International Independent Showmen's Museum, Riverview FL

If you enjoyed the carnivals when you were a kid, you'll enjoy this step back in time. Very interesting history on display of how they traveled in the very early days. The costumes on display are beautiful, and so many photos to see! The staff is very helpful and glad to answer questions.

Every time I've tried to visit this museum, it's been closed or having a board meeting. Countless times.

It's so much more than I thought it would be! What a loving tribute to the traveling performers that entertained America.

We had an absolute blast! Such a fun roadside find. A bunch of unique memorabilia. Definitely a place we would recommend to stop at.

This place was slightly creepy in a fun way. Lol lots of antique pieces so not necessarily the best place for small hyper children but it was cool.
I brought my son and he really enjoyed it

Just watch the video tour by The Carpetbagger on YouTube. It's not worth whatever the admission price is. The Carpetbagger could barely fill a video with what's inside. Save yourself the time and just watch the video. The museum apparently has weird hours so it's pointless to try to go there.

Very unique place! Great price for the admission! Can easily spend all day if you’re not in a hurry - so much to read and see. Staff very friendly.

Awesome way to spend an hour. Tons of artifacts and history of showmen in America, and the staff are so friendly and full of information!

If you are a fan of oddball Roadside Americana, it’s pretty hard to beat this place. Lots of great items that you cannot find in any other type of museum.

There are full-size carnival rides inside (sadly you cannot ride them) but there is plenty to see, from snack carts to circus wagons.

The displays for sideshows were particularly interesting, along with vintage ad posters for the area. A great trip for 10 bucks!

Had an amazing time! Would recommend everyone visit, definitely a cool and fun way to see a lot of circus/entertainment history. The gentleman that greeted us was super helpful and sweet. Will sure be back with the whole family.

Really good experience and alot to see. This is all about the history of carnivals, fairs, circuses and just tampa history. Its really nice and in a quiet low key part of tampa. I did a full video review on youtube, search for me JASthefuture to see it. I even found a discounted ticket on groupon but honestly you don't need it. The guy who helps you when you first walk in is really nice as well. YOU"LL ENJOY IT!

Interesting museum. Kids are not free like the website or pamphlet says though.
ETA: Even though the owner replied and said kids are free, I was still charged for my 8-yr-old child when we visited.

It was like walking into yester-year. Brought back great memories of childhood. Left with smiles on our faces.

Excellent museum. The staff and experience was great. It seems as if there will be more added in the future since there was one area that was under construction. I look forward to coming back in the future. Would be nice if maybe popcorn or cotton candy was available at the entrance for a bit more of that carnival experience.just a thought.

I have lived in Riverview for 18 years and finally stopped in today and I really enjoyed the museum! Very clean and informative!

This place was much more interesting than I anticipated. The curator was knowledgeable and fun to talk to. It was a bit hot in there, though. This was the only reason for the star deduction.

If at anytime in your life, you've ever been to a traveling carnival (for me it was the James E Straights carnival in south Florida), then you have to visit this amazing museum of carnival history spanning over 100 years of carnival history from Print and Photos to actual ride carts going back to the late 1800s!
This is definately a must see for anyone from a history buff to someone who just loves carnivals but has always wanted to know more about them from behind the scenes!

Very friendly owners and excellent memorybilla for the young and young at heart. It's a shame our generation will not see sideshows at carnivals in today's time. My daughter and I loved coming here from Sarasota today! Very intrigued.

Love this place wonderful people a lot of heritage and the museum across the street is full of history

I just drove 800 miles ftom Virginia to visit the museum. It is far better than I could imagine. Antique rides, antique gaming equipment, old time "back-end" show exhibits. If you love outdoor show biz like I do, you will be thrilled!