The furry goofball mascots enshrined in the Mascot Hall of Fame by the Lake Michigan lakeshore in Whiting now have something to cheer other than their teams.
USA Today named the interactive kids museum dedicated to the zany antics of the mascots who cheer on professional and college sports teams at 1815 Front St. the No. 1 Pop Culture Museum in the nation. The public voted it the best in the country in the 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.
It bested the Broadway Museum in New York City, the Comic-Con Museum in San Diego, the Neon Museum in Las Vegas, the Oz Museum in Kansas and the Charles M. Schultz Museum in California, among other finalists.
"We are deeply honored to be named the #1 Pop Culture Museum in the nation by USA Today readers," said Karen Anaszewicz, Executive Director of the Mascot Hall of Fame. "This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team and the overwhelming support of our visitors. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich history and cultural impact of mascots in a fully interactive educational environment, and this award motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring future generations."
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A panel of experts from USA Today, other Gannet papers and 10Best.com nominate the finalists in a variety of categories every year. It then goes to a public vote online.
"Who doesn’t love a good sports mascot? At this charming museum just a half-hour outside of Chicago, you’ll get to explore interactive exhibits and memorabilia honoring some of the most popular mascots of all time across numerous sports," USA Today noted. "That includes the Oriole Bird, Phillie Phanatic, Mr. Met, Rocky the Mountain Lion, and even the Chicago Blackhawk’s own Tommy Hawk."
Long a virtual museum before it found a physical, brick-and-mortar home in Whiting in 2017, the museum contains information about hall of famers like the Phoenix Gorilla, San Diego Chicken and Southpaw from the White Sox. It's also home to hands-on exhibits, such as how much as mascot costume weight and what it's like to fire a T-shirt cannon. Visitors can take part in mascot races, learn about mascots throughout history, relive memorable mascot moments and create their own mascots.
For more information, visit www.mascothalloffame.com.
A look back at Northwest Indiana businesses that closed in 2023
A look back at Region businesses that closed in 2023
Beer Geeks, one of the Region's first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced with a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.Â
A longtime staple in downtown Crown Point poured its last drink.
The longtime Westforth Sports gun shop is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be shuttered permanently.
Brewfest in Highland will close in what's been called "an end of an era."
David's Bridal filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if no buyer emerges to save it.
The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered with displays at museums in two different states.
For years, the "millionaire's club" met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The landmark restaurant served its final slider Tuesday.Â
One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner died.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, closed in downtown Whiting after a run of several years.
A Calumet Region institution, Calumet Fisheries on the far South Side of Chicago, is temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no mas in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland rebranded as B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Troubled retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores nationwide as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has shuttered its branch in downtown Hammond.Â
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its last craft beer at its Merrillville taproom.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana's most prominent highway interchanges.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation's largest auto show, returns to McCormick Place Saturday, running through Feb. 19.
