Five History Museums in Minnesota and Wisconsin

You'll find a variety of history museums in Minnesota and Wisconsin that touch on many different aspects of the region's development and culture — from Harry Houdini's magic to circus life to fossils. Next time you're planning a day trip, consider one of these five fun and educational destinations.

Circus World Museum (Wisconsin)

Baraboo is the home of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus and the Circus World Museum holds the largest collection of circus artifacts in the world. Started by cousins of the Ringling family, the museum is now run by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. The 64-acre site has more than 210 original circus wagons and vehicles and a large collection of circus ads and posters. There are 30 permanent structures to see and a circus train complex as well. Their site, www.circusworldmuseum.com, has more information.

History Museum at the Castle (Wisconsin)

Wisconsin was also home to magician Harry Houdini, and Appleton's History Museum at the Castle covers his life as well as the history of the Fox River Valley. Owned by the Outagamie County Historical Society, the museum highlights the social, cultural, economic and technological history of this area. Houdini is one of several famous figures with ties to the area, and others are represented there as well. Visit www.myhistorymuseum.org to plan your trip or read about the museum and exhibits.

The SPAM Museum (Minnesota)

Only in Minnesota can one find a historical museum devoted to SPAM. Located in Austin, this family-oriented museum offers visitors "a meat-packed day of fun" learning about the history of SPAM and the local Hormel Company that produces it. Activities include cooking demonstrations and working on a mock assembly line. Call (507) 437-5100 for more information.

Grant County Historical Museum (Minnesota)

Located in the city of Elbow Lake in western Minnesota, the Grant County Historical Museum features history from the area dating back to prehistoric times. Fossilized mammoth bones found in the area are on display, as are artifacts from Sioux and Chippewa tribes. Other exhibits examine the pioneer lifestyle in the area, as well as what Main Street looked like there in the early 1900s. Contact the museum at (218) 685-4864 for more information on exhibits.

Forest History Museum

Learn about Minnesota's logging history at the Forest History Museum in Grand Rapids. The museum centers on the logging industry, conservation and forestry. It re-creates a logging camp from 1900 with wooded trails, exhibits, a timber harvester simulator and a fire tower. Though the exhibits themselves are open in the summer months for viewing, there are snowshoe rentals and cross-country skiing in the winter, and walking and biking trails. To learn more about the museum and what it offers, call (218) 327-4482.

The last thing you'll be is bored when you discover the many historical gems Minnesota and Wisconsin have to offer.

This article is presented by Merit Chevrolet in Maplewood, Minnesota