The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is located on South Riverside Drive, just east of Main Street. Since 1985, it has served as an educational facility concentrating on exhibits that relate to the Lewis and Clark expedition that occurred in 1804. In fact, its current location is located near the camp site that Lewis and Clark used during their expedition.
Inside and outside of the Boat House, guests can learn about life in the early 19th century. Replicas of boats, homes, campsites and the Missouri River ecosystem are on display. The house is operated by the Discovery Expedition, a non-profit company that promotes the education and study of American history.
The Northfield Historical Society (NHS) is dedicated to preserving the history of Northfield Minnesota. The society offers history presentations, educational programs, exhibits, events, a library and archive access. On July 4th, 1976, NHS confirmed its formation and dedicated the Scriver Building as its museum. NHS is an independent non-profit organization governed a Board of Directors.
The Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian Institute Affiliate, houses American art, Chinese art, Cuban art, African artifacts and European exhibits. Among the Americana in the Root Family Museum, visitors will see vintage train cars in a train station, as well as every imaginable item relating to Coca-Cola® through the decades. There's a children's museum with a hands-on science center, plus a planetarium that offers laser light, star shows and rock concerts. The museum, preserve and boardwalk are accessible by wheelchair. Braille signs and audio stations make the preserve accessible to the visually impaired.
Best and Worst Times to go to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission is free to Volusia County residents on the first Tuesday of each month, making it one of the busier days. Exhibits are well maintained, so if your visit is based on a particular selection, you may want to call first to be sure it will be available.
Must See/Do at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Even the anti-cultural entertainment traveler in your party will enjoy the Root Family Museum with its vast display of Americana and the fully restored 1948 Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounge car. The Planetarium shows provide a nice break. Relax in reclined chairs as you view the night sky. Children enjoy it too. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art offers a rich taste of Florida History, dating back to the 1800's. The Florida weather exhibits are especially interesting.
Admission to the Museum of Arts & Sciences
Admission prices for adults is $13-$16; children (6-17) $7-$10. Children age five and under get in free. Student discounts are available. Some Planetarium shows and admission to Cici Hyatt Brown Museum of art cost extra.
Parking at Museum of Arts & Sciences
Parking is free. However, if you don't plan to tour the entire museum and you do care where you begin, pay attention to the parking lot you choose, or you may have a long walk. Follow the signs.
Food at the Museum of Arts & Sciences
There is no café. Coffee, cold drinks and prepackaged snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Museum
Free wi-fi is available in the gift shop. The museum is situated on 90-acre Tuscawilla Preserve. If the more active members of your group groan at the idea of a museum visit, Tuscawilla Park, next door (north) offers a large disc golf course, nature trails and zip lines.
Author's bio: Edie Schmidt is an internationally published freelance writer in Central Florida. The Root Family Museum is her favorite part of the Museum of Arts & Sciences. See her other interests here.
Located in the center of downtown Lansing, the Michigan Capitol Building boasts a dome inspired by the national Capitol in Washington D.C. and offers daily tours Monday through Friday. History buffs and travelers will enjoy the stories behind the art, architecture and galleries on display throughout the building.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Michigan State Capitol
Parking is a challenge in downtown Lansing, and visitors should come prepared for meter parking. Public meter parking can be found along Washington Square, a block from the Capitol Building. Parking garages on either side of the building are also available to visitors, although a fee is charged per vehicle.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) provides a public bus system throughout the city and surrounding areas. Use CATA's Trip Planner to identify the appropriate route.
Best and Worst Time to Visit Michigan's Capitol Building
The building is closed on weekends and state and federal holidays.
The best time to visit is in the summer season, when the grounds are beautifully landscaped and the weather is conducive to walking. Three times a year, in July, August and September, the Capitol Building hosts a massive farmer's market on the East Lawn. Over 15,000 people come to support Michigan farmers and businesses.
Admission to Michigan's Capitol Building
Admission to the building, as well as the tours, is free. Self-guided tours are also allowed.
Other Places to Visit Near Michigan's Capitol Building
Downtown Lansing is a lively place to visit, especially in the summer. Just block from the Capitol visitors can enjoy a Lansing Lugnuts Baseball game at the Cooley Law School Stadium or hands-on science fun at Impression 5 Science Center. There are also countless bars and restaurants along Washington Square and Michigan Ave.
Insider Tip for Visiting Michigan's Capitol Building
While the regular guided tours do cover the inside of the Capitol Building's dome, a climb to the top of the Cupola is allowed by special request.
Author's bio: Allie McLary is a digital communications profesional from Lansing, MI, bitten by the travel bug.
George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located near King Street and Callahan Drive. George Washington Masonic National Memorial was established in 1920. This is more than just a memorial and a museum. George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also a research center, library, community center, performing arts center and also a concert hall. Admission is free for the first two floors.
This is a fun family-friendly farm. Kids can explore the many different stations, such as the the cowshed, horses, as well as ducks, geese and hens. There are swings and tractors for kids to play on and Wagner Farm's friendly staff give tours and lead activities for school groups and visitors.
If you can't seem to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby in May, your next best bet is to stop in at the Kentucky Derby Museum and see just what all that fuss is about. The Kentucky Derby Museum, on the grounds of Churchill Downs Racetrack, is a museum solely dedicated to that famous race, almost 150 years strong, and the most famous horses and jockeys who ever participated. Start your visit with a short movie and then trot your way through the museum, seeing exhibits and artifacts about racing and dressing, for both the horses and the spectators. The museum has several indoor, stationary exhibits about racing, but you'll also get to step outside into the stables and view some real, live Kentucky thoroughbreds as well as see the grave sites of five past Kentucky Derby winners.
Best and worst time to go to the Kentucky Derby Museum
The worst time to go is during the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is held just before the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Mother's Day and Easter are other really busy times. Generally, Saturdays and Sundays are pleasant days and any weekday when a field trip of local schools isn't present.
Must see or do at the Kentucky Derby Museum
The 360-degree movie about the history of the Derby is a must-do. On busy days, you might have to wait your turn, but it's well worth the wait to see past races galloping past your eyes on the huge screen. If you're not a sports fan, don't despair. The museum has amazing exhibits of the crazy Derby fashions and hats of the last century or so. The museum also has revolving exhibits that focus on African American involvement and even Hollywood stars.
Admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum
Prices range from $14 for a full tickets, with discounts and cheaper prices for seniors, military, kids, AAA, and others. Your ticket price includes the museum tour, a walking history tour of Churchill Downs, and the movie.
Parking and public transportation to Kentucky Derby Museum
There is parking on site, usually for free, but there is a charge on race days during the season. Check the calendar to see if this applies, which is nearly everyday in the spring or summer. TARC does provide public transportation on Route 4, which also services the downtown area. Taxi services are also always available.
Food at the Kentucky Derby Museum
There is a cafe at the museum, the Derby Cafe, open each day for lunch hours only, which serves typically unique Kentucky fare like Burgoo and Hot Brown for reasonable prices. The cafe is closed during holidays and special occasions, so be sure to check the website before you plan on lunch. On really busy days, there is no menu available; instead, a buffet service is offered.
Insiders tip for Kentucky Derby Museum
The Derby Cafe is part of the Kentucky Urban Bourbon Trail, a marked trail of bourbon tasting spots in Louisville. Visitors who really want to sample the best of that spirit can make reservations to try a flight of Kentucky's best bourbons including Maker's Mark, Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace served by actual bourbon authorities. These events are held throughout the year, but must be reserved in advance.
Author's bio: CC Thomas is freelance writer and Kentucky native who loves to travel. Follow the adventures at www.iknowfuntravel.blogspot.com.
There is a lot of history in Clark County, but with how rapidly Las Vegas continues to change, it's often difficult to get a taste of it. The Clark County Heritage Museum in southern Henderson houses much of Clark County's history, from long before civilized times to the era of the Rat Pack to today. This multi-faceted museum preserves historical artifacts, including complete replicas of homes throughout the ages and a small ghost town.
Best and worst time to go to the Clark County Heritage Museum
As a bulk of the heritage museum's exhibits are outside, it is best to avoid it during the span of June through September. If it is unavoidable, stick to an early morning visit and bring plenty of water.
Must see/do at the Clark County Heritage Museum
The museums collection of restored historic homes and buildings transport guests to a variety of eras, from the roaring 1920's to the 1950's. These buildings show how life was in Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and Goldfield during these time periods. Visits to a classic chapel and an early 1900's newspaper print shop are possible.
The Anna Robert Parks Exhibit Hall is the best look at Clark County's ecosystem before man came in and took over. The Ice Age exhibit shows what fascinating creatures resided in these lands before being pushed out for the glitz and glam of today.
Explore the historical intrigue of a mining trail that leads up to historical buildings like the Tuscarora Jail and Troll Cabin of 1880 and a general store from the 1950's. The trail will lead you a little ways away from the museum, past the remnants of the ghost town, into a nature trail that remains genuine.
Admission to the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum offers self-guided tours that start at $1 per person. Group tours and museum memberships are available at special rates.
Parking and public transportation to the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum offers free on-site parking in a lot right next to the museum.
The HDX bus towards Henderson towards Boulder City makes a stop at Boulder Hwy and Museum Dr. From there, it's a .2 mile walk to the museum entrance.
Food at the Clark County Heritage Museum
The Clark County Heritage Museum doesn't currently serve food on-site.
Insider tip for visitors to the Clark County Heritage Museum
One detriment to most museums is the inability to bring history home with you, but the heritage museum's on-site gift shop provides a variety of unique items for sale. Most interesting is the collection of locally written books chronicling several aspects of Clark County's history.
Author's bio: Mark is a Vegas local and freelance writer with expertise in Las Vegas nightlife and entertainment. He's also the owner and contributor to the video game site, The Spirit of Gaming.
