ZEMS BLOG

The furry goofball mascots housed in the Lake Michigan Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting now have something to cheer for other than their teams.

USA Today named the interactive children's museum dedicated to the antics of statues cheering on professional and college sports teams at 1815 Front Street the No. 1 pop culture museum in the country. The public voted it the best in the country in the Top 10 Readers' Choice Awards.

It beat out the Broadway Museum in New York City, Comic-Con 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 chosen as the No. 1 pop culture museum in the country by the readers of USA Today,” said Karen Anasowitz, executive director of the Mascot Hall of Fame. “This honor is a testament to the dedication of our team and the overwhelming support of our visitors. We strive to deliver 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.”

A panel of experts from USA Today, other Gannett papers, and 10Best.com nominate finalists in a variety of categories each year. It then goes to public online voting.

“Who doesn't love a good sports mascot? At this charming museum located just a half-hour outside of Chicago, you'll be able to explore interactive exhibits and memorabilia that honor some of the most iconic mascots of all time in many sports,” USA Today noted. “This includes the Oriole Bird, the Phillie Phanatic, Mr. Met, Rocky the Mountain Lion, and even the Chicago Blackhawk’s own Tommy Hawk.”

A virtual museum for a long time before it found an actual brick-and-mortar home in Whiting in 2017, the museum contains information about Hall of Famers like the Phoenix Gorillas, the San Diego Chickens, and the Southpaw of the White Sox. It's also home to hands-on exhibits, such as how much a mascot costume weighs and what it's like to fire a T-shirt cannon. Visitors can participate in mascot races, learn about mascots throughout history, relive memorable mascot moments and create their own mascots.

For more information, visit www.mascothalloffame.com.

Highland craft beer bar Beer Geeks is closing, reopening as B-Side Bar & Lounge

Beer Geeks, one of the area's first, most popular and influential craft beer bars, has closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.

The 88-year-old White Castle in Whiting, one of the first in the Chicago area, will be replaced by a new restaurant.

The historic, 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting will be replaced by a newer, larger, more modern White Castle restaurant.

The Silver Bullet Bar in downtown Crown Point is closed

A longtime fixture in downtown Crown Point has poured his last drink.

Westforth Sports gun store in Cal Township is closing its doors after 66 years

The Westforth Sports gun store has long since closed.

The Lansing plant closes and 274 workers are laid off

The Silver Line Building Products factory at 16801 Exchange Ave. will close. permanently.

Highland's Brewfest is pouring its last beer and looking to move to Lowell

Brewfest in Highland will close in what is being called the “end of an era.”

David's Bridal files for bankruptcy, could close all stores

David's Bridal has filed for bankruptcy and could close all stores if a buyer doesn't emerge to bail it out.

The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be on display at museums in Illinois and Indiana

The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle will be remembered through displays at museums in two different states.

The 88-year-old Whiting White Castle presents the last of its skiers to a nostalgic public

Warn Best story urgent topical

For many years, the Millionaire's Club has met every morning on the corner of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Avenue and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The historic restaurant introduced its final slider on Tuesday.

Downtown Griffith staple G&G Hobbies has been left to a longtime employee looking for a buyer to continue the business

One of Northwest Indiana's most popular and enduring hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner passed away.

The J&L This N That Consignment Shop in downtown Whiting is closing

J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, has closed in downtown Whiting after operating for several years.

The Calumet fishery was temporarily closed after failing a health inspection

The Calumet Area Corporation, Calumet Fisheries on Chicago's Far South Side, has closed temporarily after failing a city health inspection.

Calumet Fisheries suffered a fire shortly after it reopened after a health inspection closed

Just days after reopening after being shut down by city health inspectors, Calumet Fisheries was hit by a major fire.

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is no longer in Valparaiso after 43 years

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant is not located in Valparaiso.

Former Beer Geeks bar is closing after rebranding

Beer Geeks in Highland was renamed B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.

Bed Bath and Beyond to close its Valparaiso store and several Chicagoland locations, leaving only one location in the area

Struggling retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores across the country as it looks to restructure and shrink its footprint to salvage the struggling business.