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Wonders of Wildlife crowned 2017's Best New Attraction!

Morgan's Inspiration Island, Elvis Presley's Memphis, Museum of the Bible and the Evel Knievel Museum in top five

From waterparks and theme parks to museums and performance spaces, travelers were treated to a host of new attractions in 2017. With the help of a panel of travel experts, we combed the country for the best new attractions of the year, then asked our readers to vote for their favorites from a pool of 20 nominees.

  • ARTECHOUSE
    Washington, D.C.

    Washington's ARTECHOUSE isn't your typical art gallery. Instead, it's an immersive, interactive space designed for showcasing experimental, large-scale installations by the world's most cutting edge artists. 
    Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

  • MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
    Santa Barbara, Calif.

    New to Santa Barbara in 2017 is MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation. Comprising three floors of interactive exhibits, this new museum invites curious minds of all ages to explore themes like new tech, music, physical forces, speed and light.
    Photo courtesy of Jason Rick / MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation

  • Songbirds Guitar Museum
    Chattanooga, Tenn.

    Music history comes alive in Chattanooga's new Songbirds Guitar Museum, where the storied 4,000-year history of the guitar is traced through a collection of rare and vintage instruments, as well as exhibits highlighting how the guitar developed in various regions of the United States and ultimately impacted history. 
    Photo courtesy of Songbirds Guitar Museum

  • Newport Car Museum
    Newport, R.I.

    The Newport Car Museum, New England's newest attraction, showcases a private collection of more than 60 automobiles from six decades, each a work of art in its own right. 
    Photo courtesy of Newport Car Museum

  • Museum of the American Revolution
    Philadelphia

    The Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia's newest museum, tells the story of our nation's war for independence through a collection of weapons, letters, personal items and works of art, as well as hands-on exhibits that bring the Revolutionary Era to life.
    Photo courtesy of J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

  • Evel Knievel Museum
    Topeka, Kan.

    America's most famous daredevil is honored at the new Evel Knievel Museum in Topeka, Kansas. Exhibits include his physics-defying bikes, battered helmets, star-spangled costumes and even a virtual reality experience that lets visitors perform one of his iconic stunts.
    Photo courtesy of Evel Knievel Museum

  • Museum of the Bible
    Washington, D.C.

    The Bible is one of the most read books on the planet, and visitors of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to learn more about its history and impact in DC's new Museum of the Bible. The permanent collection includes art and artifacts from a variety of cultures and time periods.
    Photo courtesy of Museum of the Bible

  • Elvis Presley's Memphis
    Memphis

    Fans of The King are in for a treat thanks to the opening of Elvis Presley's Memphis, a 200,000-square-foot expansion of the iconic Graceland complex that showcases the life and career of Elvis through his costumes, movies, car collection and other memorabilia. 
    Photo courtesy of Robert Dye / Graceland

  • Morgan's Inspiration Island
    San Antonio

    Morgan's Inspiration Island opened in the summer of 2017 as the world's first ultra-accessible splash park, where guests of all ages and abilities can cool off and have fun. 
    Photo courtesy of Robin Jerstad/Jerstad Photographics

  • Wonders of Wildlife
    Springfield, Mo.

    Founded by Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, Springfield's Wonders of Wildlife celebrates hunting, fishing and stewardship of the land and water through 1.5 miles of immersive galleries featuring 4D dioramas and a new aquarium. 
    Photo courtesy of Wonders of Wildlife

The top 10 winners in the category Best New Attraction are as follows:

  1. Wonders of Wildlife - Springfield, Mo.
  2. Morgan's Inspiration Island - San Antonio
  3. Elvis Presley's Memphis - Memphis
  4. Museum of the Bible - Washington, D.C.
  5. Evel Knievel Museum - Topeka, Kan. 
  6. Museum of the American Revolution - Philadelphia
  7. Newport Car Museum - Newport, R.I.
  8. Songbirds Guitar Museum - Chattanooga, Tenn.
  9. MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation - Santa Barbara, Calif.
  10. ARTECHOUSE - Washington, D.C.

A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote. Experts Marla Cimini (USA TODAY), Eric Grossman, Gerrish Lopez and Christopher Parr (Pursuitist) were chosen based on their knowledge and experience of American travel.

Congratulations to all these winning new attractions!

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AlertThe Experts

Marla Cimini

Marla Cimini

Marla is a journalist with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (combining all three whenever possible)! An avid globetrotter, she has covered topics such as exotic Tahitian getaways; Santa Fe’s chocolate trail; Argentine wines; and Japan's Washoku cuisine. Marla is co-author of the book, A Century of Hospitality, a historical exploration of US hotels. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications worldwide. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter or see more of her work at USA TODAY.

Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman

Eric Grossman is a travel and food writer based in Boston and New Orleans. He has edited dozens of DK Eyewitness Travel guides, and is constantly on the road searching for new and inspiring experiences. Having traveled to 50-plus countries, Eric is always up for an adventure; memorable experiences have run the gamut from sharing a stage with Coldplay to discussing the future of food with Ferran Adrià.

Gerrish Lopez

Gerrish Lopez

Gerrish Lopez is a food and travel writer/photographer based in her hometown of New Orleans. A true travel enthusiast, she enjoys experiencing the flavors and cultures of the world. Her adventures have taken her far and wide, from tiny islands (Isle of Man, Lanai) to mega-cities like Mexico City and Hong Kong. A former vegetarian, Gerrish has grown to appreciate carnivorous fare through sampling the best meats in the world, from smoked pork jowl in Thailand to whole hog barbecue in South Carolina. Gerrish is always looking for products and services to make her travels easier and more efficient.