10 Texas Museums You Should Visit

Whether it's a glimpse into Texas history, viewing famous artwork, or capturing a child's imagination, Texas has a museum that fits the bill. Across the state, museums dedicated to art, history, nature, cultural history and more are available to fill out any Texas vacation.

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Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum

Many visitors to Austin, the Texas state capital city, are intrigued by the history of the Lone Star State. Luckily for them, the city is also home to the Bob Bullock Story of Texas Museum, which encapsulates the state's history and showcases it via a variety of interactive exhibits. The museum was named in honor of late Lieutenant Governor Bob Bullock.

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Houston Museum of Natural Science

Since its founding in 1909, the goal of the Houston Museum of Natural Science has been to educate the public with knowledge in natural science and related subjects. The museum uses a variety of displays, educational programs and traveling exhibits to accomplish this goal.

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Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not!

A display is seen at The Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Grand Opening of the all new San Antonio Odditorium on May 1, 2008 in San Antonio, TX. — Sasha Haagensen/Getty Images

Two of San Antonio's most unique attractions are housed under one roof. Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum has eight galleries with over 500 displays of the weird, odd, unusual and scary. The Plaza Wax Museum features over 250 realistic wax replicas of historical figures and celebrities.

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USS Lexington

Following many years of "active duty," the WWII-era USS Lexington "retired" to Corpus Christi. The Lexington now serves as a floating museum and even offers overnight stays!

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San Jacinto Museum

San Jacinto tower — TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer

If you happen to be heading to Houston or Southeast Texas, you can't pass up an opportunity to visit the San Jacinto Monument and San Jacinto Battleground - the very place where Texas gained its independence.

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Museums of Port Isabel

Entrance to South Padre Island — Google/cc

Located just across the bay from South Padre Island, the Museums of Port Isabel celebrate the history of Port Isabel, South Padre Island, and the Lower Laguna Madre area. The museum is also the caretaker for the historic Point Isabel Lighthouse.

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Children's Museum of Houston

Shane Battier of the Houston Rockets reads to kids during a Read to Achieve event on January 15, 2009 at the Children's Museum in Houston, Texas. — Bill Baptist/Getty Images

Rated the second-best children's museum in the country, the Children's Museum of Houston has more exhibits, displays, and educational resources than you and the kids can possibly get to in one day.

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LBJ Library and Museum

Dedicated to former President Lyndon B. Johnson, the LBJ Library and Museum houses a variety of permanent exhibits - including a White House exhibit - as well as several temporary showcases, making it one of Austin's best tourist stops.

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Holocaust Museum Houston

Holocaust Museum Houston pays homage to the victims and survivors of The Holocaust, educating visitors through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays.

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Buffalo Soldier Museum

Houston's Buffalo Soldier Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, the last of which served during World War II.