Where can you find the Cape's largest cranberry culture exhibit, a showcase of the life and work of Harwich's most famous bird carver, historic water craft, and realistic models of native plants and mounted animal specimens? While the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum is without a doubt one of Cape Cod's most popular destinations, here's a Micro Week roundup of seven small museums, from the off-beat Edward Gorey House to the artsy Cahoon Museum, where you can find all of the above, albeit not under the same roof. Side note: Remember to check the hours!
Read MoreMapping the Tiniest, Most Unique Museums on Cape Cod
Cahoon Museum of American Art
"The museum both celebrates the legacy of Cape Cod folk artists Ralph and Martha Cahoon, displaying their art and preserving the historic building that was their home and studio, and embraces the full vitality of American art with emphasis on past and present artists of Cape Cod and the Northeast." Reopening March 3 at a temporary location while the preservation and renovation of its 1775 Georgian Colonial home is underway.
Cape Cod Maritime Museum
Cape Cod's first museum dedicated to the maritime culture of the area overlooks Hyannis Harbor. Don't miss the Cook Boat Shop, "a working exhibit space of traditional & contemporary boat building, and restoration projects of historic Cape Cod water craft."
The Edward Gorey House
Open from April through December, "The Edward Gorey House celebrates and preserves the life and works of Edward Gorey, an American author, illustrator, playwright, set and costume designer. In honor of his legacy, The House, owned and lived in by Gorey himself, displays his diverse and extraordinary talents and reflects his distinct personality." Translation, this quirky space is not to be missed.
Cape Cod Museum of Art
Billed as the region's premier art museum, the "mission is to collect, study, interpret and exhibit works by outstanding artists associated with Cape Cod, Southeastern Massachusetts and the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard."
Brooks Academy Museum
The Harwich Historical Society "collection chronicles several hundred years of Harwich History, highlighted by the Cape's largest cranberry culture exhibit." In addition to those bragging rights, they'll be opening the Elmer Crowell Barn (pictured) on the grounds this year. "The reconstructed workshop will showcase the life and work of Harwich's famous bird carver through audiovisual & photo displays, tools, and demonstrations."
Salt Pond Visitor Center
The gateway to the Cape Cod National Seashore, this museum collection "reflects the vast range of natural and cultural themes represented on Cape Cod" with artwork, film and other displays. "Realistic models of native plants and mounted animal specimens emphasize the rich and diverse natural history of the Outer Cape."
Pilgrim Monument
Finally, to PTown. Located at the base of the iconic Pilgrim Monument, The Provincetown Museum "features a unique collection of exhibits that depict important events and people in Provincetown history and our nation’s history."