Can NOT say how great this place is! Boy Scouts truly need to visit this museum. If we are in the area again, we will be back!
In Dallas for a ballgame, I took my scout to the museum. He really liked the place. There were a number of wonderful paintings by Norman Rockwell. The history of scouting was on display and was very interesting. We participated in a trivia contest where you must find answers to 10 questions and if you are successful, you can earn a ribbon for your troop. I think small kids could get bored, but older kids 10 and up would enjoy it. There is a shooting gallery that was fun, and they have a "docent" who will tell you about the Rockwell paintings and answer questions. It was not crowded.
Boys and girls ages 4 to 12 will enjoy this museum. They have a pinewood derby track and cars to race and a laser rifle shooting game. You can also row a canoe & kayak, plus climb through a cave with helmet and headlight. Pictures of famous scouts including Hank Arron, John Glenn, and President Gerald Ford. It costs $5 per person,and is free on Sundays.
Very interesting museum on the history of scouting. Certainly worth the time. I didn't even know they had Sea Scouts!
I visited this museum with my mother who has been involved in the scouting movement in Australia for approximately 40 years. She loved seeing the American history of scouting and we both enjoyed the exhibits. The museum is well set out and the shop excellent. Worth a visit if you are in this area and involved with scouting.
The best thing for those over 50 - Norman Rockwell's orginal paintings! Better than any print.The best thing for those under 20 - lasar shooting gallery, pinewood derby car racing, spelunking through the cave with a lighted helmet, sitting in a canoe and a kayak learning how to manuevre it.The best thing for those between 20 & 50 - nostalgia for your scouting days. See the films, the multiple artifacts, the history, the merit badges, the very first Eagle award.The best thing for EVERYBODY - the whole museum! And if you go on a Sunday or Monday, admission is FREE! But only $5 other days for anyone who is/was a scout or a member of a scout family.
If you we're ever in the Boy Scouts, this is a must visit. The museum also includes a very nice collection of Norman Rockwell art, mostly when he illustrated for Boys Life. With your admission, you get a token to use at the shooting gallery. A really fun thing to do if you're with a group.
My husband is an Eagle Scout and son is a Life Scout and have both returned to this museum twice and still would return again. The large display of original paintings done by Norman Rockwell was amazing as was the guided tour of the paintings. The guide was so well versed & interesting. There is something here for all ages but I'd say the paintings are more for the adult scouters. They also have hands on things to do for the younger scouters. No matter what your rank is in scouting, you will love this museum. Our son who is now in his 30's picked up a couple hand books from the store.
It is a place everyone should go. The history of scouting is there plus much more. Prices are reasonable.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed this museum. My son is an Eagle Scout and we happened upon this when we were staying nearby. The collection of Norman Rockwell paintings was amazing! the displays anad activities were well laid out and enjoyable for all ages. The history of Scouting was covered as well as the different levels and activities. This is a first class museum.