Witte Museum

When visiting San Antonio, a trip to the Witte Museum is a must. A favourite amongst tourists and locals alike, this superb institution engages the visitor with its intuitive layout. Exhibitions focus on South Texas heritage, science, natural history and dinosaurs, making it one of San Antonio's most popular tourist attractions today.

Born out of a desire for knowledge, the history of the Witte Museum itself is intriguing. A local schoolteacher decided to establish a history museum and so to fund it, school children would collect donations on street corners. The proceeds of these donations went towards purchasing the first natural history collection, which was then exhibited at the local high school. Businessman Alfred Witte gave the museum a generous donation which enabled it to relocate to its current location, nestled in Brackenridge Park on the banks of the San Antonio River.

Without a doubt the most impressive element of the Witte Museum is the South Texas Heritage Centre. Dive into the rich local history by engaging in an array of hands-on exhibitions. Touch-screen computers will have you herding cattle along dusty trails. Have a go at loading up a cart pulled by donkeys, typically known as a burro. In the 1850s, San Antonio was a thriving city, as hundreds of artifacts will demonstrate. Guns, branding irons, cowboy artifacts along with daily demonstrations and historic log cabins transport you back to the Wild West.

Calling all kids! The H-E-B Science Treehouse is an exceptional attraction, which promotes hands-on learning for children. Situated adjacent to the main building, it covers 4,572 metres and spans across four floors. Have a go at the weight-sensory dance game and unearth a love of science. From air power and sound waves to energy and machines, there is so much to explore.

The Witte Museum also boasts a comprehensive dinosaur exhibit with ancient fossils of the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex as well as the Triceratops. If you go into the courtyard you will see a magnificent monument called Trail Drivers. It was created by Gutzon Borglum, an American artist who also carved one of the most famous landmarks in the United States, Mount Rushmore.

Entry tickets for the Witte Museum can be purchased at the door or you can pre-book online. There are tours available, and the museum shop has plenty of South Texas gifts available. There are no eating facilities however you will find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby. Check the official website for up-to-date details of opening times and exhibitions.