Gaylord, Michigan - Call of the Wild Museum

I grew up in Gaylord, and the Call of the Wild Museum was the big tourist stop! Not only is Gaylord an Alpine-themed town (Alpenfest-a bavarian festival with more polka bands than you can handle-is always the 3rd week in July), but the Call of the Wild is an icon! It's right off I-75 and you can't miss the stuffed (tanned) deer and elk on the roof, next to the sign!

The whole museum is all dead animals native to northern Michigan, tanned and stuffed and a few you can actually pick up and/or pet! You start by following the bear tracks thru the place. They lead you to all the exhibits. Kids have a blast in there! Then you exit thru the gift/fudge shop (well placed!! LOL) It's been there for years and years! (Some of the animals and exhibits are the same ones I remember as a kid!)It's cheesy, but kinda cool! They've added Bavarian Falls Park - mini-golf/go karts right next to the place. Fun for the kids! $6 for a year's pass!!! Gotta love it! [Cindy Anderson, 08/17/2005]