Located across the street from the Blanton and two blocks north of the Capitol, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum (1800 N. Congress Ave., 512/936-8746, www.thestoryoftexas.com, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat., noon–6 p.m. Sun., call for admission prices) showcases the Lone Star State’s proud heritage. The museum welcomes visitors with a gargantuan star out front, and showcases the state’s enormous history through its front doors.

There’s a lot to absorb here, but it’s well organized and interpreted, leaving visitors with a satisfying crash course in Texas history. Exhibits are presented in chronological order from the ground floor up, starting with artifacts from early Native-American tribes and proceeding to Spanish conquistador armor, to lassos and saddles of cowboys and vaqueros, to oil rigging equipment and World War II aircraft.

The museum is also a destination for multimedia events, including the Spirit Theater featuring sound and movement special effects, and Austin’s only IMAX theater, offering 3-D screenings.