Ever wondered what the view would be like from inside the mouth of the world’s largest fish? Well, wonder no more! You can find out with a visit to The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. Fun for all ages, the four-building museum complex is brimming with interesting artifacts and exhibits. Of course, the giant fish alone is reason enough to visit. Take a look:
The National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is a small town gem with a huge following. Located in Hayward, it attracts over 100,000 people every year!
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The four-building museum complex houses over 50,000 sport-fishing historical and vintage artifacts, including lures, rods, reels, and accessories.
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Visitors can also peruse over 300 mounted fish and about 1,000 antique motors.
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And while the interior exhibits are amazing, the real highlight of the museum is the Shrine to Anglers, a fiberglass muskie measuring half a city block long and 4 1/2 stories tall atop an 88,000-gallon pond.
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Not only is it the world’s largest fish, but it’s also the world’s largest fiberglass structure.
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The iconic fish, which is known as Big Musky, was constructed during the summer of 1978.
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The big muskie is made of concrete, steel, and fiberglass, which was painstakingly hand-sculpted into the likeness of a leaping muskie.
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The oversized fish was a big hit right from the start.
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But visitors can do more than admire Big Muskie from afar. Its gaping, open jaw serves as an observation deck.
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The spacious observation deck can accommodate up to 20 people and boasts a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Hayward and the museum’s grounds.
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Speaking of the grounds, you’ll want to explore them, too. As you meander along, you’ll come across several displays as well as informative signage.
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For more information, call The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame at (715) 634-4440. You can also visit the museum’s website or Facebook page.
So, did you know about this museum? Ever visited? If so, what did you think of the Shrine to Anglers? Tell us in the comments section.
Amazing museums are plentiful here in Wisconsin. Read about another here.
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Address: Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, 10360 Hall of Fame Dr, Hayward, WI 54843, USA