To most people, the word "museum" conjures up visions of dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric artifacts. Visitors to Wisconsin have no shortage of opportunities to view world-class archeological treasures. However, the Badger State also boasts a roster of facilities dedicated to more, er, unusual areas of interest. Here are a few of our favorites.
Mustard Museum in Mt. Horeb
Mt. Horeb's acclaimed Mustard Museum (www.mustardmuseum.com) features an extensive collection of more than 4,300 jars, bottles and tubes of prepared mustard from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. Historic mustard pots, vintage mustard advertisements and an assortment of unique, unusual and creative gift packages can all be found here.
Highlights include the antique American mustard tin collection, comprising 130 dry mustard tins, some a century old. Also check out the museum's latest mustard flavor, aptly named "Hit and Run." An excruciatingly hot horseradish mustard, the Hit and Run is available for tasting (no waiver required) and staff will provide insight on how to use this tongue-searing treat.
While in Mt. Horeb
The Blue Sky Café (608-437-6100) offers eclectic and creative cuisine, while the Grumpy Troll Brew Pub (608-437-2739; www.geocities.com/grumpytrollpub), located in an old creamery, is known for its specialty brews and hearty club sandwiches. Work off your lunch touring the area's extensive antique shops, including the Hoff Mall Antique Center (608-437-4580), Isaac's Antique Mall (608-437-6151) and Yapp's Antique Corner (608-437-8100).
Outagamie Museum in Appleton
Step back in time and get to know the most famous son of the Fox Cities with a trip to the Outagamie Museum (920-733-8445; www.foxvalleyhistory.org). The highlight of this unique cultural attraction is the A.K.A. Houdini section. An interactive exploration of the life and career of famed illusionist (and Appleton native) Harry Houdini, the controversial exhibit explains how Houdini performed many of his most famous tricks. Visitors can get the inside scoop on stunts such as his infamous escape act and the art of levitating a table.
While in Appleton
Visit Wisconsin's oldest independent book store, Conkey's Book Store (920-735-6223) which offers an extensive collection of more than 125,000 titles in stock, out-of-print searches, a large children's book section and the eclectic Between the Pages coffee shop. If you need to warm up, stop by Cheyenne's Sports Bar & Grill (920-731-8885) for a cup of their spicy homemade chili.
Circus World Museum in Baraboo
Located at the original quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus, the Circus World Museum is the nation's foremost authority on circus history. The historic site houses an extensive collection of exhibits and the nation's largest circus history research center.
Attractions include the museum's collection of more than 30 antique circus wagons, most of which are on display. The museum also features a vintage circus poster collection with approximately 40 on display, including several dating back to the late 1800s.
While in Baraboo
For some knee-slapping family fun, have supper at the Wisconsin Opry Dinner Barn (608-254-7951). Barn dancing and a string band provide the entertainment while you enjoy an extensive spread that includes whole turkeys, homemade pickles and shortcake. If your sweet tooth is calling the shots, stop by Baraboo Candy Co. (608-356-7425) for their old-fashioned, handmade chocolates.
National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward
If you've never been to Hayward and you're worried about how to find this unique museum, don't worry - just look for a four-story-tall leaping fish. The National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame (715-634-4440; www.freshwater-fishing.org) exhibits more than 5,000 vintage lures; hundreds of antique rods, reels and angling accessories; 300 classic outboards; and more than 400 mounts of approximately 200 different species of fish. All displays are housed in the fish-shaped structure. Visitors can even walk up to the fourth-floor viewing area and peer out of the building's mouth.
While in Hayward
If you've got a rumble in your belly, stop by the Sawmill Saloon (715-634-5660; www.seeleywis.com/saloon.htm) for your choice of their "world-renowned" homemade pizza or River Pig Chili Dog … or both. Afterward, blow the suds off a cold one at Hayward's Wisconsin Beer Hunter Pizza Pub (715-462-9515), which boasts the area's largest beer selection. If you're into rocks, the Jack Pine Rock Shop (715-934-2130) offers a variety of uniquely displayed rocks for gifts, in addition to lapidary equipment and tips for cutting and polishing.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc
Visitors can explore the rich maritime history of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes region at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum (920-684-0218; www.wimaritimemuseum.org). This fascinating museum offers guests a place to learn about the sailors, shipbuilders and submariners of maritime lore. Nautical treasures ranging from wooden sailing ships to the U.S.S. COBIA, a World War II submarine, are among the museum's top attractions. If you're really feeling salty, you can even spend the night on the sub.
While in Manitowoc
Grab a six-pack of the museum's award-winning root beer, Torpedo Juice, or a battle patch from one of the 28 World War II-era submarines built in Manitowoc at Pier 75 (920-684-0218), the museum's gift shop. Stop in for a homemade cup of soup and sandwich, or the signature hot fudge sundae with homemade marshmallows, at Beerntsen's Confectionary (920-684-9616; www.beerntsens.com). Browse the extensive Norman Rockwell collection at The Old School (920-755-2291), a 1905 schoolhouse turned shops complex.
National Railroad Museum in Green Bay
America's storied railroad heritage is chronicled at Green Bay's National Railroad Museum (920-437-7623; www.nationalrrmuseum.org). The museum's extensive historical collections and exhibits create an entertaining afternoon for both enthusiasts and the mildly curious. (Hint: all children are railroad enthusiasts, even if they don't know it.)
At the museum's Frederick J. Lenfestey Center, guests can sit in the cab of the world's largest steam locomotive, the Union Pacific Big Boy, examine General Dwight D. Eisenhower's World War II command train and explore the futuristic 1950s Aerotrain.
While in Green Bay
Pick up some squeaky fresh cheese curds from the Cheese Shoppe (1-866-497-0732; www.lovethatcheese.com). A favorite of old No. 66, the Skip-a-Stone Diner (920-494-9882) is known for its pancakes and the bronzed stool honoring regular customer Ray Nitscke. Belly up to the bar at the Titletown Brewing Company (920-437-2337; www.titletownbrewing.com) and quaff a pint of Canadeo Gold. You'll also get a close-up look at The Receiver, the 22-foot Packer receiver statue formerly located near Lambeau Field.
Yerkes Observatory and Quester Museum in Williams Bay
Check out the world's biggest lens-type telescope, the famed 40-inch refractor, and its impressive 73-foot diameter elevator floor at the Yerkes Observatory (262-245-5555; astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/). Visitors will gather interesting perspectives on the history of astronomical research and the universe while inside this 90-foot dome (one of the largest of its kind ever built.)
After wrapping up the tour, guests can step into the Quester Museum to learn more about the connections between the Williams Bay community and the lives of some of the famous astronomers whose careers were associated with Yerkes.
While in Williams Bay
Grab a quick bite at a local favorite, Daddy Maxwell's Diner & Café (262-245-5757).