All open air museums to visit in Texas

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Texas. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Texas:

  1. Log Cabin Village1

    Log Cabin Village

     Fort Worth, TX
    The Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth is a unique historical site that offers a glimpse into 19th-century Texas life. This recreated village features a collection of cabins dating back to the mid-1800s, providing an authentic representation of the living conditions and lifestyle during that period. Visitors can explore the village and gain a deeper understanding of Texas history.
  2. Mayborn Museum Complex2

    Mayborn Museum Complex

     Waco, TX
    The Sue & Frank Mayborn Natural Science and Cultural History Museum Complex, also known as MMC, is a large facility located at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. It was opened in May 2004 and spans an impressive 142,000 square feet. This museum complex is a significant part of the university and offers a wide range of exhibits and experiences for visitors.
  3. Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site3

    Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site

     Comstock, TX
    Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site is a state park located in Texas, United States. It is situated off U.S. Route 90, to the east of the Pecos River High Bridge and 9 miles west of Comstock in Val Verde County. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors traveling from different parts of the country.
  4. Sam Houston Park4

    Sam Houston Park

     Houston, TX
    Sam Houston Park is an urban park situated in the heart of downtown Houston, Texas. The park is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the buildings and culture of Houston's past, making it a significant historical site in the city. Visitors can explore the park and get a glimpse of Houston's rich history and heritage.
  5. 5

    Dallas Heritage Village

     Dallas, TX
    The rich history of Texas and Dallas is illustrated by almost forty restored houses and public facilities served by costumed characters.
  6. National Ranching Heritage Center6

    National Ranching Heritage Center

     Lubbock, TX
    The National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) is a museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of ranching. It is situated on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The museum offers a unique insight into the ranching lifestyle and its evolution over the centuries.
  7. River Bend Nature Center7

    River Bend Nature Center

     Wichita Falls, TX
    River Bend’s mission is to connect people to the natural environment of Texas. Through educational activities and events, River Bend Nature Center promotes the value of environmental awareness and conservation to students, families, and their communities. River Bend Nature Center (RBNC) in Wic
  8. Heritage Farmstead Historical Working Farm8

    Heritage Farmstead Historical Working Farm

     Plano, TX
    The Heritage Farmstead Museum, also known as the Ammie Wilson House, is a historic farm museum situated at 1900 West 15th Street in Plano, Texas. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history of farming in the region and the lives of the people who lived and worked there.
  9. Fort Croghan9

    Fort Croghan

     Burnet, TX
    Fort Croghan, established on March 18, 1849, by Lt. C.H. Taylor, was part of a chain of forts built by the United States government to protect settlers along the Texas frontier. The fort was abandoned in 1855, but during its operational years, it played a crucial role in the defense system, extending from Fort Worth to Fort Inge near present-day Uvalde, Texas.
  10. Muleshoe Heritage Center10

    Muleshoe Heritage Center

     Muleshoe, TX
    Anyone interested in ranching shouldn't miss this institution displaying ranch buildings dating back to the early 1900s.
  11. Knapp Heritage Park11

    Knapp Heritage Park

     Arlington, TX
    If you want to know how the life in Texas was in the past, this is the right place to discover it. There are several exhibits in the area.
  12. Taylor County History Center - Buffalo Gap Historic Village12

    Taylor County History Center - Buffalo Gap Historic Village

     Buffalo Gap, TX
    Buffalo Gap Historic Village, located in Buffalo Gap, Texas, near Abilene, is a museum complex that houses a collection of historic buildings. This unique setup provides visitors with a tangible glimpse into the past, allowing them to explore and understand the history of the region in a more immersive way.
  13. Star of the Republic Museum13

    Star of the Republic Museum

     Washington, TX
    The Star of the Republic Museum, situated in Washington, Texas, is a unique institution in the state. It is the only museum specifically dedicated to interpreting and collecting the culture and history of the Republic of Texas era, which spanned from 1836 to 1846. Visitors can explore two floors of exhibits that provide a comprehensive understanding of this significant period in Texas history.
  14. 14

    Cedar Hill State Park

     Cedar Hill, TX
    Cedar Hill State Park is situated on FM 1382 and the eastern shore of Joe Pool Lake in Cedar Hill, Texas, which is ten miles southwest of Dallas. This location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists alike, offering a convenient escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
  15. 15

    The Heritage Society Museum at Sam Houston Park

     Houston, TX
    Museum of a society dedicated to preservation of historic buildings in Houston area. Located at the Sam Houston Park.
  16. 16

    Pioneer Village

     Gonzales, TX
    If you want to see authentic buildings from the 19th century and period furniture, come to this museum and enjoy its atmosphere.
  17. 17

    Heritage Park Museum of East Texas

     Edgewood, TX
    An outdoor museum featuring old historical wooden houses and an interesting place to visit. You will learn more about Texan history here.