To be truthful, the initial reason to check out the Museum in Grand Rapids was the 1928 Spillman Carousel.  It did not disappoint.  It is wonderfully restored including the Wurlitzer Organ.  I got my ride of course. Brian took a spin as well while Kent did his picture thing.

We were really impressed with the rest of the place.  The town has moved a number of its museums into one building and they are all wonderfully done.

Most impressive: a restored theatre organ including all of its sound affects.  We caught a demonstration.  Very cool.  They have concerts on Saturdays; unfortunately we will be out of here by then.

Most unique: The old town clock tower rebuilt so that the works were visible and right at eye level on the third floor.  We had to stay to watch all the intricate movements when the clock stuck three.

Most well done:  the Michigan wildlife displays.  The first room was laid out as wildlife museums of 50 years ago with species randomly display with no though as to habitat or even whether they ever coexisted.  Later displays are wonderfully done dioramas with wonderful examples of camouflage and interrelationships among species.  Their bird exhibit is huge and organized like a birders field guide.  What a great idea.

Amazingly complete:  the story of the Anishinabek, the native people of this area.

We saw stamp, coin, pewter, glass, quilt, and toy collections.  Every one is creatively displayed to encourage us to stay a while and learn a bit.  Throw in the MI Civil War exhibit, a recreation of 1890s Grand Rapid streets including a wonderfully restored horse drawn fire wagon and player piano, and a woodworking shop harking back to Grand Rapid’s great furniture days and we found our brains saturated and our feet tired.  We didn’t even make it into the Planetarium or the traveling exhibit of Titanic artifacts.

It’s a wonderful stop.  Don’t miss it if you are in town.  The Grand RapidsPublicMuseum.  272   Pearl St.  Grand RapidsMI.