When someone says “museum,” your mind probably goes to grand halls filled with classical art, larger-than-life dinosaur skeletons, or precious historical artifacts. While those traditional museums are fantastic, there’s a whole world of unique and offbeat museums waiting for curious visitors to discover. These hidden gems celebrate the quirky, niche, and unexpected corners of human culture, history, and creativity.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of something unusual, a trivia enthusiast, or just looking for a different way to spend a weekend afternoon, these museums offer something unforgettable. From giant shoes to neon signs, here are some unique museums you may not have considered visiting—but absolutely should!

1. The Museum of Bad Art (Somerville, Massachusetts)

Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful, and the Museum of Bad Art (MOBA) fully embraces this idea. Dedicated to celebrating art that’s “too bad to be ignored,” this one-of-a-kind museum displays works that went a little... off the artistic rails.

MOBA’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and drawings that are unconventional, hilariously offbeat, or downright bizarre. While the intent of the artwork may have been serious, the results are wonderfully entertaining. The goal isn’t to mock the artists but to celebrate their creativity, even if the execution didn’t quite hit the mark.

Visiting MOBA is a reminder that art is about expression, not perfection. If you’re looking for a good laugh or a new appreciation for how subjective creativity can be, this museum is an absolute must.

2. International Cryptozoology Museum (Portland, Maine)

Do you believe in Bigfoot? How about the Loch Ness Monster? The International Cryptozoology Museum is the perfect place to explore the wild world of legendary creatures and folklore.

This museum dives deep into the study of cryptozoology, which examines animals that are rumored to exist but haven’t officially been proven, like Chupacabras or Mothman. The exhibits feature fascinating artifacts, historical documents, and even recreations of cryptids based on eyewitness accounts.

It’s a fun stop for people who love unsolved mysteries and the thrill of the unknown. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, this museum offers a mix of real science, cultural folklore, and speculative curiosity that’ll leave you pondering the unexplained.

3. SPAM Museum (Austin, Minnesota)

Yes, you read that right. There’s an entire museum dedicated to SPAM, the iconic canned meat product! Located in its hometown of Austin, Minnesota, the SPAM Museum takes visitors on a surprisingly fun and informative trip through its history and cultural significance.

The museum covers everything from SPAM’s unlikely rise to international fame to its role in feeding soldiers during World War II. Interactive exhibits, a gift shop loaded with SPAM-themed goodies, and a surprisingly enthusiastic staff known as SPAMbassadors make this stop an unexpectedly delightful experience.

Even if you’re not a SPAM fan, this museum proves that sometimes the most unexpected topics can make for an incredible museum experience.

4. The Neon Museum (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Las Vegas is all about the glitz and glamour, so what happens when its iconic neon signs retire? They find a new home at The Neon Museum, also known as “The Neon Boneyard.”

This outdoor museum tells the story of Las Vegas through its legendary signs. Visitors can stroll through a collection of restored and weathered signs from famous hotels, casinos, and businesses that once lit up the Strip. Each sign has its own story, and together they map out the city’s changing history and culture.

It’s a beautiful mix of art, nostalgia, and history that’s especially stunning at night, when certain signs are lit up for a glowing stroll down memory lane. If you’re a fan of retro aesthetics or Las Vegas history, this museum is an absolute treasure.

5. Leila’s Hair Museum (Independence, Missouri)

No, it’s not a museum about hairstyles. Leila’s Hair Museum is dedicated to something even more unique: art made from human hair. That may sound odd at first, but hair art was a common practice during the Victorian era, and this museum preserves that fascinating legacy.

Leila’s Hair Museum features hundreds of intricate jewelry pieces, wreaths, and other decorative items made entirely from carefully woven hair. Many of these works commemorate loved ones, acting as sentimental keepsakes designed to stand the test of time.

The level of detail and craftsmanship is absolutely mind-blowing, and it may even change how you think about recycling and art. It’s a truly fascinating spot for history buffs or anyone interested in Victorian-era traditions.

6. The Museum of the Weird (Austin, Texas)

True to its name, The Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas, is home to all things strange and fascinating. It’s part Ripley’s Believe It or Not, part sideshow spectacle, and entirely unpredictable.

The museum’s exhibits include shrunken heads, mummies, two-headed animals, and even a life-size replica of the legendary Bigfoot. Fans of strange curiosities or paranormal oddities will feel right at home exploring its quirky and eerie displays.

A highlight of the visit is their live sideshow performances, where you can witness feats like sword swallowing or fire dancing. With its mix of the strange and the theatrical, this museum is a must-see for anyone who loves the wonderfully weird.

7. The Lunchbox Museum (Columbus, Georgia)

Prepare for a wave of nostalgia with a visit to the Lunchbox Museum in Columbus, Georgia. This unique museum is home to the world’s largest collection of vintage lunchboxes and thermoses, spanning decades of pop culture.

Walking through the museum feels like stepping into a time machine. You’ll find lunchboxes featuring everything from superheroes and cartoons to TV shows and sports stars. If you grew up carrying a metal or plastic lunchbox to school, there’s a good chance you’ll find one just like it here.

It’s not just about lunchboxes, though. The exhibits also reveal how pop culture and design trends evolved through the decades, reminding visitors of simpler times.