Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque (must see)

The Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is a museum dedicated to the worldwide history, science, and art of all types of ballooning and lighter-than-air flight. It is situated just outside the grounds used for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's largest yearly balloon fiesta, and is named for Ben Abruzzo and Maxie Anderson, two Albuquerque natives who established several ballooning firsts, such as crossing oceans and continents.

Opened on October 1, 2005, it is owned by the city of Albuquerque and is a collaborative project of the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation and the City of Albuquerque's Cultural Services Division. It is a 59,000-square-foot (5,500 square meters) facility with classrooms, conference rooms, and many exhibits on the history of ballooning, including items from famous balloonists such as Ed Yost, Joseph Kittinger, and Ben Abruzzo.

Why You Should Visit:
If you think hot air ballooning is just sort of "eh", give this museum a try and prepare for an entertaining change of mind, especially if you take a guided tour!

Tip:
Check out the museum schedule as there seem to be lots of interesting events also held here.