There's more to Wilmington than beaches and the Riverwalk. Spend an afternoon aboard a World War II battleship, wander through homes that predate the American Revolution, discover local art, or dive into collections ranging from model trains to the wonderfully weird. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or just looking for something new to do this weekend, these museums are well worth a visit.

Note: Ticket prices reflect standard adult admission and are subject to change.

History

Battleship North Carolina, 1 Battleship Rd. | $14

You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate this Wilmington landmark. Climb aboard the Battleship North Carolina and explore nine levels of one of the most decorated American battleships of World War II, from crew quarters and engine rooms to the bridge and towering gun turrets. The ship earned 15 battle stars during the war and now stands as North Carolina's official memorial to those who served during World War II.

Don't miss: Climbing inside one of the massive 16-inch gun turrets.

Victorian home interior at Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. — It's easy to admire the craftsmanship inside Bellamy Mansion—but the stories behind these walls are just as fascinating. | Photo courtesy Bellamy Mansion Museum

Bellamy Mansion Museum, 503 Market St. | $16 self-guided, $22 guided

One of Wilmington's most recognizable homes tells more than one story. Tours of Bellamy Mansion explore architecture, slavery, and daily life in the years leading up to the Civil War through the restored mansion, formal gardens, and one of the nation's best-preserved urban slave quarters. Along the way, you'll also learn about the enslaved people and free Black artisans whose work shaped the property.

Don't miss: The preserved brick slave quarters behind the mansion.

Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, 224 Market St. | $22

If historic homes are your thing, don't skip this stop. Built in 1770, the Burgwin-Wright House is the city's only colonial-era structure open to the public as a museum and one of Wilmington’s oldest surviving buildings. Guided tours lead visitors through rooms filled with period antiques while sharing stories of life in pre-Revolutionary Wilmington. Be sure to leave time to wander the peaceful gardens before you go.

Don't miss: The home's beautifully preserved Georgian architecture and period furnishings.

Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens in Wilmington, NC. — Built in 1770, the Burgwin-Wright House is the only colonial-era structure in Wilmington open to the public as a museum. | Photo courtesy Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens

Wilmington Railroad Museum, 505 Nutt St. | $12

Whether you grew up loving trains or are simply looking for a fun stop near the Riverwalk, the Wilmington Railroad Museum packs plenty into one visit. Learn how the railroad helped shape the Port City through historic artifacts, vintage rail equipment, and more than 1,200 feet of operating model railroad track. There's even a real caboose you can climb aboard.

Don't miss: The sprawling model train layouts that come to life with the push of a button.

Latimer House, 126 S. Third St. | $20

Take a step into Wilmington's Victorian era at the Latimer House Museum. Guided tours showcase original decorative arts, period furnishings, and intricate craftsmanship while sharing stories of the families who lived here and what life looked like in the late 1800s. It's an easy stop for anyone who loves architecture, history, or historic homes.

Don't miss: The home's ornate Victorian woodwork and period décor.

Art

Cameron Art Museum, 3201 S. 17th St. | $17

There's always something new to discover at Cameron Art Museum. Rotating exhibitions mean no two visits are exactly alike, with works by regional, national, and international artists filling the galleries. Before you leave, wander the sculpture garden and PNC USCT Park, which commemorates the nearby Battle of Forks Road and the United States Colored Troops who fought there.

Don't miss: The outdoor sculpture garden and historical walking paths.

Nick Cave's installation at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC. — Visitors take in Nick Cave's vibrant *Augment*, one of the featured installations in Cameron Art Museum's *Fresh Air: Inflatable Sculptures* exhibition. | Courtesy of Cameron Art Museum, Photography by Alan Cradick

Kids

The Children's Museum of Wilmington, 116 Orange St. | $10

Designed with curious kids in mind, this downtown museum encourages learning through hands-on play. Four floors of interactive exhibits invite little ones to build, create, explore, and imagine, from a kid-sized veterinary office and art spaces to science exhibits and toddler-friendly play areas. It's the kind of place where it's easy to spend a few hours.

Don't miss: Animal Alley, where kids can care for stuffed pets in a pretend veterinary clinic.

Robotic dogs at the Children's Museum of Wilmington in Wilmington, NC. — No "don't touch" signs here. Hands-on exhibits invite kids to experiment, explore, and play at the Children's Museum of Wilmington. | Photo courtesy Children's Museum of Wilmington

Specialty

Museum of the Bizarre, 201 S. Water St. | $3

Not every museum is filled with paintings and antiques. The Museum of the Bizarre leans into the strange with oddities, curiosities, movie memorabilia, and displays inspired by the unexplained. It's one of downtown Wilmington's most unique attractions—and a fun choice if you're looking for something a little outside the ordinary.

Don't miss: The museum's collection of rare oddities and horror-inspired memorabilia.

Coming soon

Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, 230 Grace St. | $16 for adults, $8 for New Hanover County residents

North Carolina's oldest history museum is getting a revamp – and a new home. Cape Fear Museum is currently closed as it moves into a new downtown facility, with reopening scheduled for August 17, followed by a ticketed grand opening on August 22. The new museum will feature expanded history and science exhibits, a two-story interactive gallery exploring the Lower Cape Fear region, a planetarium, and a dedicated children's gallery.

What to bring

Whether you're climbing ladders aboard a battleship or touring a centuries-old home, these museum-day essentials will come in handy:

A reusable water bottle for exploring between stops.
Comfortable walking shoes – many museums include multiple floors or outdoor grounds.
A lightweight crossbody bag to keep your hands free.
A portable phone charger so you're ready to snap photos all day.
A small notebook if you're the type who loves jotting down fun facts or favorite exhibits.