Museum and Visitor Centers

Most parks have a visitor center and very often they will have a museum that serves to teach about the park its science and its history. The visitor center is where you should go for basic information like trail maps, taking tours or to visit the park rangers. A park museum will likely have artifacts and educational displays that teach about the park. The great thing about a museum is that you can take your time to explore and learn. They are a great place to get out of the weather and rest before you take the next venture outdoors.

There are also many large museums that are run by various government agencies and located on public lands. These museums range from those focused on specific subjects in American history to Natural History museums. So, you may be able to plan a trip that involves the outdoors and spending a few days indoors exploring the museum. Most of these locations have websites that explain their schedules and fees. As far as visiting a smaller museum at a visitor center, they are usually easy to access.

Additional US Park Activity Guides

Autotouring Biking, Boating, Camping, Caving, Climbing, Educational Programs, Fish Hatcheries, Fishing, Hiking, Historic and Cultural Sites, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Lodging, Museums and Visitor Centers, Off-Highway Vehicles, Recreational Vehicles, Water Sports, Wildlife Viewing, Winter Sports