The El Campo Museum of Natural History started with the generous donation of Dr. and Mrs. E. A. Weinheimer consisting of trophies he acquired during Big Game Hunts. The donation also included the building that was occupied by his 1st medical clinic. It was remodelled to provide a home for the collection and the El Campo Chamber of Commerce.

In 1978, the El Campo Museum of Art was established. From the collection, it aimed to provide and offer presentation of the animals in their recreated natural habitats. Its first exhibits were the African and Arctic Exhibits and the Great Cats Jungle Exhibit that followed after a year.

Today, the Museum has had many additions to its collections and presentations, including the Civic Center and Museum, a popular Texas Exhibit of animals, an Alaskan Brown Bear exhibit, and many more. To complement with the learning opportunities provided by these displays, the Museum also now has interactive computers and informative light boxes, which helped the Museum develop into a multi-media learning institution.