Things to Do in Auburn, AL: 6 Must-See Museums

Museums are one of the top things to do in Auburn, Al, as they explore the sometimes challenging past and help better our understanding of the future. Auburn and its surrounding areas also deliver museums of art, history, and even natural spaces. Keep reading to explore our list of the top six must-see museums in Auburn, plus an easy accommodation option for your group.

1. Julie Collins Smith Museum of Art 

Explore this on-campus fine art museum for its seasonal exhibitions, striking galleries, and walking paths. 

With over 40,000 square feet of exhibition space, the museum has been a longstanding resource for students and visitors to get lost in the works of local and international artists. The museum is free entry and maintains an impressive university art collection. 

2. Donald E. Davis Arboretum 

If the outdoors is more your thing, consider this a 'living museum.' As part of the University of Auburn, this arboretum is home to hundreds of native plants, as well as local species of duck and other birdlife. 

Used for university classes and open to the public, guests are invited to stroll through the walking trails and read about the flora. 

3. Legacy Museum 

The legacy museum exposes and explores the dark history of slavery and racism in American history and its impact on contemporary American life. 

Through a collection of thought-provoking art installations, archives, and interactive technologies, guests are taken back to the past and brought straight back into the future through the lens of mass incarceration today.

4. George W. Carver Museum 

Located on the Tuskegee University campus, the museum pays tribute to revered environmentalist and agricultural scientist George W. Carver. 

One of the most important black scientists of the 20th century, Carver's work on corp theory was transformational and still influential today. Check out the museum to learn more about his life and his lifelong obsession with peanuts. 

5. Friends of Tuskegee Airmen Historical Site

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American soldiers to be trained as pilots in aerial combat.

More than 1,000 airmen were successfully trained, plus countless more support crew and personnel served their country. Visitors to the site will be amazed by these individuals' impact on military history, the civil rights movements, and the challenges they faced while serving abroad and at home. 

6. (For Something Out of the Ordinary) the Museum of Wonders

Just a short drive away in Seale, AL, a drive through the Museum of Wonders will have you feeling like you've stepped into a Tim Burton film set.

For a collection of oddities, unique exhibitions, and taxidermy, you'll get your fix of the heebie-jeebies from this museum that's been an Alabama landmark since the 1970s.

Visit Museums and Enjoy the Best Places to Stay in Auburn, Al 

Museums are our gateways to the past and a meaningful way to contextualize the future. When visiting Auburn, Al, check out these unique museums for a culturally and historically enriching experience. 

For the best places to stay in Auburn, AL, check out the accommodation options with Llamastay. For groups or families traveling to the Auburn area, we've got the spot to make you feel at home.