Brazosport Museum of Natural Science

Great little museum with a little bit of everything in one huge hall and several adjacent smaller rooms. Shells absolutely reign here, probably even more than in the museum of natural history downtown Houston! Very thankful for kids corner with educational materials and games — it let me browse through the exhibits in peace! Very friendly volunteers and it’s free too!!!

Interesting little gem, hidden off by itself. Very large and cool collection of shells, rocks and minerals and a few fossils. I like the collection of fluorescent minerals, especially the ones from NJ! The planetarium was good too. Small and cozy experience, the kids will love.

The Brazosport Museum of Natural Science is located inside a complex that houses two performing art theaters, a small gallery of local artists’ work, an art league work room, and the museum. There is also a planetarium! The complex is part of the college, but is set far from the main college area and has its own parking.
At first the museum really scared me by its 1970’s look, but it’s actually quite good for its size. It has a huge shell collection, as well as some minerals and other things mentioned on its website. Some of the displays had some great information on them. There is a weaver bird nest with information and graphics on how the nest is built step by step. There is a display of Texas shells along with models of what the organisms look like when they are alive and inhabiting the shells. There is a small dark room in the back that has minerals with a timed display of UV light showing their fluorescent properties. There is a display of regular colored shells and their albino counterparts. Once I got past the very old feel to the place, I was impressed.
Overall, I think the museum is worth the trip from Houston. We visited this museum and Sea Center Texas in the same day. Both are free and really interesting and educational.