BUCKET LIST MUSEUMS
Museums offer unforgettable experiences that bring history, culture and legends to life. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, discovery or adventure, these must-see museums deserve a top spot in your itinerary.
For more information about the museums listed in this guide, scan the QR code
NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM Cooperstown, NY
Located on historic Main Street in the heart of picturesque Cooperstown, NY, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum stands as one of America’s premier tourist destinations—and the most revered sports shrine in the world. Since its dedication on June 12, 1939, the Hall has served as the ultimate repository of baseball’s legacy and the highest honor
a player can achieve. More than just a museum, the Hall is every fan’s Field of Dreams—a place where the legends, stories, and magic of the game are preserved and passed down through generations. Its mission is clear: to preserve history, honor excellence, and connect generations.
The Museum is open daily year-round, except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; during the rest of the year, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan your visit or learn more at (BaseballHall.org)
New Exhibit Opening July 2025
SALEM WITCH MUSEUM
Salem, MA
Housed in a beautifully preserved brick and brownstone Gothic Revival building, the Salem Witch Museum has welcomed visitors from around the world for more than 50 years. Two unique, multi-media exhibits explore the dark and fascinating history of witchcraft. Utilizing life-sized stage sets, dramatic narration, and lighting, the first exhibit presents the story of the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692. In this audio-visual presentation, visitors of all ages are immersed in the largest and deadliest witch-hunt in colonial American history. A guided tour of the second exhibit, Witches: Evolving Perceptions, explores the European witch trials, emergence of a stereotypical witch, and endurance of scapegoating. A selection of artifacts, including an infamous witch-hunters manual and bellarmine jug, are currently on view in this exhibit. (SalemWitchMuseum.com)
SWM-Leisure Magazine-SquareAd.qxp_Layout 1 4/14/25 9:36 PM Page 1
STRAWBERY BANKE MUSEUM
Portsmouth, NH
Strawbery Banke Museum brings over 350 years of history to life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, within a historic waterfront neighborhood. The Museum shares the stories of everyday life, spanning from the history of Indigenous peoples—highlighted by artifacts dating back around 12,000 years—to the present day.
As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the U.S., Strawbery Banke is unique among outdoor history museums, offering visitors the opportunity to explore historic houses, most situated on their original sites. Some houses are furnished, while others serve as exhibit spaces, which are open to the public from spring through fall, as well as during special events.
For more information about Strawbery Banke Museum, including details on planning your visit and upcoming special events, please visit (StrawberyBanke.org)
TEXAS RANGER HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
Waco, TX
The official Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum is conveniently located off Interstate 35 in Waco, TX. Students learn about the history of the Texas Rangers through exhibits, which include badges, firearms, photographs and other artifacts. In addition, children will enjoy a bandit hunt.
Texas Highways magazine readers ranked it one of the Best Texas Museums, USA Today called it one of the nation’s outstanding Halls of Fame, and True West Magazine titled it the Best Western History Museum in Texas.
Group rates are available. Guided tours can be booked at least 2 weeks in advance of arrival with staff availability. In addition to on-site visits, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum offers a wide variety of resources for teachers, homeschool parents and educators to use at no charge to challenge students’ creativity, and activity sheets for all ages.
MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
Philadelphia, PA
The American Revolution was dramatic, gritty and full of uncertainty- an era of unparalleled political and social upheaval, even by today’s standards. Museum visitors are invited to explore this rich and complicated era and its connections to our world today. Through its unmatched collection of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, documents, and works of art, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for
how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in the ongoing promise of the American Revolution.
The Museum is located in the heart of Historic Philadelphia, just steps from Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, and many more historic sites. Contact Groups@AmRevMuseum.org or 267-579-3623 to book your visit. (www.amrevmuseum.org)
