5 Houston Hidden Gems You Just Can’t Miss

August 30, 2021
| 4:43 PM

Think you’ve seen all that Houston has to offer? Think again! You may have seen the Water Wall more times than you can count, or maybe the Natural History Museum is old news. But there are still so many Houston hidden gems to explore. Check out our list below for your next unique adventure in Houston!

📷 National Museum of Funeral History

National Museum of Funeral History

Houston is known for its excellent museums, both large and small. But did you know that Houston has a museum dedicated to the ins and outs of funerals? This has to be one of the most interesting museum experiences around, and it’s a must-see for lovers of the weird and history buffs alike.

It may sound morbid, but this museum is actually full of life– explore captivating exhibits such as Jazz Funerals of New Orleans, Historical Hearses, and Thanks for the Memories, which features memorabilia from beloved celebrities who have passed on. You’ll have to see it to believe it– details below!

Hours

Location

📍415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090

WEBSITE

📷 The Orange Show

The Orange Show

The Orange Show is a Houston icon, but it’s also one of Houston’s best hidden gems. Constructed between 1956 and 1979 by a Houston postal worker, this architectural marvel would be the perfect afternoon outing!

The maze-like art piece features a wishing well, pond, stage, and more, and is made up of found objects such as gears, wagon wheels, and mannequins. Tours run every Saturday or Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Be sure to check this one off your list– and who knows, you may even gain a new appreciation for oranges!

Hours

Location

📍2401 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023

WEBSITE

📷 Maribel Amador/SWA Group

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

We all know and love Buffalo Bayou for its trails and parks, but have you ever been under it? The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an underground, former drinking water reservoir that has been repurposed as a historical site and art installation venue.

There are a variety of things to see and do at the cistern! Into history? Try a guided 30-minute history tour. More of an art enthusiast? Check out Anri Sala’s installation, Time No Longer, which is on display until December 12 and features lights, video, and sound. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, attend a sound healing meditation session in the cistern instead. You haven’t really seen Houston until you’ve visited this fascinating Houston hidden gem.

Hours

Location

📍105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007

WEBSITE

📷 Travis Wessel Photography

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

Get a first-hand look at Texas wildlife when you visit the Waugh Drive Bat Colony! The Mexican free-tailed bats that reside under this Buffalo Bayou bridge are around all year long, and you can catch a glimpse of them nightly as they venture out for food. If you’re on the hunt for a unique evening activity, bat-watching would be great for adults and kids alike! There’s no doubt that the Waugh bat colony is one of Houston’s best-kept hidden gems.

Hours

24 Hours

Location

📍Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77002

WEBSITE

📷 1940 Air Terminal Museum

1940 Air Terminal Museum

Watch history take flight at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum! This beautiful Art Deco building used to house Houston’s airport from 1940-1955, and it is now a museum that contains dozens of airline artifacts. You will encounter air hostess uniforms, photographs, and of course… planes! The nearby WR-4 Hangar contains a collection of authentic 1940s and 1950s planes and other vehicles. If you want to experience a unique piece of Houston history, this museum is a can’t-miss!

Hours

Location

📍8325 Travelair St, Houston, TX 77061

WEBSITE

Houston's Best-Kept Secrets

The best thing about Houston? No matter how long you’ve been here or how much you’ve seen and done, there are always more Houston hidden gems to add to your list. The next time boredom hits, check out one of these fantastic and fun activities!

5 Houston Hidden Gems You Just Can’t Miss

National Museum of Funeral History

The Orange Show

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

1940 Air Terminal Museum

Houston's Best-Kept Secrets

Curated by

Megan Whitworth

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5 Houston Hidden Gems You Just Can’t Miss

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National Museum of Funeral History

The Orange Show

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

1940 Air Terminal Museum

Houston's Best-Kept Secrets

Curated by

Megan Whitworth