Call of the Wild Museum

Call of the Wild Museum
Name	Call of the Wild Museum
Established	1978
Location	Grayling, Michigan, United States
Type	Natural history, Wildlife art
Founder	Robert "Bob" H. Smith
Director	Dr. Eleanor Vance
Website	www.cotwmuseum.org

Call of the Wild Museum. The Call of the Wild Museum is a natural history and wildlife art institution located in Grayling, Michigan, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the flora and fauna of North America. Founded in 1978, the museum is renowned for its extensive dioramas depicting native species in meticulously recreated habitats, alongside a significant collection of sporting art and artifacts related to regional conservation history. It serves as a key educational resource for the Upper Peninsula and a cultural landmark celebrating the natural heritage of the Great Lakes region.

History

The museum was established in 1978 by local entrepreneur and conservationist Robert "Bob" H. Smith, inspired by the wilderness writings of authors like Jack London and the conservation ethos of figures such as Aldo Leopold. Initially a private collection of taxidermy mounts and Ansel Adams photographs, it gained non-profit status in 1982 following a partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. A major expansion in 1995, funded by a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, allowed for the construction of a modern exhibition wing. The institution weathered a significant flood in 2013, leading to a restoration project supported by FEMA and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which reinforced its collections and infrastructure.

Exhibits and collections

The permanent exhibition, "Wilderness Chronicles," features over 120 habitat dioramas showcasing species from the Arctic Circle to the Sonoran Desert, including notable displays of black bear, gray wolf, and bald eagle. The Frederick Remington Gallery houses an extensive array of bronze sculpture and paintings focusing on wildlife and frontier life, while the "Sportsman's Legacy" wing displays historic fly fishing gear, firearms from the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and artifacts from the Boone and Crockett Club. The museum also maintains a research archive containing the field notes of ornithologist Ludlow Griscom and a herbarium specimen collection recognized by the Index Herbariorum.

Architecture and location

Situated on a 40-acre parcel bordering the Au Sable River, the museum's main building is a notable example of National Park Service rustic architecture, constructed using local white pine and fieldstone. The campus includes the Smith Pavilion, a glass-enabled structure designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson for temporary exhibitions, and over five miles of interpretive nature trails that connect to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Its location in Crawford County, Michigan, places it within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, making it a strategic stop for visitors en route to Mackinac Island or Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Educational programs and outreach

The museum operates the "Wild Classroom" initiative, offering curriculum-based programs for schools across the Midwestern United States, often developed in collaboration with Michigan State University. Signature programs include the summer "Young Naturalists" camp, lecture series featuring scientists from the University of Michigan, and workshops on wildlife tracking led by masters of the Order of the Arrow. Outreach extends to digital platforms through a partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, providing virtual tours and online collections access. The museum also hosts the annual "Northern Ecosystems Symposium," attracting researchers from institutions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Governance and funding

Governance is overseen by a 15-member Board of Trustees, which includes representatives from the Dreyfus Foundation and former directors of the Detroit Institute of Arts. Operational funding is derived from an endowment managed by JPMorgan Chase, membership dues, and revenue from the museum store, which is known for selling works by artists like Robert Bateman. Significant project grants have been awarded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the Wege Foundation. The museum holds accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, ensuring adherence to national standards for collections care and public service.

Cultural impact and recognition

The museum has been featured in publications such as *National Geographic* and *The New York Times* for its role in promoting environmental stewardship. It received the National Wildlife Federation's "Conservation Educator of the Year" award in 2019 and was designated a "Michigan Heritage Center" by the Michigan Historical Commission. Its dioramas have influenced contemporary wildlife art, with exhibitions traveling to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and the Royal Ontario Museum. The museum's iconic logo, depicting a howling wolf, has become a recognized symbol for wilderness advocacy across the Great Lakes region.

Category:Museums in Michigan Category:Natural history museums in the United States Category:Wildlife museums Category:Tourist attractions in Crawford County, Michigan