52 Days, Seven Museums, and Thousands of Miles in GR84RED

Jun 18

One of the unexpected themes of our 52-day adventure in GR84RED was museums.

When we first mapped out our to Texas and back route, museums weren't really the focus. A family wedding north of Dallas was the main focus. Along the way we’d sprinkle in a National park, some scenic drives, visits with long time friends, and our annual Vienna / Villagio RV Rally. But as the miles rolled by, we found ourselves in the vicinity of seven very different museums, each offering a unique glimpse into American history, culture, leadership, and even crime.

Looking back, these stops became some of the most memorable parts of any of our journeys.

1. Alcatraz East Crime Museum – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Our museum tour began in Pigeon Forge at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. With a prison-themed exterior, it's hard to miss.

Inside, we explored exhibits covering famous crimes, forensic science, law enforcement, and criminal investigations. From artifacts connected to notorious criminals to interactive exhibits that let visitors test their detective skills, there was plenty to keep us engaged.

It was equal parts educational and fascinating, and it proved to be an entertaining way to spend a random afternoon in the Smokies.

2. Louisiana State Exhibit Museum – Shreveport, Louisiana

This boat was excavated from the shores of the Red River. It is of the Caddo Nation and is estimated to be hundreds of years old.

Our next stop was one of the hidden gems of the trip.

The Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport was originally built for the 1939 World's Fair and serves as a showcase of Louisiana's history, culture, industries, and natural resources. There is no cost for admission, but donations are encouraged. The beautiful murals and dioramas capture a snapshot of the state from a different era.

What impressed us most was how much history was packed into a relatively small museum. It's the kind of place you might overlook, but we're glad we didn't.

Once the third grade field trip departed, we were basically the only ones in the museum.

3. LBJ Presidential Library – Austin, Texas

Austin offered our first presidential library experience.

The LBJ Presidential Library tells the story of President Lyndon B. Johnson's life and administration during one of the most turbulent periods in American history. The exhibits cover everything from the Civil Rights Movement and the Great Society programs to the Vietnam War.

One of the highlights is the impressive replica of the Oval Office. Whether you're a history buff or not, the museum does an excellent job of placing visitors in the context of the 1960s and the decisions that shaped the nation.

Neither of us knew much about LBJ, so it was especially educational. A few days later we visited Johnson City, TX, LBJ’s home town.

Personal letter from young boy who wants to be an astronaut

Six flags of sovereign nations that held dominion over territory of Texas; Spain, France, USA, Rep. of Texas, Mexico, Confederacy

4. The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas

Technically, the Alamo is much more than a museum, but it certainly deserves a place on this list. Its history is rich and goes beyond the famous battle. It was originally founded as a Catholic Mission in 1793.

The Alamo went through many changes and changed hands multiple times during the Texas Revolution. The exhibits and artifacts help tell the story of the defenders who fought there in 1836 and the role the battle played in Texas independence. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about its history and really helped us understand what happened there before Texas became an independent republic and eventually, a state.

Like many visitors, we were surprised by how compact the site is compared to its larger-than-life reputation. Still, the significance of the location is impossible to miss.

5. Louisiana's Old State Capitol – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

If there was an award for the most visually striking museum of the trip, Louisiana's Old State Capitol might win it.

Often called the "Castle on the River," the building looks more like something you'd find in Europe than in downtown Baton Rouge. Inside, the dramatic stained-glass dome immediately captures your attention.

The museum tells the political history of Louisiana while also highlighting the building's own fascinating story, including fires, reconstruction, and decades of state government activity. We spent a good deal of the visit in the exhibit profiling Huey Long, one of the most influential and controversial governors and senators in the state and country's history.

Even if history isn't your thing, the architecture alone makes the stop worthwhile. There was no charge for admissions, but donations are encouraged.

The winding staircase led to the picture gallery of governors and the chambers for the state legislators.

6. The National WWII Museum – New Orleans, Louisiana

Without question, this was the largest and most comprehensive museum we visited.

The National WWII Museum is world-class in every sense. The exhibits take visitors through every aspect of the war, from the home front to the major battles across Europe and the Pacific.

What makes the museum exceptional is the personal perspective. Letters, photographs, uniforms, vehicles, airplanes hanging from the ceiling, and firsthand accounts remind visitors that history is ultimately about people.

We could have easily spent another day there and still not seen everything. If you're visiting New Orleans, put this museum at the top of your list.

7. General George Patton Museum of Leadership – Ft. Knox, California

Our final museum stop brought us to Fort Knox, Kentucky, home of the General George Patton Museum of Leadership.

As you might expect, General George S. Patton Jr. is the star of the show. The museum houses the world's largest collection of Patton artifacts, including personal items, weapons, uniforms, vehicles, and memorabilia that help tell the story of one of America's most famous military leaders.

What makes this museum unique is that it goes beyond simply chronicling Patton's military career. The exhibits explore leadership, decision-making, and the evolution of the U.S. Army over more than a century of history. Military vehicles, equipment, and personal stories help connect visitors to the soldiers and leaders who shaped America's armed forces.

For anyone interested in military history, leadership, or World War II, this museum is well worth a stop. Best of all, admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Looking Back

When we started this 52-day journey, we never planned to become museum tourists. Yet these seven stops added depth and context to the places we visited.

We explored crime investigations in Tennessee, presidential history in Texas, political history in Louisiana, the battlefields of Texas independence, the story of World War II in New Orleans, and military leadership at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Together, they reminded us that every destination has a story waiting to be discovered.

One of the great joys of RV travel is the freedom to follow your curiosity. Sometimes that means hiking a trail or exploring a scenic overlook. Other times it means wandering through a museum you knew nothing about before arriving.

In our case, those museum detours turned out to be some of the most rewarding stops of the entire trip.

What started as seven museum visits became seven opportunities to better understand the people, events, and places that helped shape this amazing country.