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You Can See the World’s Smallest Museum in Superior Arizona

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Museums are one of the most recommended travel destinations no matter where you are. Some are too big, and to be honest, it may get boring exploring the whole place. If you’re the type of person who wants to see a glimpse of the past without spending too much time inside, we have the best museum recommendation for you! In this humble town in Arizona called Superior, you will find the World’s Smallest Museum! Do you want to find out how small this museum is? Well then, continue reading….

The World’s Smallest Museum Is Just 134 Square Feet!

World's Smallest Museum

Source: Instagram

A 2-bedroom condo may actually be bigger than this! We weren’t kidding when we said it’s really the smallest museum in the world. It’s just a humble one-aisle place that gives you a glimpse of everything. Despite the museum’s size, you can find a wide range of artifact collections that will definitely amaze you.

You might wonder, if this is only a one-aisle museum, why isn’t this called a room? Well, that’s the thing. This tiny museum defies all expectations. You will find many interesting pieces that can really activate your imagination and engage one’s curiosity. The World’s Smallest Museum also doesn’t stick to just one specific era or theme. It houses a collection of oddities from the middle of the 20th century to the end. There are also some random collectibles and strange memorabilia that will catch your attention. If you think about it, this place might make you wish you’re visiting a taxidermy shop filled with all the weird yet interesting things. 

This fun museum in Superior, Phoenix looks a country barn (although you guessed it right, it’s definitely smaller than that!) The roof is made out of cans so you can guess the person behind this destination has a creative mind. That’s totally cool and eco-friendly! Outside the museum, you’ll see fun recyclables like wheelbarrows and tires on display. There is also a short aisle with glass panels that protect each precious collection housed inside the small museum.

You should keep your eyes open for a big yellow sign that says “Buckboard City Cafe” if you want to visit. Otherwise, you might just drive past this cool roadside attraction.

What Can You See Inside the World’s Smallest Museum?

World's Smallest Museum Items 2

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This quirky little museum carries the tagline “Artifacts of Ordinary Life.” You will see some The Beatles memorabilia representing pop culture, ancient computers (with 10mb hard drive), and food from the early 90s that were kept. You can even find a letter of the late President John F. Kennedy to one of the founders of the museum.

World's Smallest Museum Items 1

Source: Instagram

If you are a fan of outdated technology, you should anticipate items such as quill pens or clunky old cameras. The antiquated mimeograph will also make you really curious about how it works.

World's Smallest Museum Items

Source: Instagram

The items inside the World’s Smallest Museum stays the same for a long time, but there are still some minor additions over the years. You best believe that this destination is a must-see when driving through Arizona. The unassuming museum is located on the scenic Highway 60, and it has Buckboard City Cafe as its landmark. You might miss it if you blink while driving past, so make sure you search the location in your GPS if you want to come here.

Largest Piece of Chalk in museum

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Despite the “Artifacts of Ordinary Life” tagline, there’s one particular collection in here that is not-so-ordinary. It is the Largest Apache Tear, a unique kind of rock. You can even see the largest piece of chalk!

Did you know that the original purpose of this museum is to lure customers to eat at the Buckboard City Cafe? Two men named Jake Reaney and Dan Weight established the museum in the mid-1990s in order to sway customers to go to the Buckboard City Cafe. Eventually, as time passed by, the World’s Smallest Museum made a name of its own and its popularity exploded worldwide.

The founders also didn’t fail in their initial goal. The hungry museum visitors are now all eating at the cafe. Isn’t that cool?

You Can Visit the Museum for Free!

Museum Roadside Attraction in arizona

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Many tourists often snap photos of the items beneath the glass panels. There are many interested visitors who get surprised by the “awkward home computer” which, by today’s standards, is a total eyesore. You will just realize how far we’ve come in terms of developing technology. It feels amazing how you could see bits of history with free admission in this tiny museum. That’s something to be thankful for. If you’re really grateful, the owners will appreciate if museum visitors will drop by the Buckboard City Cafe and enjoy American meals!

According to their guests, the burgers and fries are worth trying. The burgers are tasty, while the fries are nice and crisp, and doesn’t lack in flavor. Even if this one is a small restaurant, it will definitely not disappoint. You will be treated to yummy food sold at low prices and with all the coffee you can handle. This is a humble, yet worthwhile highway diner you need to try. We suggest that you come here during breakfast so it’s more peaceful! Still, you will enjoy your time during lunch given that they offer a wide range of delicious meals.

World’s Smallest Museum Details

It’s not a surprise if you see many good reviews about the World’s Smallest Museum. The employees in the restaurant, between the museum and the cafe, receive a lot of praise coming their way because of their exceptional service. They all take pride in their work, and that’s all the more reason why you should visit this unique destination.

The restaurant and museum are both open seven days a week, with the museum being open to guests from about 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. On the other hand, the restaurant is open from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Due to the global health crisis, there’s a chance that this museum might be closed until further notice. You can check by calling ahead before visiting.

Location: 1111 US-60, Superior, Arizona 85173

Have you ever been to the World’s Smallest Museum? What is your favorite collection and why? Feel free to share it with us! Check out this article for other cool roadside attractions in Arizona. You might also be interested in exploring any of these underground destinations. 

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