Imagine a place where you can satisfy your sweet tooth while surrounded by the wonders of the wild.
No, it’s not a fever dream – it’s the Call of the Wild Museum in Gaylord, Michigan.
Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s scenic north, the Call of the Wild Museum is a curious blend of natural history and confectionery delight.
It’s the kind of place that makes you do a double-take as you drive by, wondering if you’ve just spotted a mirage in the Great Lakes State.
But trust me, it’s real, and it’s spectacular.
The museum’s exterior is a sight to behold, with its rustic log cabin-style facade and towering faux mountain backdrop.
It’s as if someone decided to pluck a slice of the Rockies and plop it down in the middle of Michigan.
The stone and wood exterior gives off a cozy, wilderness vibe that practically begs you to come inside and explore.
And explore you should, because this isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill museum.
As you approach the entrance, you’ll notice the large “Call of the Wild” sign, complete with a howling wolf silhouette.
It’s nature’s way of saying, “Come on in, the taxidermy’s fine!”
Step through the doors, and you’ll find yourself in a world where the wild meets the whimsical.
The museum is home to an impressive collection of North American wildlife displays, featuring animals in meticulously crafted dioramas that showcase their natural habitats.
From majestic moose to cunning foxes, the exhibits offer a chance to get up close and personal with creatures you might otherwise only see on the Discovery Channel.
But let’s be honest, you’re not here just for the stuffed animals, are you?
No, you’re here for the sweet, sweet fudge that’s hiding within these hallowed halls of taxidermy.
That’s right, folks – this museum has a secret weapon in its arsenal of attractions, and it comes in the form of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s fudge doing in a wildlife museum?”
Well, my friends, that’s the beauty of Michigan – we don’t just put our fudge anywhere.
We put it in the most unexpected places, like a culinary Easter egg hunt for the sweet-toothed adventurer.
The fudge counter at the Call of the Wild Museum is a hidden gem within a hidden gem.
It’s tucked away in the gift shop, because nothing says “I just learned about the mating habits of white-tailed deer” like a pound of chocolate fudge.
The fudge here isn’t just an afterthought – it’s a star attraction in its own right.
Made fresh on-site, this fudge is the kind of treat that makes you forget all about the taxidermied bears giving you the side-eye.
The flavors range from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous options like maple walnut and peanut butter swirl.
Each bite is a little piece of Michigan magic, smooth and rich enough to make you consider moving into the museum permanently.
It’s the kind of fudge that makes you question all your life choices up to this point.
Why didn’t anyone tell you that paradise was hiding in a wildlife museum in Gaylord, Michigan?
As you savor each creamy morsel, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even left.
It’s a dangerous game, my friends – one minute you’re innocently admiring a stuffed beaver, the next you’re calculating how many pounds of fudge you can fit in your car’s trunk.
But hey, that’s the magic of the Call of the Wild Museum – where else can you get a sugar rush and a nature lesson in one fell swoop?
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – there’s still plenty more to explore in this wonderland of wildlife and waistline-expanding treats.
As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with some of North America’s most iconic animals.
There’s the massive grizzly bear, standing on its hind legs and looking like it’s about to ask you for directions to the nearest salmon stream.
The wolves, frozen mid-howl, seem to be calling out, “Hey, save some fudge for us!”
And let’s not forget the moose, majestic and imposing, probably wondering how it ended up in Michigan instead of Maine.
The dioramas are truly a sight to behold, with painted backdrops that transport you from the forests of Michigan to the tundra of Alaska in just a few steps.
It’s like taking a road trip across North America, minus the gas station bathrooms and questionable roadside diners.
One of the most impressive displays features two bull moose locked in an eternal battle, their antlers intertwined in a dance of dominance.
It’s a powerful scene that makes you grateful you’re not a moose – can you imagine getting your head stuck to someone else’s every time you got into an argument?
Talk about a headache.
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These majestic creatures, frozen in time, offer a glimpse into the raw power of nature.
It’s like watching a wildlife documentary, but without David Attenborough’s soothing voice narrating the action.
You half expect the moose to suddenly break character and start doing the tango.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, watch as Maurice the Moose attempts a daring dip with his dance partner, Steve.”
But alas, they remain locked in their eternal struggle, a testament to the museum’s ability to capture nature’s most dramatic moments.
Just be careful not to stare too long – you might find yourself unconsciously locking antlers with other visitors.
As you move through the museum, you’ll notice the attention to detail in each exhibit.
The taxidermists have done an incredible job of capturing the essence of each animal, from the alert ears of a fox to the piercing gaze of a bald eagle.
It’s almost like they’re alive, except, you know, they’re not moving and they don’t smell.
Which, let’s be honest, is probably for the best when it comes to some of these critters.
But the Call of the Wild Museum isn’t just about gawking at stuffed animals and gorging on fudge (although those are excellent reasons to visit).
It’s also an educational experience that offers insights into the habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts surrounding these magnificent creatures.
Informative plaques accompany each display, providing fascinating facts and tidbits about the animals.
Did you know that a moose can dive up to 20 feet underwater to feed on aquatic plants?
Or that wolves can hear sounds up to six miles away in the forest and ten miles away on the open tundra?
These are the kind of facts that make you the hit of any dinner party – or at least the kind of person who gets politely nodded at during lulls in conversation.
The museum also features interactive elements that bring the exhibits to life.
There’s a “Sounds of the Wild” audio station where you can listen to various animal calls and try to identify them.
Pro tip: Don’t attempt to recreate these sounds in the museum.
The staff might appreciate your enthusiasm, but the other visitors might think you’re auditioning for a very niche wildlife documentary.
For the little ones (and let’s face it, some of us big kids too), there’s a “Touch and Feel” area where you can experience different animal furs and textures.
It’s a hands-on way to appreciate the diversity of wildlife without the risk of being mauled by an actual bear.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to make jokes about having a “grizzly” experience.
As you make your way through the museum, you’ll notice that the exhibits aren’t limited to just mammals.
There’s a impressive collection of birds, from majestic eagles to colorful woodpeckers, all posed as if they’re about to take flight.
It’s like a freeze-frame of nature’s air show, minus the risk of unexpected droppings on your shoulder.
The fish displays are equally impressive, featuring everything from massive lake sturgeon to rainbow trout.
It’s enough to make you want to grab a fishing rod and head to the nearest lake – or at least order some fish and chips for dinner.
But let’s circle back to the real star of the show: that heavenly fudge.
After you’ve had your fill of taxidermy and animal facts, it’s time to reward yourself with a sweet treat.
The fudge counter is like an oasis in a desert of educational exhibits, beckoning you with its siren song of sugar and dairy.
The friendly staff are always happy to offer samples, because they know that once you taste it, resistance is futile.
You’ll find yourself leaving with a box (or three) of this creamy confection, ready to share with friends and family – or hoard it all for yourself.
We won’t judge.
As you exit the museum, fudge in hand and head full of wildlife trivia, you can’t help but marvel at the unique experience you’ve just had.
Where else can you learn about the mating habits of elk, admire the majesty of a stuffed cougar, and indulge in some of the best fudge in the Midwest, all under one roof?
The Call of the Wild Museum is more than just a roadside attraction – it’s a testament to Michigan’s love of nature, quirky charm, and unabashed appreciation for all things sweet.
It’s the kind of place that makes you proud to be from the Mitten State (or wish you were, for our out-of-state friends).
So the next time you find yourself cruising through Gaylord, Michigan, keep an eye out for those faux mountains and that howling wolf sign.
Pull over, step inside, and prepare for an adventure that’s equal parts educational, entertaining, and delicious.
Just remember to pace yourself on the fudge – you don’t want to end up feeling as stuffed as the exhibits.
Before you plan your visit, check out the Call of the Wild Museum’s website and Facebook page for the latest information on hours, exhibits, and fudge flavors.
And don’t forget to use this map to find your way to this wild and wonderful destination.
Where: 850 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735
After all, in the grand adventure of life, sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that combine taxidermy and treats.
It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, and a whole lot of pure Michigan magic.