From the IMA to the Eiteljorg to the Children’s Museum, we are fortunate to have so many fine museums right here in Indianapolis. We are also fortunate that our home in the heart of the country puts us within a short drive to a wide-range of museum getaways. Check out our list of 5 museums worth the drive.
Museum of Science and Industry
5700 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL
An authentic German submarine, a 40-foot indoor tornado, a mind-boggling mirror maze – these are just a few of the interactive exhibits you will find at the 400,000-square-foot Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. While you are there, be sure to check out Brick by Brick, a temporary exhibit on display through January 7, 2018, that features some of the world’s greatest wonders –from the Pyramids to the St. Louis Arch to the Golden Gate Bridge – re-imagined entirely out of LEGO bricks.
The WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
308 W. Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN
WonderLab encourages curious and creative problem solving, inspired by the wonder of science. The museum’s iconic exhibits include the Grapevine Climber, Bubble-Airium, Discovery Garden, and an extensive live animal collection. Back by popular demand are the Bed of Nails, Pulley Chairs, Mechanical Crane and Shadow Room! Check their website for special events, including hands-on workshops, activity stations and live animal programs.
Kidscommons
300 Washington Street, Columbus, IN
Kidscommons offers access to everything from Japanese culture, plant biology, robotics, nutrition, sports, rock climbing, a laser harp, BUBBLES, a pet hedgehog and, of course, a giant toilet slide. That is right – kids can climb into the bowl and slide down into the sewer of a pretend house – it’s an experience they won’t soon forget!
Related post: A Day in Columbus: Making Sense of the Commons
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH
Located along the banks of the Ohio River (once a dividing line between freedom and slavery for African Americans) this museum offers education and inspiration. State-of-the-art exhibits tell the stories of freedom’s heroes, from the era of the Underground Railroad to contemporary times. The messages aren’t always easy to hear, but they are lessons that need to be remembered.
City Museum
Once a shoe factory, this 600,000 square-foot space in the heart of St. Louis is now an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. (Hint: the museum shop sells knee pads if that is any indication of the level of exploration you are facing.) It truly is a space that has to be seen to be believed. Click here for a sneak peek. And then go!
So many wonderful museums to explore. Which one will you head to first?
