2023 GROUP-FRIENDLY MUSEUMS GUIDE

ST. CATHARINES MUSEUM & WELLAND CANALS CENTRE St. Catharines, Ontario

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is the most popular place to watch ships as they navigate one of the world’s engineering marvels – the Welland Canal. Observe these giants from the observation deck or from the 2nd floor Lock View Lounge.

During your visit to the site, take time to explore the Museum’s exhibition galleries where local history is brought to life.

Its impressive collection has approximately 800,000 records, including photographs, artifacts, archival documents that provide a glimpse at the unique character of the community over time and of the people of St. Catharines.

Guided tours, programs, and other group experiences are available for all ages, groups, and audiences, including school groups, scouting and guiding groups and adult tour groups. (stcatharinesmuseum.ca)

TEXAS RANGER HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM Waco, TX

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco, Texas invites visitors to experience Texas Ranger heritage and their Western history. Celebrating their 200th Anniversary in 2023, Ranger service began under the government of Mexico. Browse a selection of the 20,000 artifacts, artwork, photographs and documents preserved for future generations.

See the iconic circle-star badges. Soak up some pop culture in the Lone Ranger exhibit, highlighting the former radio and television shows and movies depicting the life of a Texas Ranger. Explore sculptures and fine art portraying the often unforgiving and inhospitable Western landscape.

Discover antique revolvers and tools used early on by the frontier forces to thwart would-be train and bank robbers. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more paid admissions. (texasranger.org)

THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART MUSEUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS San Marino, CA

What began in 1919 as Henry Huntington’s pursuit of his interests in reading, horticulture and the arts blossomed into one of the most varied museums in the United States. A landowner and railroad magnate, Huntington played a major role in the growth of Southern California in the late 19th century, and his influence can still be felt today at the Huntington Library, located in San Marino, Calif. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the Huntington. There’s the library itself, one of the world’s great independent research libraries, with more than 11 million items spanning the 11th to the 21st centuries. A Gutenberg Bible, an illuminated manuscript of Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” and a first folio edition of Shakespeare are just a few of the items housed here. (huntington.org)

National Air And Space Museum

Washington, DC

“I feel like a kid in a candy store.” That’s been said more than once by visitors entering the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The National Air and Space Museum’s second location is a must-see for anyone visiting the DC/Northern Virginia area, sharing the story of human flight, from early ballooning to the latest images from the James Webb Space Telescope and everything in between.

Space Shuttle Discovery, the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, an Air France Concorde, and the record-setting SR-71 Blackbird are just a few of the more than 3,000 artifacts on view in the Center’s spacious exhibition hangars.

Every artifact has a story, and a free docent-led tour is the best way to hear them. Considered one of the best things to do in Washington, DC, the tours at the Udvar-Hazy Center will enhance your visit. Tip: ask the docents about their aerospace backgrounds – it’s a pretty amazing corps of volunteers.

But wait, there’s more! The Museum has an observation tower with 360-degree views of the area, including some of Dulles Airport’s runways; a restoration hangar with an overlook to air- and spacecraft conservation; the largest IMAX screen in the area (group rates available); simulator rides; and a Shake Shack. And let’s not forget – free motorcoach parking. (airandspace.si.edu/groups)