Looking for something to do other than going to the beach or fishing? Why not attend one of Galveston’s historical museums? Many folks look at Galveston and think that there’s nothing really to it but beaches and restaurants, but its history actually dates back to the 1830’s. Here at these museums I am about to show you today, you will get a true glimpse of Galveston’s past and how it has shaped its future.
Galveston Railroad Museum
Here at the Galveston Railroad Museum, you get a chance to learn about how people used to travel back before everyone owned cars.
They have a gallery of rail history which starts in the 1830’s and shows the timeline between when the locomotive business was thriving and when it seemingly began to derail.
You also get to see a bunch of freight cars which each have their own unique history to how they ended up in the museum. For example, Stock Car #105031 was used in the movie Emperor of the North Pole and was set on fire for a stunt.
You can also take a ride on one of the trains they have called the Harborside Express. It boards Saturdays from 11am-2pm. Rides are approximately 15 minutes and admission is $5.
2602 Santa Fe Place Galveston, TX 77550
1877 Tall Ship Elissa
Tall ship Elissa is one of the only tall ships still around. Built during the decline of the “Age of Sail,” Elissa carried cargo from ports all over the world for 90 years.
Now after surviving the decline of ships of her class, she sits as an artifact or a museum from a time that has long passed us.
Due to the support of the Galveston Historical Foundation, Elissa is kept well maintained and is ready do sea trials every year.
Come on in and get a feel for what all the sailors felt during Elissa’s days of sailing. Now during her 141th year of life, its remarkable that she can function and sail so well!
ADMISSION
Adult [Age 19 yrs and up]: $12
Youth [Age 6 through 18]: $9
Child [Age 5 and under]: FREE
More info here:
2200 Harborside Dr, Galveston, TX 77550
Bryan Museum
Bryan Museum is home to Texas, US West, and Spanish Influences such as historical artifacts and documents.
The museum itself holds about 70,000 items in total which include:
- Firearms
- Spurs
- Fine art
- Portraits
- Rare books
- German, French, English, and Spanish Documents
I enjoyed attending this museum the most due to the variety of historical items they had and the rich history behind all of them. I ended up learning a lot not only about US and Galveston history, but many other nations and how all of their histories ended up tying together in the end.
ADMISSION
Seniors/Military: $10
Adult [Age 19 yrs and up]: $14
Youth [Age 6 through 12]: $4
Child [Age 5 and under]: FREE
1315 21st St, Galveston, TX 77550
Always, double check the pricing and its subject to change