Films play in a dozen theaters, and a children's museum entertains young fans. In front of the museum is a sunken garden where Rogers and his family are buried. There, the Judy Garland Birthplace pays tribute to the actress who performed on stages throughout northeast and north-central Minnesota before moving to Hollywood and signing her first movie contract at age 13. Also on site is the Leah Miner Garden Memorial, which has an Oz-like field of poppies and a yellow brick path for visitors to follow as they stroll through the garden. The Judy Garland Children's Museum, scheduled for completion in 2000, will feature permanent and changing exhibits on Judy and the Wizard of Oz , including a carriage once owned by President Lincoln and used in the movie.
Visitors can view the exhibits at the museum's temporary quarters, also located in Grand Rapids.
Wis. Harry Houdini claimed to have been born in Appleton, but he drew his first breath in Budapest, Hungary. Ship logs prove his family relocated to Appleton when he was a young child and his father became the city's first rabbi. Although Appleton may not be his birthplace, Houdini affectionately claimed it as his hometown throughout his life. The city is now the site of the most complete exhibit on Houdini's life ever assembled. Along with tools of escape, the center has posters, video clips, personal photographs and letters.