3 Excellent Museums in Destin FL and the Emerald Coast
There is no need to panic if the forecast is calling for stormy weather during your vacation in Destin, FL! The Emerald Coast is home to a number of fantastic museums that are perfect for the odd rainy day during your trip. In fact, these museums are well worth a visit regardless of what the weather is like. To help you make the most of your getaway, the Henderson Park Inn has put together a guide to three amazing museums in Destin FL and the surrounding area.
1. Destin History and Fishing Museum
The Destin History and Fishing Museum offers a deep dive into the Emerald Coast’s fascinating past. This popular museum features over 5,500 sq ft. of exhibit space that traces Destin’s history from its early Native American residents to its modern-day status as a popular tourist destination and fishing mecca.
A highlight of the museum is its impressive collection of artifacts related to the fishing industry. Guests will have the chance to see over 75 mounts of locally caught fish along with historic fishing boats and equipment. Be sure to check out the short video devoted to the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which is one of the Florida Panhandle’s most popular annual traditions.
Admission to the museum is just $5 per person. Visitors can either enjoy a volunteer-led tour or a self-guided tour with an MP3 player and headset. We recommend blocking out at least an hour to check out everything the Destin History and Fishing Museum has to offer.
2. Indian Temple Mound Museum
The Indian Temple Mound Museum is another can’t-miss attraction for history buffs. The centerpiece of this historic site is a large earthen mound that was built by Native Americans living on the Emerald Coast about 1,168 years ago. Situated in the middle of the village, the mound served as a platform for the community’s temple and as the home of the chief. The mound was also a burial ground for the village’s leaders.
In addition to the Temple Mound itself, the site features a small museum filled with Native American artifacts, a post office museum, a schoolhouse from the early 20th century, and exhibits about the Civil War. The $5 admission fee covers all of the museums and buildings on the premises.
3. Air Force Armament Museum
Located at the Eglin Air Force Base, the Air Force Armament Museum is dedicated to the evolution of aviation warfare from World War I to the present. Visitors will have the chance to admire over 29 historic planes that have served in all of America’s major military conflicts from the past one hundred years. The museum even features the fastest plane ever built: the SR-71 Blackbird, which travels at three times the speed of sound! Admission to the museum is free.
When you stay at the Henderson Park Inn, you will be near all of these incredible museums in Destin FL and the Emerald Coast. Our beachfront bed and breakfast has been voted the most romantic hotel in America by the users of About.com and TripAdvisor.com, and we are proud to hold the Conde Nast Johansens 2018 Award for Excellence. To start planning your escape, browse our selection of Destin hotel rooms.