Striking a Chord in Baraboo: How a Children's Museum Became a Haven for Playful Learning and Music

When residents of Baraboo, Wisconsin, decided to establish their own children’s museum, they agreed on a shared mission: to provide playful experiences that inspire and educate every child. Today, this interactive museum in the heart of a small town of 13,000 residents does exactly that, now enhanced with inclusive musical instruments.

Jed Crouse, the museum’s Director and founder, first had the idea while visiting another children’s museum. He questioned why his own hometown didn’t have a dedicated space designed just for children.

Almost five years later, Jed and his colleagues are running a thriving, much-needed museum that serves families across the community.

Building a Mini Town Through Playful Learning

Establishing the non-profit museum involved close collaboration with the local community to test ideas and understand what families truly wanted. The concept began as a pop-up shop before the founders secured an old grocery store as a permanent location.

Today, the museum features a children’s grocery store, police station, and diner - creating a mini town where children can engage in make-believe, role-play everyday scenarios, and learn through play.

Bringing Music Indoors with Inclusive Instruments

The BCM Music Lab, designed for hands-on interaction, now includes three musical instruments installed indoors. Although the Baraboo Children’s Museum has no outdoor space, the team recognized that Percussion Play’s outdoor musical instruments would be equally effective inside.

While staff initially had concerns about noise levels, the instruments’ soft, melodic tones mean the music gently wafts through the museum, contributing to a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Interactive Design Encouraging Shared Play

The Rainbow Trio Ensemble is wall-mounted within the Music Lab and includes Rainbow Chimes, a Rainbow Metallophone and a set of Rainbow Bongos.

Founder Jed Crouse explains, “We wanted really interactive instruments, so we agreed upon the chimes and bongos. Children can play the bongos with their hands or use the mallets provided. We love them being mounted on the wall so children can play alongside one another or with their parents and caregivers.”

Designed to Last - Inspiring Intergenerational Music-Making

Quality and durability were key factors in choosing Percussion Play. “Children aren’t destructive, but they can play hard!” says Jed. “Knowing these were outdoor instruments, we felt confident they would stand up to daily use.”

The museum welcomes children from preschool age through to older children visiting after school. The Music Lab has become a highlight for all ages, fostering playful, shared experiences. Encouraging intergenerational play remains central to the museum’s ethos.

“We love seeing musically minded family members stopping to create music with their little ones,” Jed adds. “It’s the start of a child’s musical education.”