In the late nineteen sixties and early seventies, Mr. and Mrs. Brookshire, of local grocery fame, went on numerous expeditions to Africa. The purpose was to return samples of the African wildlife to Texas where it could be studied and enjoyed by area youth. After several such treks the couple established the Brookshire’s “World of Wild Museum” in 1975. This beginning was small however, as it opened in the lobby of the company office. A year later the exhibit would expand slightly. Tyler Texas would have to wait until 1990, for the museum to grow into its own building. Fourteen years after the move, the museum expanded yet again, this time to include new exhibits donated by members of the East Texas community.

Today the museum includes wildlife from all over the world, but focuses on Africa and North America. There are all kinds of big and small game, including everything from monkeys to zebras, and polar bears to big horn sheep and antelopes. In fact there are more than four hundred fifty different species on display.

When establishing the museum, the Brookshire family did not forget the business they obviously love. Attached to the museum is a model of a nineteen twenties country store. Found inside are all the items necessary to life in that period, displayed as they would have been at the time. Everything from food stuffs, to practical items like clocks, chairs and fabrics, to coffee and tobacco are found there.

The last feature of the museum is the playground, which has three interesting exhibits of its own. The first is a La France fire truck. Built in 1952, it served the Dallas fire department for years and now offers young visitors a hands-on experience. The second is a McCormick Deering farm tractor. It was built in 1926 and sits quietly in the yard, for the enjoyment of its young visitors. Lastly, is a railroad Caboose, which has been restored to a more useful time. Picnic tables provide a place sit and eat after a tour of the museum.

The Brookshire’s World of Wild Museum and county store is admittedly, oddly located on Old Jacksonville road, next to the Brookshire’s grocery store distribution center. But with forty thousand visitors a year, Tylerites are clearly finding it. It is a wonderful educational experience for all ages, and best of all its absolutely free. So if you’re looking for a place to take your children for a summer morning outing, consider this local trip. It will surely surpass your expectations. For more info, or to take a virtual tour go to http://www.brookshires.com/museum