***** (5 stars)
Wow, what an amazing collection of teeny tiny wonders. I was drawn by my interest in old toys, but it was the vast collection of miniatures that blew me away.
Great signage and information, and enthusiastic docents.
You could easily spend all day here. Allow at least two hours.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
5235 Oak St
Kansas City, MO 64112
https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-national-museum-of-toys-and-miniatures-kansas-city-2
***** (5 stars)
This is a terrific museum about the recovery of a mid 19th century steamboat. The storytelling is great, and there is an amazing collection of artifacts, due to the fact that the ship was perfectly preserved in 45 feet of mud for 150 years. It represents the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts anywhere. Highly recommended.
Arabia Steamboat Museum
400 Grand Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
https://www.yelp.com/biz/arabia-steamboat-museum-kansas-city
***** (5 stars)
This is a phenomenal museum. Such clear story telling, and great displays. I knew very little about Hover and really came away with an appreciation for the man and his accomplishments. I wish we'd had more time here. Allow two hours.
Herbert Hoover Library
210 Parkside Dr
West Branch, IA 52358
***** (5 stars)
I have no interest in cars or trucks. I loved this museum!
Each truck is presented with a paragraph that really brings its time, place, and use in perspective. If you are going past on I80 you really need to stop. And it's free.
I could easily have spent much more than the hour we had here.
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
505 Sterling Dr
Walcott, IA 52773
**** (4 stars)
Well it's just a stone marker, but it's a cute idea. Worth the visit for the selfie if you're a fan.
The marker has been moved from where a lot of maps show it, but there are directional signs. It is near the city hall at 2022 on Greene St. The Voyage Home museum and shop is a few blocks away, across from the statue of Kirk, in Railroad Park off of first street.
Birth Place of James T. Kirk
51 IA-22
Riverside, IA 52327
https://www.yelp.com/biz/birth-place-of-james-t-kirk-riverside
***** (5 stars)
Excellent museum for adults and children that clearly tells its chronological story. Lots of buttons to push and things to climb on for the kids, and a deeper level that's easy for adults to absorb through just the right amount of signage. At Coventry Garden for tourist shopping and food, but I recommend walking over to St Martin's Lane for much better dining options.
London Transport Museum
Covent Garden Piazza
London WC2E 7BB
United Kingdom
***** (5 stars)
One of the most fun things we did on our road trip! Informative and exciting. Well worth the stop.
Strataca – Kansas Underground Salt Museum
3650 E Ave G
Hutchinson, KS 67501
https://www.yelp.com/biz/strataca-kansas-underground-salt-museum-hutchinson-2
***** (5 stars)
One of the best museums I've been to, this incorporates a new facility with extensive exhibits featuring great audio video performances of actors in character that bring the history to life. Then there is a walking tour that takes you through many historic buildings and displays, including actors working in the businesses serving drinks and selling merchandise. Fun for all ages.
Boot Hill Museum
500 W Wyatt Earp Blvd
Dodge City, KS 67801
***** (5 stars)
Simply amazing. Not only did Michael Garmin capture the people, animals, buildings, and interiors perfectly, but he also created stories you can discern simply from examining the details of each scene.
Many of the rooms incorporate Pepper's Ghost effects to change from one scene to another (hence the "magic") and carefully positioned mirrors extend alleys into the distance.
It would take hours to fully enjoy every detail, but even a brief visit is definitely worth the stop!.
Magic Town
2418 W Colorado Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
*** (3 stars)
I guess I was hoping for more pop culture. There are the remnants of the music museum, and a good LGBT exhibit, and a small SciFi area, but little else.
For more pop culture visit Branson's World's Largest Toy Museum.
Museum of Pop Culture
325 5th Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109