Looking for unusual travel destinations? The Midwest offers some of the quirkiest, most offbeat museums that are sure to surprise and entertain. These hidden gems give a unique glimpse into history, culture, and even the eccentric side of American life.
Let’s dive into five offbeat museums you’ve never heard of, but absolutely need to visit!
1. The International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center – Baraboo, Wisconsin
A Unique Midwest Destination
Nestled in Baraboo, Wisconsin, once the winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus, the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center is a tribute to the timeless art of clowning.
Step into this museum and be transported through a century of costumes, props, and photos that highlight the evolution of clowns in popular culture. The museum also honors legendary clowns like Emmett Kelly and Red Skelton with personal memorabilia and heartwarming stories of their careers.
Why It’s a Must-See:
This museum doesn’t just celebrate clowns; it’s a celebration of circus history. The bright and colorful exhibits offer a fascinating insight into a form of entertainment that has been making people laugh for centuries. It’s perfect for families or anyone with an appreciation for performance art.
While You’re There:
Don’t miss the Circus World Museum, another hidden gem that dives deeper into circus history with performances, exhibits, and restored wagons. Baraboo’s charming small-town atmosphere also makes it an ideal weekend getaway.
Learn more about the International Clown of Hall of Fame here.
2. SPAM Museum – Austin, Minnesota
A Fun Stop in Minnesota
Dedicated to the iconic canned meat product, the SPAM Museum in Austin, Minnesota, is a destination unlike any other. The museum’s lighthearted approach to telling the story of SPAM makes it a fun and interactive experience.
You’ll explore SPAM’s role in World War II, its rise to fame in Hawaii, and its current global reach. The museum also features cooking demonstrations, hands-on exhibits, and—of course—SPAM tastings.
Why It’s a Must-See:
SPAM has transcended its humble beginnings to become a cultural icon. The museum is quirky, fun, and full of interesting trivia about one of America’s most unusual foods. Whether you love it or hate it, the SPAM Museum is sure to leave a lasting impression.
While You’re There:
Explore Austin’s charming downtown, where local shops and cafes serve up SPAM dishes. Consider extending your stay with a visit to the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, a beautiful spot for hiking and bird watching.
Learn more about the Spam Museum here.
3. American Sign Museum – Cincinnati, Ohio
A Nostalgic Stop in Ohio
Located in the heart of Cincinnati, the American Sign Museum is a nostalgic journey through America’s advertising history.
This 20,000-square-foot museum showcases neon signs, hand-painted billboards, and lightbulb-studded advertisements that once adorned Main Streets across the country. From gas stations to motels, the collection spans the evolution of American signage from the late 1800s to the present day.
Why It’s a Must-See:
The sheer visual appeal of the museum is what makes it so special. Walking through its neon-lit aisles feels like stepping back in time. It’s not just for graphic designers or history buffs—anyone will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind these signs.
While You’re There:
Make a day of it by visiting Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine district. Known for its 19th-century architecture, vibrant arts scene, and local breweries, it’s a great place to soak in the city’s culture after your museum visit.
Learn more about the American Sign Museum here.
4. National Mustard Museum – Middleton, Wisconsin
Hidden Gem for Foodies
Mustard might seem like an unlikely subject for a museum, but the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin, turns this humble condiment into a fascinating attraction.
With over 6,000 jars of mustard from all over the world, it’s a testament to the global love for this zesty condiment. The museum also has a tasting bar, where you can try mustards ranging from classic yellow to exotic fruit-infused varieties.
Why It’s a Must-See:
Few museums offer the opportunity to laugh, learn, and taste at the same time. The National Mustard Museum’s quirky exhibits are both educational and humorous, making it a surprisingly delightful stop for foodies and curious travelers alike.
While You’re There:
After sampling some mustards, take a stroll through Middleton’s downtown area, where you’ll find artisan shops and cafes. For nature lovers, the nearby Pheasant Branch Conservancy offers beautiful walking trails and wildlife viewing.
Learn more about the National Mustard Museum here.
5. The House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin
A Truly Unusual Travel Destination
Arguably one of the most unusual travel destinations in the Midwest, The House on the Rock is part museum, part architectural wonder, and part fantasy world.
Built by Alex Jordan in the 1940s, this sprawling, eccentric attraction houses bizarre collections, including a room filled with automated musical instruments, a massive carousel, and a life-sized replica of a whale fighting a giant squid. Each room reveals something more bizarre than the last, making it a truly unique experience.
Why It’s a Must-See:
There’s nothing quite like The House on the Rock. It’s a surreal adventure through the mind of an eccentric collector, with every room offering something more unusual and unexpected. The carousel alone—filled with hundreds of figures—is worth the visit.
While You’re There:
Spring Green is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, which contrasts sharply with The House on the Rock’s chaotic design. A visit to both attractions offers a fascinating study in architectural styles. Don’t forget to explore the scenic Driftless Area, known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
Learn more about the House on the Rock here.
You can also watch our videos from our visit to the House on the Rock.
They also decorate for the holiday season with Christmas at The House on the Rock. It’s packed to the brim with 1000s of Santa’s and more, and a must-see for the holiday enthusiast.
Be sure to check out our full post on our visit to the House on the Rock here.
Why Explore Unusual Travel Destinations?
Visiting offbeat museums like these offers a fresh perspective on the Midwest and provides travel experiences that go beyond the typical tourist stops.
These quirky attractions let you discover niche histories and local cultures, making your journey as memorable as the destinations themselves.
If you’re someone who loves the weird and wonderful, these unusual travel destinations in the Midwest should definitely be on your radar.
Book Recommendations*
We pick up as many books as possible to throw in the car when we’re out traveling around. Like we’ve said in the past, we love to pick a direction and go. Sometimes we’ll drive 10 hours in any random direction. You’ll find a lot of cool stuff this way. But having one of these books will help you find some cool spots you may have missed.
1. Weird Illinois
“Your Travel Guide to Illinois’ Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets.” Part of the Weird U.S. series, this book was one of our first and favorites.
Pick up Weird Illinois here.
Find the rest of the Weird U.S. books here.
2. Oddball Illinois
“A Guide to 450 Really Strange Places.” Another one of our favorites, and again part of the larger Oddball series. We own a copy of each of the states around us here in Illinois. A little more family friendly.
You can pick up the Illinois edition here.
Other versions available:
Oddball Wisconsin
Oddball Iowa
Oddball Minnesota
Oddball Michigan
3. Midwest Road Trip Adventures
“Exploring America’s Heartland, One Scenic Drive at a Time; Road Trip Book and Unique Travel Destinations.” Another great Midwest road trip book.
Check it out here.
4. Midwest Road Trip Adventures
We picked this up from the last Travel and Adventure Show here in Chicago, and glad we did. It’s a fun book with more ideas and stories written by several authors.
You can pick it up here.
“Midwest Road Trip Adventures takes travelers along some of the most storied highways and byways in this unique and spectacular region of the United States. There’s so much more to the Midwest than you might have imagined, so let our authors guide you on your journey through America’s heartland.”
5. Secret Chicago
One last one, Secret Chicago. This is again part of a larger series of books, so there may be one closer to you. “A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure”
Pick up the Chicago version here.
Find the rest of the series here.
* All of these links are Amazon Affiliates, and help us in a small way find and create new content. We truly appreciate any support. If any of these books seem like something you’d like to check out, that’d be awesome. We own the ones I’ve highlighted (and a lot more), and love them.
