London Bridge Painting, Lake Havasu Museum of History, Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Lake Havasu Museum of History

4.7
·200 reviews·Lake Havasu City, United States

Discover Lake Havasu's unique past, from steamboats and mining to the iconic London Bridge, all for free!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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London Bridge Painting, Lake Havasu Museum of History, Lake Havasu City, AZ

Lake Havasu Museum of History

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Lake Havasu's unique past, from steamboats and mining to the iconic London Bridge, all for free!

4.7
(200 reviews)

"A great little museum with lots of information about Lake Havasu City, the London Bridge, and more!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Entry, Donate!

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for museum upkeep. Give what you can!

🧸 Kids' Corner Fun

Little ones will love the dedicated children's area with books, sand, and coloring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

McCulloch's Vision

McCulloch's Vision

Main Exhibit Hall

Discover the story of Robert P. McCulloch and his ambitious plan to create Lake Havasu City in the desert.

London Bridge Legacy

London Bridge Legacy

Special Exhibit Area

Learn about the fascinating journey of the historic London Bridge to its new home in Lake Havasu City.

Native American Heritage

Native American Heritage

Dedicated Section

Explore exhibits detailing the lives and influences of the native populations who inhabited the area before modern development.

Lapidary Wonders

Lapidary Wonders

Gem and Mineral Display

Admire a special exhibit showcasing beautiful lapidary stones and gems, highlighting the region's geological treasures.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Admission, Big Impact

This gem offers free admission, making it an accessible stop for all travelers. Donations are highly encouraged to support its continued operation and exhibits on local history, wildlife, and the iconic London Bridge. Reddit

Kid-Friendly Exploration

While packed with historical facts, the museum also features dedicated children's activities, including a children's corner with books, magnetic sand, and coloring. Interactive elements and animal displays keep younger visitors engaged. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Kid activities are often available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

I've never been to Havasu and I'm curious for those who have, how is it?

🎯 Free Entry, Donate!

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for museum upkeep. Give what you can! Reddit

🧸 Kids' Corner Fun

Little ones will love the dedicated children's area with books, sand, and coloring. Reddit

reddit.com

I’ve lived in AZ all my life but I’ve never been to ________

🚗 Easy Parking

Convenient parking is available right in front of the museum. Reddit

📚 Read the Tiny Words

Some exhibits have small text; bring reading glasses if needed! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Entry, Donate!

Admission is free, but donations are crucial for museum upkeep. Give what you can! Reddit

🧸 Kids' Corner Fun

Little ones will love the dedicated children's area with books, sand, and coloring. Reddit

🚗 Easy Parking

Convenient parking is available right in front of the museum. Reddit

📚 Read the Tiny Words

Some exhibits have small text; bring reading glasses if needed! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(200 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Lake Havasu Museum of History to be an informative and worthwhile stop, especially given its free admission. It offers a good overview of local history, including the fascinating story of the London Bridge and the area's native heritage. While some exhibits have small text, the interactive elements for children are a definite plus.

"Informative small museum worth a visit. A small portion of the museum is dedicated to the native population living in the area before Parker Dam was built. Of course lots of info on McCulloch. Scary jail outside the museum. Not very old really - 1970’s. Some fun activities for kids."

Katie Moore

"We enjoyed going through this museum. It had great information about Mr McColluch and Mr Wood, who had the vision to purchase the land and create a city in the desert. They had displays on the Indians who lived in the area and their influences. The London bridge from England is also located in this city and a great tourist attraction.
They also had a special exhibit on the jplane and other lapidary stones on display. We really enjoyed touring this museum. 👍"

Jasmine Johnson

"Nice little museum that explains the area. Easy parking right in front. They had activities for kids. Some hands on items and plenty of tiny words to read."

Hillary Sadoff

What People Like

Free admission
London Bridge history
Kid-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Small text on exhibits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Lake Havasu Museum of History is located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It's easily accessible by car, with convenient parking available directly in front of the museum. Reddit

Information on public transportation options to the museum can be limited. Driving is generally the most straightforward way to reach the museum. Check local transit schedules for Lake Havasu City if you are relying on public transport.

Operating hours can vary, so it's always best to check the museum's official website or call ahead before your visit to confirm current opening and closing times. Reddit

The museum generally aims to be accessible. Parking is available right in front, and the exhibits are typically on a single level, making it easier to navigate. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is a great, quick stop to learn about the area's unique history, especially if you're interested in the London Bridge or local development. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Lake Havasu Museum of History is free! However, donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum's operations and exhibits. Reddit

No advance booking is required for general admission as the museum is free. You can typically walk in during operating hours. Reddit

Typically, all exhibits are included with the free admission. Special temporary exhibits, if any, are usually part of the general experience. Reddit

Yes, donations are accepted at the museum. There are usually donation boxes available, and staff can guide you on how to contribute. Reddit

It's advisable to check the museum's official schedule for holiday closures. Many smaller museums may close on major holidays. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find exhibits covering steamboats, mining, local wildlife, the history of Lake Havasu City, the London Bridge, and the native populations of the area. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers a children's corner with books, magnetic sand, and coloring activities, as well as displays of animals like geckos and lizards. Reddit

A visit to the Lake Havasu Museum of History can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest level and how much you read. Reddit

Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted in most museum exhibits. It's always a good idea to look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure. Reddit

The 'scary jail' likely refers to a historical jail exhibit located outside the museum, offering a glimpse into the area's past law enforcement. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself does not typically have a cafe or dining facilities. However, there are numerous restaurants and eateries located nearby in Lake Havasu City. Reddit

It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into museum exhibit areas to protect the artifacts. Check for designated areas if you need to consume refreshments. Reddit

Lake Havasu City offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants, many of which are a short drive from the museum. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo opportunities include exhibits on the London Bridge, the steamboats, and any unique historical artifacts. The children's corner can also offer cute shots. Reddit

Flash photography is usually prohibited in museums to protect delicate exhibits. Always look for signs or ask staff before using your camera flash. Reddit

The exterior of the museum, especially if it has any historical architectural elements or is near other local landmarks, could offer photo opportunities. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lake Havasu Museum of History is a surprisingly engaging spot for families. Its free admission makes it an easy choice for budget-conscious travelers. The museum offers a dedicated children's corner with interactive elements like magnetic sand and coloring stations, ensuring younger visitors stay entertained. Reddit

Beyond the dedicated kids' area, exhibits on local wildlife, including geckos and lizards, are often a hit with children. The stories behind the London Bridge and the steamboats can also capture their imagination. It’s a great way to introduce kids to local history in a fun, accessible environment. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For those watching their spending, the Lake Havasu Museum of History is a fantastic option as it offers free admission. While donations are encouraged, there's no mandatory entry fee, making it an excellent way to experience local culture and history without any cost. Reddit

It's a perfect addition to a day of exploring Lake Havasu City, especially if you're already planning to see the London Bridge. You can spend an hour learning about the area's unique past without impacting your budget. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of the London Bridge

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lake Havasu City's history, and prominently featured at the museum, is the relocation of the original London Bridge. Purchased in 1968 by Robert P. McCulloch, the bridge was dismantled stone by stone in London and meticulously reassembled in Arizona. This ambitious project was instrumental in drawing attention and visitors to the nascent city. The museum delves into the intricate process of this relocation, showcasing its historical significance and the engineering marvel it represented. Reddit

Visitors often express surprise and delight at learning about this unique piece of history. The museum provides context for why this particular bridge was chosen and how its presence transformed Lake Havasu City into a tourist destination. It's a testament to visionary thinking and a truly unique chapter in both British and American history. Reddit

Local Wildlife and Geology

Beyond human history, the Lake Havasu Museum of History also highlights the natural environment that surrounds the city. Exhibits often feature local wildlife, showcasing the diverse animal species that inhabit the desert and river ecosystems. This provides a broader understanding of the region's ecological importance. Reddit

Furthermore, the museum touches upon the geological treasures of the area, including a special exhibit on lapidary stones. This aspect appeals to those interested in the earth sciences and the beautiful mineral formations found in Arizona. It’s a reminder that the history of a place is not just about people, but also about the land itself. Reddit

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