These Are Some of the Most Obscure Museums in the United States

America loves its museums, with thousands of them spread across the country, from quaint roadside stops to world-renowned galleries. Whether you want to learn about natural history or delve into a personal collection of horror movie memorabilia, the options are endless. While examples like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City or The Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. are truly world-famous, with enormous and important collections housed within their exhibits that millions of visitors gaze upon every year, today, we will focus on some destinations around the United States that can be considered a bit more obscure. Let's give these fascinating and unique spots some much-needed attention and highlight what makes them worth seeing.

Historical Glass Museum - Redlands, California

Situated in a wonderfully ornate Victorian-era home, this California-based museum just outside Los Angeles is a haven for anyone who is into glass and the many forms it can take. Open only on weekend afternoons, this attraction is a must-visit if you find yourself downtown in the city of Redlands.

Containing many examples of glasswork, from colorful vases to radioactive drinking cups, this museum also serves as an educational reminder of the longstanding legacy of American glass production. With glass-making factories once a mainstay in dozens of towns and cities across the country, you can look closely at some displays here holding examples of products made in America's glass-producing heyday. They sure don't make it like they used to, as you'll surely see during your visit.

The Historical Glass Museum's big focal point is another bit of American history—pressed glass, which was, in fact, invented in the United States in the 1820s. Come and see how this revolutionary product was first invented and some examples of pressed glass throughout the generations.

The gift shop in this museum is also a great place to pick up some unique and historic glassware of your own.

American Oddities Museum - Alton, Illinois

America is indeed full of oddities, and at this museum, you can witness some examples up close. Located in the city of Alton, Illinois, this destination sits on the banks of the Mississippi River just a stone's throw from St. Louis.

Housed in the historic Mineral Springs Hotel, the Museum of American Oddities has existed within its walls since the 1990s and features a number of curious exhibits, including haunted objects, religious relics, antique medical tools, and even a mummified mermaid (its authenticity is up to you, however).

At just $5 per ticket, this museum makes for a fun and spooky stop for anyone in the area. If you're looking for a more frugal outing, have no fear, as the front entrance of the museum holds a free section that mainly focuses on local history, hauntings in the area, and Robert Wadlow, a former resident of Alton who was once known as the tallest man in the world!

The Bone Museum - Brooklyn, New York

If you are curious about some of the deepest inner workings of your body, look no further than The Bone Museum. Located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, a short journey from New York City, this somewhat morbid attraction actually provides a very educational look at one of your body's biggest and most important organs.

Here, you will find exhibits (primarily of human specimens) showcasing hundreds of bones, from a huge collection of skulls to a section with over 120 complete spinal cords on full display. With many samples donated from medical research facilities, The Bone Museum's focus is on education. Whether it is pure anatomy or the history of the medical bone trade, there is likely no better museum in the country focusing on one single component of the body.

The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum- Portland, Oregon

The interestingly named museum is a truly obscure attraction, located in what could arguably be considered a hole in the wall in downtown Portland. Living up to this West Coast city's favorite motto, The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, provides its visitors with a truly weird experience (in the best way possible).

This museum is small, taking no more than a half hour to get through, even if you really take your time. It is a fun way to kill some time if you're strolling through Portland's Knob Hill neighborhood, however. With a collection of horror memorabilia, interactive exhibits, a haunted doll house hiding more than a few secrets, possibly the smallest working movie theater in the world, and many other oddities, this is a perfect spot for those who love the supernatural and don't mind being a little unsettled.

If you do not want to pay the museum's small entrance fee, you are free to buy some merch at its very well-stocked gift shop, along with a bite to eat at the snack bar.

Dutch Windmill Museum - Nederland, Texas

It is no coincidence that the name Nederland sounds a lot like 'Netherlands'; this city about an hour and a half east of Houston and just minutes south of Beaumont holds on to its European heritage in a variety of fun and traditional ways, including having a museum dedicated to Dutch immigrants in Texas in none other than a replica Dutch windmill.

The windmill, which stands 40 feet tall, holds a collection of donated items from local families descending from Dutch heritage and can be explored inside and out. An accompanying museum nearby, the 'House of Acadia', is a preserved pioneer home with an interior that can also be seen by the public and is meant to show a slice of what life was like for some of the town's earliest residents dating back to the 1800s.

The destination's proximity to the Gulf Coast means that Nederland is also an idyllic spot to travel to almost all year round, whether you're looking to spend some time at the beach or learn more about the Lone Star State's early roots.

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium - Sanibel, Florida

Speaking of beaches, there is likely no better place in America to find a nice sandy spot by the ocean than Florida, and what is one highly collectible thing that you can find on beaches around the world? If your answer is 'bottles', fair, but the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is all about seashells in their many shapes and sizes, boasting a massive collection gathered primarily from local shores.

Located on the beautiful Sanibel Island, which rests in the Gulf of Mexico just off the coast from the city of Fort Myers, this locale is a great way to escape the sun for a while and learn about Florida's diverse aquatic life. With samples of discarded shells, living specimens in the museum's aquariums, and tours and speaking events available from museum staff, the National Shell Museum & Aquarium is an educational experience the whole family can enjoy.

In addition to being a learning experience, the museum's gallery is home to several amazing pieces of art made with seashells.

Learn Something New at America's Lesser Known Museums

Although most big cities (probably including the one closest to you) feature a larger museum, whether it's about local history, science, or something else relevant to the area, several smaller ones are likely nearby that don't get nearly as much attention.

While this limited list highlights only a handful of shining examples all across the country, we highly recommend you research what you can find within your state—you might be surprised! Regardless of where you decide to go next, visiting your local museum and either making a donation, buying a ticket, or purchasing something from its gift shop is what keeps them alive and thriving, educating future generations.