Exhibit your curiosity at quirky museums

If you are looking for a change of pace, add one of these off-the-beaten-path museums to your itinerary:

• The Washboard Factory and Museum, Logan, Ohio. The Columbus Washboard Co. launched in 1895. Take a tour of this unique museum and learn the difference between washboards used to clean clothes and those used to make music. Each June, the free Washboard Music Festival celebrates the history of this American-made product, including the world’s largest washboard on the side of the factory; 740-380-3828; columbuswashboard.com.

• UFO Museum, Roswell, N.M. In July of 1947, a major thunderstorm struck this New Mexico community, but did something else happen that night? Investigate what has come to be known as the Roswell Incident. Will you determine that a flying saucer landed nearby? Or was it a weather balloon? Are there really alien creatures? Review firsthand accounts and exhibits before coming to your own conclusions; 800-822-3545; roswellufomuseum.com.

• Motown Museum, Detroit. The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and the Jackson 5 all got their start in Hitsville, USA. Mixing gospel, jazz and street music, producers created unique sounds using state-ofthe-art techniques. Music lovers can still see much of that equipment today and learn about all the performers who were ushered into stardom by the founder of Motown, Berry Gordy Jr.; 313-875-2264; motownmuseum.org.

• Circus World Museum, Baraboo, Wis. Visit the site of the original winter headquarters for the famed circus, known as Ringlingville. You’ll learn how the five Ringling brothers crafted performances that would become a colorful part of our American culture. See circus wagons, expansive posters, costumes, photographs and the personal belongings of some performers; 866-693-1500; circus world.wisconsinhistory.org.