Across the Midwest, group tours can find an array of museums that offers unique and enriching experiences. From quirky and eccentric collections to specialized historical exhibits, there is something for people of all ages and interests. Embrace nostalgia and curiosity at museums championed by locals wanting to preserve the unique character of their towns. One of the most famous examples is The House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin. This sprawling attraction features a diverse mix of architectural marvels, themed rooms, and vast collections of antiques and curiosities. Group tours can wander through rooms filled with automated musical instruments, a massive indoor carousel, and other whimsical exhibits that captivate the imaginations of guests of all ages.
Credit: The House on the Rock
Open in summertime only, Ed’s Museum in Wykoff, Minnesota, is named for Edwin Julius Krueger, who lived in Jack Sprat Food Store from 1933 to 1989. After his passing, townspeople discovered that Ed had accumulated decades of “junk” inside the store, never throwing anything away. To honor this colorful local personality, the Jack Sprat Food Store was turned into Ed’s Museum, which preserves Ed’s collection of posters, vintage toys, and assorted knick-knacks. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, groups can visit the House of Balls. For the past 30-plus years, this unconventional art gallery has featured an extensive collection of sculptures, many of which are made of bowling balls. Another interesting and nostalgic collection can be found at Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills, Michigan. This treasure trove of vintage arcade games and mechanical oddities offers countless machines to play and explore. Group tours can immerse themselves in the nostalgia of classic arcade entertainment while marveling at the ingenuity of mechanical inventions.
Special Collections
Many quirky Midwestern museums focus exclusively on a specific topic or item. In Cincinnati, Ohio, The Lucky Cat Museum
is dedicated to the iconic Japanese manekineko, or “beckoning cat,” which is considered a symbol of good fortune. With more than 2,000 lucky cat figurines, the museum offers a delightful and colorful experience.
Popcorn lovers should visit the Wyandot Popcorn Museum in Marion, Ohio, which celebrates the history and cultural significance of popcorn. The museum features vintage popcorn machines, memorabilia, and exhibits that trace the evolution of popcorn production and consumption, one of America’s favorite salty snacks.
The Angel Museum in Beloit, Wisconsin, features the world’s largest collection of angel figurines and related artifacts. With over 13,000 pieces from around the globe, this museum offers a serene and inspiring experience for people of faith and art appreciators. Group tours can explore the diverse representations of angels and their significance across different cultures and religions from around the world.
Sports fans will enjoy The Indiana Track & Field & Cross Country Hall of Fame in Terre Haute, which chronicles the achievements of athletes in these sports worldwide. Exhibits include memorabilia, photographs, and interactive displays that highlight the history and accomplishments of Indiana’s track and field and cross-country athletes, including Indiana’s 46 Olympians.
Medical Miracles
The evolution of the medical field has yielded some of the greatest advancements for humanity. Cleveland’s Dittrick Medical History Center offers an intriguing look into the history of medicine. The museum’s exhibits include an extensive collection of medical instruments, artifacts, and rare books that chronicle the evolution of medical practices and scientific breakthroughs. Or, visit The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis, which was founded by Earl Bakken, founder of the medical device company Medtronic. This multigenerational museum celebrates innovation in all its forms, with exhibit topics ranging from literary legends like Mary Shelley to the electrical experiments of Benjamin Franklin.
Credit: The Bakken Museum
Silly Sites
Open only in summertime, the International Clown Hall of Fame and Research Center in Baraboo, Wisconsin, honors the art of clowning and its impact on popular culture. At “the funniest museum in the world,” visitors can enjoy exhibits featuring famous clowns, historical costumes, silly props, and other memorabilia.
The Troll Hole Museum in Alliance, Ohio, is home to the world’s largest collection of troll dolls and memorabilia. This quirky museum offers a fun and out-of-the-ordinary experience for visitors, featuring thousands of colorful trolls in various shapes, sizes, and themes on their guided tours.
By Katherine Lawless
Main Image: The House on the Rock, Spring Green, Wisconsin; Credit: Travel Wisconsin
