These are Some of the Most Unusual Museums in Virginia

Virginia is full of sites that relate to the founding of our country, the Civil War, and other iconic moments in American history. But what about the lesser-known, quirkier artifacts of Virginia?

Many proud Commonwealth residents have dedicated their lives to preserving interesting objects from the past that you won’t find at other museums. Visit one of these unbelievably odd yet fun museums to get a different take on Virginia history.  

Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads—Norfolk

Wonder at model railroad scenes of all sizes at the Model Railroad Museum of Hampton Roads. A unique spot in Norfolk's MacArthur Center, the museum is free and features displays created by local experts. It also offers STEAM programs for kids and has a gift shop.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary—Alexandria

Where did famous Americans like Martha Washington, James Monroe, and Robert E. Lee go to get their prescriptions filled? The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary in Alexandria! This genuine apothecary closed its doors in 1933, but instead of another business moving in to the bustling district, the furnishings and medical goods left in the store would remain untouched, preserving the historical accuracy for decades to come. Now, you can tour the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary for a look at over 8,000 antique medical objects, from hand-blown glass bottles with gold-leaf labels to an amazing collection of medical journals and hand-written prescription formulas. 

The Roanoke Pinball Museum—Roanoke

If you’re interested in classic games, visit the Roanoke Pinball Museum, an interactive museum dedicated to the history, art, and science behind the iconic game. One of the first interactive electric games, pinball has a unique role in the rise of gaming in American culture. The museum showcases over 50 machines produced between 1932 and 2012. Plus, you can jump on the arcade machines in the museum and test your skills at any level of pinball play.  

🎟️ Admission Details: Find the museum on the second floor of Center in the Square in Downtown Roanoke. Purchase tickets at the front desk. 

Virginia Quilt Museum—Dayton

Quilting is more than just sewing together pieces of fabric. The process involves telling a story through the intricate needlework, and the Virginia Quilt Museum in Dayton has dozens of beautiful examples of the art. The museum’s quilts rotate with contributions from other museums and private collections, keeping the display fresh and diverse. They offer workshops, lectures, and a resource center for people interested in studying quilts and how they have shaped the lives of Virginians in both previous and current-day generations.  

Virginia Musical Museum—Williamsburg

With the famous Crooked Road winding through the state, Virginia’s musical narrative is long and interesting. The Virginia Musical Museum pays tribute to that history, housing rare instruments from bygone eras in the Commonwealth. See a preserved harpsichord, nickelodeon, phonographs, and other early musical memorabilia. Outfits worn by Patsy Cline, Wayne Newton’s car, and other significant pieces of history round out the collection.

⭐️ Insider Tip: The museum is also home to the Virginia Music Hall of Fame, featuring 34 groundbreaking musical artists including Ella Fitzgerald, The Statler Borthers, The Carter Family, Missy Elliot, and Pharrell Williams.  

Steins Unlimited Museum—Pamplin

German beer steins have been around for centuries, and the Steins Unlimited Museum in Pamplin houses one of the largest collections in the world. The steins span the expansive time frame, with the oldest dating to 1594 and moving through history to the modern era. You can see a collection of the world’s most valued, historic, and even strangest beer steins when you visit the Steins Unlimited Museum. If you want to take a souvenir home from the trip, there are special steins available for purchase at the museum, as well as a repair shop for broken antique steins.  

American Celebration on Parade—Mount Jackson  

Ever wonder what happens to magnificent parade floats when they retire from the cheering crowds and flag-waving children? The craftsmanship and artistry put into parade floats was a great passion of the late Earl Hargrove Jr., who owned a large decorating corporation that built floats for Presidential Inaugural Parades starting in 1949.

You can see over 20 of his massive, full-size parade floats — plus more memorabilia, props, and recognizable characters — at American Celebration on Parade. Seeing these beautifully preserved, detailed floats up close is truly a once in a lifetime experience.  

⭐️ Insider Tip: American Celebration on Parade is right around the corner from Shenandoah Caverns. Get a combined ticket to see both sites at a discounted price. 

Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum—Colonial Heights

Farm and antique motor fans flock to the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum, which is an easy 30 minutes south of Richmond off of I-95. One of the largest private collections of pre-1960 restored tractors, vintage trucks, and other collectible vehicles on the East Coast, the museum spans more than 125,000 square feet. Purchase special collectible gear from makers like John Deere, Ertl, and Farmall.  

⭐️ Insider Tip: Hungry? Grab a bite at the on-site Keystone Grill, a retro-themed diner that offers breakfast and lunch. 

Isle of Wight County Museum—Smithfield

See the World's Oldest Ham! Need we say more? Smithfield is known for its cured hams, so it is no surprise that the Isle of Wight County Museum’s biggest draw comes in the form of pork. Come see the world’s oldest cured ham that is still edible! In 1902, the owner of the farm cured the ham using the patented Smithfield method and promptly forgot about it. When discovered decades later, he went to every trouble to ensure the meat would stand the test of time.

Today, the cured ham piece stays inside a climate controlled glass case. The museum houses many other artifacts from the Tidewater region, including prehistoric fossils, Native American artifacts, Colonial-era antiques, and the world's oldest peanut.  

The Poe Museum—Richmond

The only literary museum in the Commonwealth pays tribute to Edgar Allan Poe. The great American writer lived in Virginia during the early 19th century. The Poe Museum has the world’s largest collection of artifacts from the late author, and while Poe’s original home a few blocks away is no longer standing, the museum’s building is of historical significance itself as the oldest standing structure in Richmond.

See dozens of Poe-related artifacts, take a guided tour to learn about his life and tragic death, and finish your visit with a stroll through the enchanted courtyard garden, a secluded oasis that makes you feel as if you were in a quaint English garden rather than modern downtown Richmond.  

Camera Heritage Museum—Staunton

The largest museum of cameras open to the public in America, the Camera Heritage Museum in Staunton houses over 7,000 cameras and accessories. These artifacts date from the late 1840s to today’s modern equipment, and in addition to cameras, there are more than 20,00 historic images that explain how cameras developed into more refined machines with the course of history and  technology. You’ll also learn about the photographers who recorded history — or made it themselves. 

🎟️ Admission Details: Find the museum inside the Camera and Palette Store on Beverly Street. Get a preview of their collection on Facebook. 

Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop—Fredericksburg

If you want a deeper dive into the medical practices of the 18th century, head to the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in Fredericksburg. This 18th-century building was restored as a museum of strange medical practices, including leeches and lancets, which were commonplace in the Colonial-era doctor’s office and pharmacy. Museum guides will tell you all about the popular treatments of the day, such as curing a lady's hysteria or a medicine so powerful that it would, according to a wealthy plantation owner, "cheer a man with a bad wife."  

Museum of the Middle Appalachians—Saltville

The Appalachian region in Virginia has been occupied for more than 15,000 years. Its earliest inhabitants are still around at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians. The museum displays full size replicas of Ice Age mammals that roamed the mountain region during that time, as well as archaeological discoveries unearthed much more recently in the region. Native American history is also an important part of the region’s history, and an extensive collection of bead work from local tribes showcases the intricate skills of these groups. You’ll also find information about the two Civil War battles that happened in the region at this Southwest Virginia museum.  

⭐️ Insider Tip: The museum likes to say it has history taking you "From Mammoths to Moon Missions" — so there's something for everyone! 
 

A visit to Virginia’s quirkier museums can open your eyes to interests and a rich history you never knew existed. Check out one of these 14 memorable museums to discover more about our incredible state.

Want to add more fantastic and funky experiences to your Virginia trip? Check out the most unique annual events in Virginia, from an Elvis impersonator festival to parade of larger-than-life cones.