South Carolina is famous for its museums as we love our history and want to keep it alive for generations to come. You can hardly go anywhere without running into at least one; big or small. However, South Carolina also has some very unique museums that should be a must see on your list of daytrips.
1. Museum of York County-Taxidermy Paradise
Stuffed full- no pun intended- of taxidermied animals from the far off reaches, this museum can be a little on the quirky side of things and great fun. Located at 4621 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732. Admission is $5 for adults/children free. Admission is free to all on Sundays. Call to verify hours at: 803-329-2121.
2. National Bean Market Museum
Housed in what used to be the largest string bean auction market in the world. You will see how beans brought economic growth to this little town. Located at: 117 Henry St, Lake City, SC 29560. Call to verify hours at: (843) 374-1500
3. South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame Museum
It boasts that it is "one of the finest sports museums in the country". Each inductee has their portrait painted by, Wayland Moore, a local artist and native of Belton, SC. It is located at: 100 North Main Street PO Box 335 Belton, SC 29627. Hours are: Thursday & Friday 10-4 p.m. and Saturday 10-2 p.m. Admission is free.
4. BMW Zentrum Museum
Definitely a must-see if you are a BMW enthusiast or if you just love cars. You will see old, new, and concept as well as two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles. Located at: 1400 Highway 101 S, Greer, SC 29651. Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30-5:30. Admission is free.
5. Button King Museum
Maybe a little odd and maybe a little quirky...definitely off the beaten path, but nonetheless fascinating. Who wouldn't want to see a furniture and vehicles completely covered with buttons? It is amazing what this gentleman has done when insomnia wouldn't give in. The museum is always open and on any given day Dalton Stevens will play for you while you browse around. Located at: 53 Joe Dority Rd, Bishopville, SC 29010 P.S. There is a donation box just inside the door even though the museum is free
6. J's. Tea-rrific Teapot Museum
A beautiful and large collection of teapots located in a giant blue teapot! Definitely a to-do if you ever get a chance to. It is now open by appointment only as Dr. Boland passed in 2014, so the museum is not open on a daily basis. Located at: 2734 W. Cleveland St., Elloree, SC behind Boland's Pharmacy. Call ahead for an appointment: 803-897-2133
7. Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum
Who loves horses? I can tell you that Aiken County definitely loves their horses and the history associated with it. This museum holds all things equestrian since 1900! Located at: 135 Dupree Pl, Aiken, SC 29801. Hours change with the seasons so you can call this number to verify times: (803) 642-7631.
8. The Rice Museum or The Town Clock
A museum that documents the rise and fall of Georgetown through the growth and decline of the rice industry through art, guided tours, and dioramas. Located at: 633 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440. Hours are: Monday - Saturday 10-4:30 and Sunday 11:30 -3:30.
9. Macaulay Museum of Dental History
Started as a lifelong pursuit by Dr. Neill Macaulay, this museum holds dental paraphernalia as far back as the Civil War era. Entrance is through the Waring Historical Library at: Musc Anesthesia, 175 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403. Guided tours are by appointment only and they ask that you call and make one ahead of time as staff is usually limited. You can call this number: (843) 792-2288
10. The South Carolina Tobacco Museum
Located in the former train depot in the heart of Mullins, SC, is a museum dedicated to keeping alive the history of tobacco and what it did for the economy before 1950. Located at: 104 NE Front St, Mullins, SC 29574. For hours of operation you can call: (843) 464-8194. Admission is $1.
11. Darlington Raceway and Stock Car Museum
From old stock to new stock, from history lessons to a fresh look on the sport this museum covers it all. And, who doesn't love fast cars? Located at: 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy, Darlington, SC 29532. Hours are: Monday-Friday 9-5 p.m.
12. South Carolina Cotton Museum
Located in the little town of Bishopville, SC, this museum is dedicated to all things cotton! Don't laugh, you will be amazed at the things you will learn. Located at: 121 W Cedar Ln, Bishopville, SC 29010. Hours are Monday -Sunday 10 - 4 p.m.
13. The Kazoobie Kazoo Factory, Museum, and Gift Shop
Love kazoos? Then this is the place for you! You will learn everything you wanted to know and a whole lot more about this popular children's party favor. Located at: 12 John Galt Rd, Beaufort, SC 29906. Hours are: Monday - Friday 9-5 p.m.
14. Hollywood Wax Museum
Total fun for the whole family, this museum has wax replicas of celebrities and more. Located at: 1808 21st Ave N Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 P.S. You can't miss it. Just look for the giant ape climbing the tower!
15. Comporium Telephone Museum
What a unique museum! Ever wondered what the first telephones looked like? What about the old switchboards that were used? A really cool place to show children that cellphones were not always the way of life! Located at: 117 Elk Avenue Rock Hill, SC 29730. Call for hours: 803-324-4030. Admission is free.
Describe them how you like; quirky, odd, strange, or weird. What you can't deny is that South Carolina offers you so many choices that you will never be bored! I absolutely adore the quirkiness that peeks through here and there. How about you?
If you know of any more odd or unique museums in South Carolina, please comment in the comment section below.
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