List of museums in North Texas facts for kids

Dallas County Courthouse - Old Red Museum

Welcome to a guide about the amazing museums in North Texas! A museum is a special place where cool objects are collected, cared for, and shown to the public. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. Think of them as treasure chests filled with stories from the past and present! This list includes museums, art galleries, and other places where you can explore and learn.

What is North Texas?
Cool Museums to Explore in North Texas
Museums That Are No Longer Open
See also

What is North Texas?

North Texas is a special part of the state of Texas. It's in the central-northeastern area. Imagine a map: North Texas is generally south of Oklahoma, east of Abilene, and north of Waco. It's a big area with many cities and towns.

Even though "North Texas" isn't an official name from the state, it's a common way to talk about this region. It includes 30 counties that work together in three main groups. You can find out more about these counties in the main North Texas article.

Cool Museums to Explore in North Texas

North Texas is packed with awesome museums! They cover everything from old trains and airplanes to art, history, and even video games. Here's a look at some of the exciting places you can visit, organized by county.

Museums in Collin County

Collin County has many fun and educational museums.

Allen Heritage Center in Allen: Learn about local history, see old photos, and check out clothing from the past. It's located in a building that looks like an old train station!
ArtCentre of Plano in Plano: This place supports creative arts in the Plano area. You can often see cool art exhibits here.
Chestnut Square Historic Village in McKinney: Step back in time at this village with historic buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s. It's like walking into a living history book!
Collin County History Museum in McKinney: Discover what life was like for pioneers and farmers. You can also learn about the Civil War era.
Dallas Cowboys World Corporate Headquarters at The Star in Frisco: If you love football, you'll enjoy seeing the history and cool stuff from the Dallas Cowboys team here.
Frisco Heritage Center in Frisco: This center shows local history with exhibits, old rooms, and displays about different industries. There's also a village with historic homes, a log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, and a church.
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney: Explore natural history and enjoy the wildlife sanctuary. It's a great place to learn about nature.
Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano: See what farm life was like in the Blackland Prairie area between 1890 and 1920.
Interurban Railway Museum in Plano: Learn all about transportation, especially old trains and railways.
Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco: This museum has a fantastic collection of old steam, diesel, and passenger train equipment. It's a must-see for train fans!
National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco: Located inside Toyota Stadium, this is the place to celebrate the history of soccer in the U.S.
National Videogame Museum in Frisco: Play classic games and learn about the history of video games. It's super interactive and fun!
Whiteside Museum of Natural History in Seymour: See fossils from the Permian period (a very long time ago!) and even live reptiles and amphibians.

Museums in Dallas County

Dallas County is home to a huge variety of museums, from art to history and science.

African American Museum of Dallas in Dallas: This museum showcases African American folk art, masks, sculptures, and textiles. It's a wonderful place to learn about African American culture and history.
The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum in Dallas: See an amazing collection of samurai armor from Japan. It's truly impressive!
Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas: Explore beautiful art and cultures from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.
Dallas Firefighters Museum in Dallas: Learn about the history of firefighting in Dallas. It's located in an old fire station!
Dallas Heritage Village in Dallas: Experience what life was like in North Texas between 1840 and 1910. This village has historic buildings that show how people lived.
Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education & Tolerance in Dallas: This museum teaches about the Holocaust and the importance of fighting prejudice and hatred. It's a powerful and important place.
Dallas Museum of Art in Dallas: One of the biggest art museums in the country, with art from all over the world and different time periods.
Farmers Branch Historical Park in Farmers Branch: This large park has 27 acres with historic buildings like an 1856 house, a train depot, and a school.
Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas: Discover the history of aviation, from early flyers to modern astronauts. See airplanes from World War I and II, and learn about space travel.
Hall of State in Dallas: Learn about the history and culture of Dallas. It's operated by the Dallas Historical Society.
International Museum of Cultures in Duncanville: This museum focuses on the cultures of indigenous people around the world today.
Irving Arts Center in Irving: Enjoy four art galleries and a beautiful sculpture garden here.
Jesuit Dallas Museum in Dallas: Part of a school, this museum has art from 5 continents and 25 countries, some pieces are 2000 years old!
Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House in Dallas: Visit the home of Juanita Craft, a very important civil rights leader from the area.
Latino Cultural Center in Dallas: Celebrate Latino art and culture with an art gallery and various events.
Mary Kay Museum in Addison: Learn about the life and career of Mary Kay Ash, who founded the famous cosmetics company.
Meadows Museum in Dallas: This museum, part of Southern Methodist University, has a wonderful collection of Spanish art.
Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas: See art that tells stories from the Bible. It also includes the National Center for Jewish Art.
Museum of Geometric and MADI Art in Dallas: Explore unique art that uses geometric shapes and abstract designs.
Mustangs of Las Colinas in Irving: See one of the world's largest horse sculptures! There's also a small museum nearby that explains how it was made.
Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas: Enjoy a beautiful museum and garden filled with modern and contemporary sculptures.
Old Red Museum in Dallas: Learn about the history and culture of Dallas County. It's located in the impressive old Dallas County Courthouse.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas: This huge museum is full of exciting exhibits about natural history, science, and has special areas for kids to explore.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie: See strange and amazing exhibits from around the world. It's full of oddities!
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in Dallas: This museum tells the story of U.S. President John F. Kennedy's life, his time as president, and his assassination. It's a very important historical site.
Texas Fashion Collection in Dallas: See amazing fashion exhibitions at the UNT Artspace.
Texas Musicians Museum in Irving: Discover the history of Texas musicians and see cool items related to them.

Museums in Denton County

Denton County offers a mix of history, art, and unique collections.

Barney Smith's Toilet Seat Art Museum in The Colony: This is a truly unique museum! It's a collection of toilet seats turned into art. It's quirky and fun!
Bayless-Selby House Museum in Denton: Visit a beautiful Victorian-era home in Denton Historical Park.
Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum in Denton: This historic courthouse now houses a museum where you can learn about the county's past.
Denton County African American Museum in Denton: Explore the history of African Americans in Denton County, including a collection from an early 20th-century medical office.
Denton Firefighters' Museum in Denton: Learn about firefighting history and see old equipment.
Texas Women's Hall of Fame in Denton: Located at Texas Women's University, this museum celebrates the achievements of amazing women in Texas history.

Museums in Ellis and Erath Counties

These counties have museums that share local history and unique stories.

Ellis County Museum in Waxahachie: Learn about the history of Ellis County in this historic building.
Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum in Ennis: Discover local history and see cool items related to railroads.
Ben Hogan Museum in Dublin: Learn about the life and career of the famous golfer Ben Hogan.
Dublin Bottling Works in Dublin: See a historic bottling factory and a museum with items related to Dr. Pepper soda.
Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum in Dublin: Explore the history of rodeos in Dublin, Texas, with photos, saddles, and media from when Dublin hosted big rodeo companies.
Stephenville Historical House Museum in Stephenville: This museum has 19th-century buildings filled with old furniture and items, including log cabins, a ranch house, and a schoolhouse.

Museums in Fannin and Foard Counties

These museums highlight local heritage and important figures.

Fannin County Museum of History in Bonham: Dive into the local history of Fannin County.
Fort Inglish in Bonham: Visit a replica of a mid-19th-century fort, complete with a frontier cabin, a trading post, and a blacksmith shop.
Sam Rayburn Museum in Bonham: Learn about the life of Sam Rayburn, a very important Texas congressman and Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Samuel T. Rayburn House in Bonham: See the 20th-century home where Sam Rayburn lived.

Museums in Grayson County

Grayson County offers a mix of history, wildlife, and presidential connections.

Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site in Denison: Visit the restored 1890s birthplace of President Dwight Eisenhower. It's a cool look into his early life.
Grayson County Frontier Village in Denison: Explore a recreated frontier village with many historic houses.
Harber Wildlife Museum in Sherman: See a collection of big game animals displayed in natural settings and African artifacts.
Red River Railroad Museum in Denison: Check out old railroad items, equipment, photos, and even a caboose and railroad cars.

Museums in Hardeman and Hunt Counties

These museums cover local history and unique collections.

Hardeman County Historical Jail Museum in Quanah: Visit a historic jail and the jail keeper's home.
Quanah Acme & Pacific Railroad Museum in Quanah: Learn about this historic railroad and its impact on the area.
Granbury Doll House Museum in Granbury: A children's museum with a collection of dolls.
Hood County Jail Museum in Granbury: Explore this old jail built in 1885.
Aviation Unmanned Vehicle Museum in Caddo Mills: See military drones and learn about their history.
Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum in Greenville: This museum honors Audie Murphy, a famous war hero, and also tells the story of cotton in the area.
Northeast Texas Children's Museum in Commerce: A fantastic place for kids with lots of hands-on exhibits to explore and learn.

Museums in Jack and Kaufman Counties

Discover forts, local history, and even movie memorabilia.

Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site in Jacksboro: Explore restored fort buildings from after the Civil War.
Jack County Museum in Jacksboro: See 19th-century items, including a log cabin and its furnishings.
Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum in Cleburne: If you're a fan of the classic movie, you'll find lots of cool items related to it here.
Layland Museum of History in Cleburne: Located in a historic Carnegie Library building, this museum shares local history.
No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell: Learn about World War II and the British pilots who trained here.

Museums in Montague and Navarro Counties

These museums offer a glimpse into classic cars, military history, and local heritage.

Horton Classic Car Museum in Nocona: See a collection of awesome classic cars!
International Artillery Museum in Saint Jo: This museum has deactivated military equipment, like old cannons and other artillery.
Tales 'N' Trails Museum in Nocona: Explore Native American artifacts and items from early European trade.
The Pearce Collections at Navarro College in Corsicana: This museum has impressive collections of American Western art and items from the Civil War.

Museums in Palo Pinto and Somervell Counties

These counties feature local history, art, and even dinosaurs!

Old Jail Museum in Palo Pinto: Visit a historic old jail building.
Doss Heritage and Culture Center in Weatherford: Learn about the heritage and culture of the area.
National Vietnam War Museum in Weatherford: This museum focuses on the history of the Vietnam War.
Barnard's Mill Art Museum in Glen Rose: See art in a unique setting.
Creation Evidence Museum in Glen Rose: This museum presents a specific view on the history of Earth.
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose: Walk where dinosaurs once roamed! You can see real dinosaur footprints in the riverbed here. It's a National Natural Landmark.

Museums in Tarrant County

Tarrant County, especially Fort Worth, is a hub for museums, from art to aviation and cowboy history.

American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum in Fort Worth: Learn about the history of American Airlines and the amazing story of air travel.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth: This museum has a wonderful collection of American paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Arlington Museum of Art in Arlington: See exhibitions of contemporary art from Texas artists.
Bull Riding Hall of Fame in Fort Worth: Celebrate the best bull riders, bullfighters, and bulls in rodeo history.
Cattle Raisers Museum in Fort Worth: Learn about the history of cattle ranching in Texas.
DFW Elite Toy Museum in Haltom City: A fun place to see a collection of unique toys.
Fort Worth Aviation Museum in Fort Worth: Discover the history of aviation in North Texas, including World War II aircraft.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History in Fort Worth: This large museum covers local history, science, and has many interactive exhibits for all ages.
International Bowling Museum in Arlington: Learn about the history of bowling and see the International Bowling Hall of Fame.
Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth: A world-renowned art museum with an incredible collection of art from different periods and cultures.
Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth: A living history museum where you can experience what life was like in early Texas log cabins.
Military Museum of Fort Worth in Fort Worth: See artifacts and learn about the history of veterans and military units connected to Texas, from World War I to today.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Fort Worth: Explore modern art created after World War II.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth: This museum celebrates famous cowgirls and their contributions to the American West.
National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum in Fort Worth: Learn about the important contributions of Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, European Americans, and African Americans to cowboy culture.
Sid Richardson Museum in Fort Worth: See amazing artworks by Frederic Remington and Charles Russell that show scenes from the American West.
Stockyards Museum in Fort Worth: Discover the history of the famous Fort Worth Stockyards and the meatpacking industry.
Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth: Learn about the Civil War and its impact on Texas.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Fort Worth: Honors individuals who have made a big impact on the American West and cowboy culture.

Museums in Wichita, Wilbarger, and Wise Counties

These museums offer insights into local history, arts, and unique collections.

Kell House Museum in Wichita Falls: Visit a historic house that gives a glimpse into the past.
Kemp Center for the Arts in Wichita Falls: An arts center with galleries and performing arts events.
Museum of North Texas History in Wichita Falls: See Native American artifacts, a cowboy hat collection, oil industry items, and more.
Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in Wichita Falls: Learn about the history of professional wrestling.
Wichita Falls Fire & Police Museum in Wichita Falls: See historic fire engines, equipment, and police cars.
Wichita Falls Museum of Art in Wichita Falls: Part of Midwestern State University, this museum features various art exhibits.
Red River Valley Museum in Vernon: This museum has displays of wild game, ranching history, and exhibits about famous musicians like Roy Orbison.
Wise County Heritage Museum in Decatur: Learn about the local history of Wise County.
Bridgeport Heritage Museum in Bridgeport: Discover the history of coal mining, railroads, and natural gas in the area.

Museums in Young County

Young County has museums that focus on frontier history and local culture.

Fort Belknap Museum and Archives in Newcastle: Explore this historic fort.
Old Post Office Museum & Art Center in Graham: This museum combines local history with art exhibits.
Olney Heritage Museum in Olney: This museum works to preserve the local culture of Olney.
Young County Museum of History and Culture in Graham: Learn about the history and different cultures of Young County.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sometimes museums close down. Here are a few that used to be in North Texas:

The American Museum of the Miniature Arts, Dallas
Arlington Sewing Machine Museum, Arlington
Cavanaugh Flight Museum, Addison (closed indefinitely)
Conspiracy Museum, Dallas (closed in 2006)
Fire Station No.1, Fort Worth (a former part of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, closed in 2016)
Hangar 10 Flying Museum, Denton
Hayden Museum of American Art, Paris (closed in 2010)
Owens Spring Creek Farm, Richardson (closed in 2013)
The Women's Museum, Dallas (closed in 2011)