America is known for a lot of things, so it’s no surprise that there is a surplus of weird museums for visitors to see. Mashable shares their favorite “weirdest museums” for all of the road-trippers out there looking to add a little variety to their next adventure.
From Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon, there are plenty of weird museums to fill your daily itinerary and learn some strange facts about American inventions and obsessions. From a Maple Museum to a Toilet Seat Art Museum, there is something out there from everyone.
1. New England Maple Museum-Weirdest Museum
Located in Vermont (because where else would an American maple museum be located?), you can learn about maple syrup’s history dating back to the Native Americans and leading up to modern day, a 200 year coverage.
Then you can check out the gift shop and take some delicious syrup back home with you!
Address: 4578 U.S. 7, Pittsford, Vermont 05763
Admission: $5
2. The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe
If you find yourself in Richmond, Virginia, you won’t want to miss this museum!
Dedicated to all things Poe, this museum is also located in the oldest standing building in the city. You can expect to find a huge collections of manuscripts, letters, memorabilia, and experience a realistic example of how Poe lived and worked.
Address: 1914-16 East Main St., Richmond, Virginia 23223
Admission: $6
3. National Mustard Museum-Weirdest Museum
Love condiments? The mustard museum may be just the place for you! You won’t want to miss this Wisconsin sight.
Here you’ll find more than 5,624 different kinds of mustard from 50 states and 70 countries, you’ll even be able to use a one of a kind mustard vending machine!
Address: 7477 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton, Wisconsin 53562
Admission: Free
4. Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum-Weirdest Museum
Yep, you read that right. Barney Smith, a 98 year old proprietor, has a toilet seat art collection he opens to the public every year in Texas.
With over 1,400 decorated toilet seats, Barney makes a new one yearly for his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Somewhat odd, yet somewhat charming.
Address: 239 Abiso, Alamo Heights, Texas 78209
Admission: Free
5. Idaho Potato Museum
Fried potatoes, baked potatoes, french fries, hash browns, au gratin – if it’s made with potatoes then they’ve got it.
Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, this museum is for all those potato lovers out there! Learn about the
History of farming potatoes and don’t forget to get a picture with the massive potato replica out front!
Address: 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, Idaho, 83221
Admission: $3
6. International Banana Museum-Weirdest Museum
Calling all banana lovers! Check out this museum in Mecca, California and see a world-record of 25,000 banana related items and pictures. Don’t forget to try their homemade banana ice cream or milkshakes and then snap a pic with the massive banana statue!
Address: 98775 State Hwy 111, Mecca, California 92254
Admission: Free
7. Museum of Western Colorado: Dinosaur Journey
Most likely the best dinosaur museum in the country, this museum borders the line between awesome and weird. If you find yourself in Colorado, make sure to swing by and check out the animatronic dinosaurs that eat each other, fossil exhibits, and pre-historic records.
Address: 550 Jurassic Court, Fruita, Colorado 81521
Admission: $8.50
8. Historic Auto Attractions
This isn’t your average car museum.
Here, you can see the car used in the Batman television series, the DMC DeLorean from Back To The Future, and the paddywagon from Ghostbusters. Make sure you don’t miss the collection of presidential and world leaders limousines and Elvis Presley’s personal car.
Address: 13825 Metric Drive, Roscoe, Illinois 61073
Admission: $12
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