Ever wondered what it’s like to step into a real-life diorama?
Imagine a place where the wild animals of Michigan come to life… sort of.
Welcome to the Call of the Wild Museum in Gaylord!
Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s scenic north, the Call of the Wild Museum is like stumbling upon a secret portal to the great outdoors – minus the mosquito bites and the risk of becoming a bear’s lunch.
This isn’t your average stuffy museum where you’re afraid to breathe too loudly.
No, sir!
This place is a taxidermy wonderland that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear, whether you’re 8 or 80.
As you approach the museum, you can’t help but be struck by its unique facade.
The building itself is a work of art, with its rustic wooden exterior and stone accents that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
But what really catches your eye is the massive, hand-painted mural of mountain peaks that looms above the roofline.
It’s as if someone decided to pluck a chunk of the Rockies and plop it down in the middle of Michigan.
Talk about setting the stage for an adventure!
Step through the doors, and you’re immediately transported into a world where Michigan’s wildlife reigns supreme.
The air is thick with the musty scent of preserved fur and the faint aroma of pine – a smell that’s equal parts nostalgic and slightly unsettling.
It’s like walking into your eccentric uncle’s hunting cabin, if your uncle happened to be a world-class taxidermist with a flair for the dramatic.
The first thing you’ll notice is the sheer variety of animals on display.
From majestic white-tailed deer to sly red foxes, from lumbering black bears to sleek river otters – it’s like Noah’s Ark decided to make a pit stop in Gaylord and everyone got freeze-dried.
But these aren’t just your run-of-the-mill stuffed animals.
Oh no, these critters are posed in elaborate dioramas that bring the Michigan wilderness to life in startling detail.
You’ll see wolves mid-howl, their furry faces frozen in an eternal serenade to the moon.
Beavers are caught in the act of building their dams, their tiny paws forever gripping branches and twigs.
And let’s not forget the birds – owls with eyes so piercing you’ll swear they’re following you around the room.
It’s enough to make you want to check your back for any sneaky taxidermied squirrels that might have hitched a ride.
As you wander through the museum, you can’t help but be impressed by the artistry on display.
These aren’t just stuffed animals – they’re masterpieces of the taxidermist’s craft.
Each fur is meticulously groomed, each glass eye placed with surgical precision.
It’s like someone hit the pause button on Mother Nature herself.
You half expect to see David Attenborough pop out from behind a moose, whispering about mating rituals.
But what really sets the Call of the Wild Museum apart is its commitment to education.
Sure, you could read about Michigan’s wildlife in a book, but where’s the fun in that?
Here, you can get up close and personal with animals you might never see in the wild.
Unless, of course, you’re the type who regularly stumbles upon wolverines while out for your morning jog.
In which case, maybe consider moving to a less exciting neighborhood?
The museum doesn’t just show you the animals – it tells you their stories.
Informative plaques accompany each display, offering fascinating tidbits about the creatures’ habitats, behaviors, and roles in Michigan’s ecosystem.
Did you know that a porcupine can have up to 30,000 quills?
Or that otters can close their ears and nostrils while swimming underwater?
It’s like a nature documentary come to life, minus the dramatic voiceover and swelling orchestral music.
One of the highlights of the museum is the “Big Game Room.”
Now, before you get excited, this isn’t where you’ll find a giant Monopoly board or a life-sized game of Jenga.
This room is dedicated to some of Michigan’s largest and most impressive animals.
We’re talking elk, moose, and bears – oh my!
The centerpiece of this room is a massive bull moose, its antlers spanning wider than your average compact car.
Standing next to it, you can’t help but feel a mix of awe and relief that you’re not encountering this behemoth in the wild.
Because let’s face it, in a game of chicken between you and a moose, the moose is winning every time.
But it’s not all about the big guys.
The museum also pays homage to Michigan’s smaller, often overlooked creatures.
There’s an entire section dedicated to the state’s diverse rodent population.
From chipmunks to muskrats, these little guys might not be as flashy as their larger counterparts, but they’re just as important to the ecosystem.
And let’s be honest, there’s something undeniably adorable about a perfectly preserved chipmunk, its cheeks forever stuffed with acorns.
It’s like a fuzzy, woodland version of that friend who always orders too much at restaurants.
As you explore, you’ll find that the Call of the Wild Museum is full of surprises.
Take, for example, the “Night Creatures” exhibit.
Step into this darkened room, and you’re suddenly surrounded by the nocturnal denizens of Michigan’s forests.
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Glowing eyes peer at you from every corner, and the soft hoots of owls play over hidden speakers.
It’s atmospheric, it’s immersive, and it’s just a little bit spooky.
You might find yourself checking under your bed for raccoons for weeks after this.
But don’t worry – unless you’ve been secretly harboring a trash can full of half-eaten hot dogs, you’re probably safe.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its collection of “then and now” displays.
These exhibits showcase how Michigan’s wildlife has changed over the years, highlighting species that have made comebacks and others that have faced challenges.
It’s a sobering reminder of the impact we have on the natural world, but also a testament to the resilience of nature.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to see what a passenger pigeon looked like without having to invent time travel.
Though if you do invent time travel, maybe pop back and tell them to ease up on the hunting, yeah?
The museum isn’t just about looking at animals, though.
It’s an interactive experience that engages all your senses (well, maybe not taste – please don’t lick the exhibits).
There are touch tables where you can feel different animal furs and examine skulls and antlers up close.
You can test your knowledge with wildlife trivia games or try your hand at identifying animal tracks.
It’s like a hands-on science class, but without the risk of accidentally setting your eyebrows on fire during a chemistry experiment.
Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything.
For the budding artists in the group, there’s even a drawing station where you can sketch your favorite animals.
Who knows?
You might discover a hidden talent for capturing the majestic essence of a stuffed squirrel.
Move over, Picasso – there’s a new artistic genius in town!
One of the most popular attractions at the Call of the Wild Museum is the “Predator and Prey” exhibit.
This dynamic display showcases the intricate relationships between Michigan’s carnivores and their unfortunate dinner options.
You’ll see a coyote mid-pounce, its eyes locked on a startled rabbit.
A bald eagle swoops down towards an unsuspecting fish.
It’s like a freeze-frame of nature’s most intense moments, minus the blood and gore.
Think of it as the PG version of a nature documentary.
But the museum isn’t just about the animals themselves – it’s also about the habitats they call home.
The exhibits are set against beautifully painted backdrops that depict Michigan’s diverse landscapes.
From the sandy shores of the Great Lakes to the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula, each diorama is a window into a different corner of the state.
It’s like taking a road trip across Michigan, but without the endless arguments about whose turn it is to pick the music.
As you near the end of your visit, you’ll find yourself in the gift shop.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Oh great, another opportunity to buy overpriced keychains and postcards.”
But hold onto your wallets, folks, because this gift shop is actually pretty cool.
Sure, you can get your standard souvenirs, but they also offer unique, locally made crafts and educational toys that are actually worth bringing home.
Who knows?
You might find yourself the proud owner of a plush wolverine or a field guide to Michigan’s mushrooms.
Because nothing says “I had a great vacation” like a stuffed animal that looks like it wants to maul you.
Before you leave, make sure to check out the museum’s outdoor area.
Here, you’ll find a collection of native plants and a small nature trail.
It’s the perfect opportunity to test out your newly acquired wildlife knowledge.
Just remember – if you see something moving, it’s probably real this time.
No need to poke it to make sure.
As you head back to your car, you can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and appreciation for Michigan’s natural heritage.
The Call of the Wild Museum may be filled with animals that are no longer alive, but it brings the spirit of the wild to life in a way that’s both educational and entertaining.
It’s a reminder of the incredible diversity of life that exists right in our own backyard – or at least, a very realistic facsimile of it.
So the next time you find yourself in Gaylord, Michigan, take a walk on the wild side at the Call of the Wild Museum.
Just don’t be surprised if you start eyeing your cat suspiciously, wondering if it’s actually been stuffed this whole time.
(Spoiler alert: It hasn’t. Probably.)
For more information about the Call of the Wild Museum, including hours of operation and admission prices, be sure to visit their website and Facebook page.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this taxidermy wonderland!
Where: 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
Who knew that a bunch of stuffed animals could be so lively?
At the Call of the Wild Museum, every day is a bad hair day – and that’s exactly how we like it!