Spinning Top Museum – Burlington, Wisconsin
Just imagine going to a museum that is filled with spinning tops, yo-yo’s, gyroscopes, spin toys, spinners and an area of hands-on-science. What a great place to spend a day!
You will be able to see 2,000 items on exhibition of antique and modern spinning tops, yo-yos, patches, Duncan items, gyroscopes, diabolos, and unusual spinner toys. What is a Duncan item? Well it’s a wooden toy such as a spinning top spinner yo-yo. Some of them were made to whistle while they spun. Ok, so then what is a diabolos? It is also called “the devil on two sticks” becasue it is a juggling prop consisting of a spool which is whirled and tossed on a string tied to two sticks held one in each hand.
You will be able to view some videos about spin tops and learn spinning science facts. You will have the opportunity to play and exeriment with 35 different hands-on toy tops and spinning top games. You will also have a chance to see a live presentation of spin tops, yo-yos and gyroscopes by Judith Schulz, the Top Lady and toy top collector. She will certainly show you some new things to try with tops and spinning toys that you may not hav thought of before!
Since the museum is not open every day you will need to call ahead for the schedule. Space is limited and reservations are only a phone call away so call and make a day of enjoyment! Be aware that it is truly a museum for ages 4 – 104. Not for younger children than 4.
The Top & Yo-Yo Museum Admission/program/tour is 2.5 hours for true fun. Cost: $11 per person of all ages. Parking is free.
The museum does not accept credit cards so be sure to have cash if you want to buy anything from the gift shop. If you use travelers checks the entire amount of the check must be spent in the shop, no change for travelers checks.
The museum is handicap accessible.
Is there another hands-on museum there, too?
Yes, the hands-on LOGIC PUZZLE MUSEUMis in the same buildings as the Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum, but with its own separate hours. The Logic Puzzle Museum is great for families, individuals, groups, math clubs, scout outings, field trips, tour groups, adult tourists, family reunions, birthday parties, and mystery tours. 50 hands-on brain & mechanical puzzles try try to solve, ring bells when you solve one, see the exhibit, plus make a puzzle to keep! Best for ages 5-105. A 1.5 hour visit. Call for hours (262) 763-3946
Phone: 262-763-3946
Location: 533 Milwaukee Avenue, historic downtown Burlington, Wisconsin 53105
Email: thetopmuseum@hotmail.com