trails Las Vegas
Cola drinkers unite and take a trip to the Pepsi Store in New Bern, North Carolina. Although not technically a museum, this is the place where Pepsi was created in 1893 by a pharmacist named Caleb Bradham. Originally marketed as a health drink, Brad’s Drink, as it was first named, became Pepsi by 1898 and the rest is history. Stop in here for history and all kinds of Pepsi paraphernalia.
Nearest campground is Emerald Isle RV Resort
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