Tyler Texas Museums

Museums in east Texas and the Tyler area in the United States. Visit these museums to learn the history of Tyler.

History Museums

Cotton Belt Train Depot Museum

Opening in 1905 until 1956. The city of Tyler restored the depot to its original form in 2003 and has a volunteer staff of people from the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society.

Here you can walk through historical times and see history first hand. There are scale size models of O and HO railroads. And the Bragg Train Collection which contains Lionel Electric Trains that has around 1600 cars and 200 engines donated by Sharon Bragg. 

This is a great place for family and adults. 

Opened from 10am to 4pm, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.

Phone Number : 903-595-7232

Address: 210 East Oakwood Street Tyler Texas 75702

Visit the website here

Historic Aviation Memorial Museum

At this Museum you can see real historical memorabilia, hands on exhibits, military aircrafts, even a real flight simulator.

You can get a personal guide to walk you through the historical significance of each item in the museum. Getting detailed historical information. This is a great experience for your family.

If you or your children love aviation, then be sure to keep an eye out for the aviation camp during the summer where you can take a week to explore knowledge on History of flight, Learning how airplanes fly, learning about pilot experiences and even participating in a scavenger hunt!

Opened 10am-4pm Tue-Sat

Closed Sun-Mon

Phone Number: 903-526-1945

Address: 150 Airport Drive, Suite 2-7

Tyler, TX 75704

Visit the site here

American Freedom Museum

Step into American History as you walk through and learn about our Nation’s rich history. From the American Revolution to the Afghanistan & Iraq War.

There are two different galleries you will go through, The Hall of American Freedom and the Hall of Presidents.

Your kids can take grade level subject tours from Kindergarten to 12th grade that will help encourage and engage them in learning of our history. 

Education – http://www.americanfreedommuseum.org/educators/ 

Map – http://www.americanfreedommuseum.org/exhibits/museumataglance.cfm

Address : 1051 N Houston St, Bullard, TX 75757

Phone Number : 903-894-5252

Visit the website here

Goodman – LeGrand House and museum

This house is recorded as a Texas Historic Landmark. Originally built in 1859 when it was first called the Bonnie castle by its first owner Samuel Gallatin Smith who ended up being a Captain in the Confederacy. In 1866 Samuel Adams Goodman purchased the house and it became the family home for four generations and 73 years. The City of Tyler took ownership in 1940.

Today the house is still furnished with the items from the Goodman family. You will feel like you are walking through history as you lay your eyes on old medical books from the 1800’s as well as hand carved musical instruments amongst other items.

Address: Goodman Park, 624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702

Opened 10am-4pm Tuesday – Saturday

Closed Sundays & Mondays.

Phone: 903-531-1286

Visit the website here

Smith County Historical Society Museum

This Museum is located in the Carnegie Library which in itself is a Historic sight.

You will see the growth of Smith County through the years as you see the progression from crops, oil, roses and cultural changes.

Address: 125 S College Ave, Tyler, TX 75702

Phone: 903-592-5993

Opened 10am-4pm Tuesday- Saturday

Closed Sundays & Mondays

Visit the website here

Old Mill Pond Museum

“Saving the Past for the Future”

You will feel like you’re walking through history at this museum. The main museum building is two stories full of items from the 1800’s-1950’s. There is also a pond, a chapel, waterwheel, blacksmith shop, a barn and a tractor building full of different kinds of tractors. And you have to be sure to visit the general store/ country store! With all kinds of handmade items you can’t get anywhere else.

Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday – Thursday: Closed

Address: 2900 South Main Street in Lindale.

Phone: 903-881-5103

Visit the website here

Cultural Museums

Tyler Rose Museum

This Museum was created to make sure we didn’t lose sight of where the city of Tyler had come from before the growing industry of roses and the Texas Rose Festival.

Price – Adults $3.50. Children 2yr-11yr $2.

Hours – Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

Sunday: 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m

Visit the website here

Tyler Museum Of Art

The Museum now has around 800 permanent art pieces

You can also find a collection of Mexican and Latin Folk Art here thanks to Laura and Dan Boeckman. But remember there are temporary exhibits here as well. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop

Price- $5 General Admission $3 for Seniors. Also free for Students and children under 12yrs.

Hours- Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Sunday: 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday: Closed.

Address – 1300 South Mahon Avenue, Tyler, Texas 75701

Visit the website here

Discovery Science Place

This is a fun hands-on place to take your kids to get them engaged with education. You will find all sorts of different exhibits here including a meso america rock climbing wall, Buford kinetics, and imagination playground.

During the summer they offer several different kinds of events so keep your eye on that!

Price – $10 for adults. $8 for children. Military $7.

Hours – 10am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday

1pm- 5pm Sunday

Closed Monday.

Visit the website here

Final Thoughts

There are so many activities to do in east TX and Texas in general so please keep exploring! I hope you do get to visit these Tyler Museums when you get the chance!

Stay Safe
Stay Hydrated
-Dass