10 Museums to Explore in Erie County

Checkout places to visit in Erie County

Erie County

Erie County, New York is an ideal destination for travelers who want to explore all that the area has to offer. From the stunning Niagara Falls to charming lakeside towns, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Erie County is also home to some of the largest cities in the state of New York, such as Buffalo and Rochester. Visitors can explore the many cultural attractions, historical sites, and outdoor activities the county has to offer. Whether they are looking for a leisurely getaway or a fu

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Museums to Explore in Erie County

Buffalo AKG Art Museum

The Buffalo AKG Art Museum is a space dedicated to the celebration of culture and art. The museum houses an impressive collection of American and international art, from both the 20th and 21st centuries, and features a wide variety of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. Along with this collection, the museum hosts educational events, lectures, and workshops with visiting artists, and is home to an outdoor sculpture garden.

Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science is a museum, that is dedicated to the exploration of science, technology, and natural history. The museum houses permanent collections of over 700,000 artifacts, including minerals, fossils, scientific instruments, and Native American artifacts. It also features numerous interactive exhibits, education programs, and special events throughout the year.

Buffalo Naval Park

The Buffalo Naval Park is a historic site and museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of the U.S. Navy. Located in Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo Naval Park features restored naval ships, a memorial to the victims of the attack on the USS Cole, an interactive museum, and a research facility. The park is open to the public, and offers educational programs and group tours.

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village

Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is a living history museum, preserves the culture and legacy of various communities that settled in the area between 1797-1948. Visitors are invited to explore 200 years of history through authentic interpretive programs, educational workshops, and guided tours. There’s also an extensive collection of artifacts from the region’s various historic sites and buildings, including a fully-restored 1820s log cabin, an 1800s schoolhouse, and a 1840s grist mill.

Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum

The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum is a unique museum dedicated to the history of the Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company.This museum features a variety of artifacts, including photographs and documents from the company's history, as well as an extensive collection of Pierce Arrow cars. The museum also features interactive exhibits, rare artifacts, and audio-visual presentations that tell the story of Pierce Arrow and its impact on Buffalo's history.

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum

Explore & More - The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum is the premier children’s museum in the Buffalo Niagara region. Located in Canalside, the museum features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of activities to engage and educate children of all ages. Visitors can explore and discover the museum's multiple interactive play zones and experience hands-on learning opportunities, as well as the museum’s onsite theater, music and art studio.

Iron Island Museum

Iron Island Museum located in Erie County, Pennsylvania is an important part of the local history. The museum was established in 1893 and has since become a hub for learning about the region’s rich iron mining heritage. Visitors can take guided tours through the historic buildings onsite, explore exhibits showcasing artifacts from the era, and learn about the people who lived and worked at Iron Island.

Millard Fillmore Museum

The Millard Fillmore Museum in Erie County, New York is a historic museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Millard Fillmore and his family. The museum showcases artifacts from the Fillmore family such as photographs, books, artwork, documents and other memorabilia. Visitors can also explore exhibits on local history and culture as well as interactive media presentations.

The Buffalo History Museum

The Buffalo History Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in the United States. Its mission is to preserve and share the history and culture of the Great Lakes region. Located in downtown Buffalo, the museum has hundreds of thousands of objects and artifacts, along with a large library and research center. It is home to a range of exhibits, including the Buffalo Panorama and the “All Aboard: Great Lakes Transportation” exhibit.

USS Little Rock

The USS Little Rock was a Cleveland-class light cruiser originally commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. It served in World War II and saw action during the Korean War, including participating in the Incheon Landing Operation. The ship was later decommissioned and relocated to Buffalo, NY, where it resides today as a museum ship located in Erie County–on the Buffalo River.

Map of Museums to explore in Erie County