10 Offbeat Open-Air Museums In Texas

Charles Umlauf was an award-winning sculptor whose work fills Texas (the most of any artist on display in the state). Considered one of the best in Austin, the museum featuring his art is tucked away just south of downtown, nearly hidden by all the activity at the nearby Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park and Botanical Gardens. The museum building is dwarfed by the sculpture garden, a serene green space filled with works centering on religious figures, devoted families, and even playful animals. Activities available include yoga classes three days a week and the occasional garden party.

Perched a stone’s throw north of Dallas, the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary was founded to educate children about nature and to conserve nearly 300 acres of land as a wildlife preserve. In addition to 6.5 miles of hiking, the Heard also offers educational programs, activities (night hikes, canoeing, a ropes course), a butterfly garden, and a miniature pioneer village. Visitors can also get up close and personal with native animals, including birds, turtles, toads, and a whole mess of snakes.

The El Paso Museum of Archaeology hosts a large collection of Southwestern and Mexican prehistoric artifacts with a focus on the pottery, baskets, and beadwork of Native American peoples. The outdoor fun comes with 15 acres of trails winding through poppy fields, an Indian Garden, the Franklin Mountains, and the Chihuahuan Desert, with over 250 varieties of native plants. In addition to free tours and regular lectures, the museum provides hands-on archery and atl-atl (spear-thrower) demonstrations, as well as an annual poppy festival with all the attendant exhibits, food, and shopping.

North of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis lies the Denton County Museum and Historical Park in Denton, TX. While covering only a relatively small area, the park does an excellent job depicting early 1900s history. Walk the park while visiting the Denton County Courthouse, the Bayless-Selby Victorian House, and the Denton County African-American Museum. With free admission to all, this park provides an eye-opening history of African-Americans in the context of Denton County and national history.