Indian River County, FL is filled with family-friendly things to see and do. However, on a hot day, you might be looking for a fun activity that gets you and your kids out of the sun for a few hours. A visit to one of these top Indian River County museums might be the perfect indoor activity for your family. Check these top spots out next time you need a break from the heat.
Indian River County Museum #1: The National Navy UTD SEAL Museum
The National Navy SEAL Museum gives visitors an inside look at life in the navy. The museum was built on the original training grounds of the Navy SEALs and is the only museum in the country dedicated to preserving the history of this group and educating the public. Interactive exhibits detail the growth and evolution of the Navy SEALs program. While the museum is small, it has detailed exhibits that will allow visitors to get an up-close look at life in the Navy. The museum also includes the Navy SEAL Memorial, a wall that honors the fallen members of the group.
Indian River County Museum #2: The Smithsonian Marine Station
The Smithsonian Marine Station focuses on the diversity of the marine life and ecosystems in Florida. Exhibits at this aquarium compare the organisms found in various parts of Florida, noting similarities and differences between the plants and animals found in each region. There is even an interactive touch tank that will enchant kids of all ages.
This museum is a satellite location of the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. Researchers come from all over the country to work on projects in Indian River Lagoon and the nearby ocean.
Indian River County Museum #3: A. E. Backus Museum
The A. E. Backus Museum focuses on the artwork of a famous Florida native, a painter named A. E. Backus. Exhibits include an indoor collection of his paintings as well as an outdoor Mural Plaza. The museum also includes an exhibit that educates the public about the Florida Highwaymen. This is Florida’s only permanent multimedia exhibit on this subject, so you will not want to miss it.
Indian River County Museum #4: St. Lucie County Regional History Center
If you are looking to learn more about the area’s local history, stop by the St. Lucie County Regional History Center. Here, exhibits detail the area’s early days, beginning with the Spanish settlements that date back as far as 1567. This area was originally known as Santa Lucia, with the present day name of St. Lucie not taking hold until the early 1900s. Favorite exhibits include one detailing the history of the area’s Seminole settlements, an exhibit on the early cowboy populations, and The Gardner House. The Gardner House was built in 1907 and still has all of its original furnishings, allowing visitors to see what life was really like in the early 1900s.
As you can see, this area has plenty of amazing museums filled with local history. To learn more about the benefits of living in Indian River County, reach out to Francine McElhenny at 772.925.9587 or francine(at)francinekidder(dotted)com.