The Little-Known Wisconsin Store That Will Bring Out Your Inner Nerd

Out on the west side of Milwaukee there's a small store stuffed full of weird, interesting, useful and fun things that you'll just have to dig through to believe.

The American Science and Surplus store is one of just three in the country. Tucked inside are bits and bobbles just like the name suggests - surplus items from manufacturers and retailers, many of which have a science bent. Whether you're building a robot or a whole car, you'll find a lot of what you need at AS&S.

But you'll also find military surplus, random toys, stationary and more. Or, if you're like me, an old style American flag painted hockey mask perfect for showing your pride during the Winter Olympics.

From their website: "American Science & Surplus continues to offer a unique mix of industrial, military and educational items, with an emphasis on science and education. We supply a wide range of unusual and hard to find items (some say bizarre stuff) to the hobbiest, tinkerer, artist, experimenter, home educator, do-it-yourselfer, and bargain hunter."

The store has a bit of an aura of mystery and esteem around it.

People visit from all over to check out that day's strange selections.

One of the best things about the store are the silly, funny and odd signs on each item.

Sometimes they have cartoons, sometimes they're irreverent and a lot of times they contain puns.

There are informative displays.

Every bit is labeled for sale and marked with what they could be made into.

Even if the staff isn't even sure what an item is or is meant to be used for, they always have suggestions for alternate uses for the item displayed.

Walking into the store is like visiting a very crowded fun house storage room.

It can be a bit of sensory overload.

Make sure you allow yourself to slowly walk up and down every aisle or you'll miss some of the the best stuff.

Wine glass?

Nope, this is a home for a tiny goldfish.

Obviously.

Though there are a lot of odd bits, there's also plenty of more commonly useful things as well.

Need a science project idea or to kick start your creativity?

An hour wondering the aisles here will do you wonders.

Much of the staff are longtime employees.

The current owner was an AS&S buyer for almost three decades before he took over the business.

The company has passed down through family and friends for almost 80 years.

If you're in or around Milwaukee soon, plan a few hours in American Science and Surplus in your itinerary.

You won't regret it.

Have any of you ventured into American Science and Surplus? What strange and wonderful things did you buy?

Looking for more odd stops in Wisconsin? Check out 10 Awesomely Odd Place in Wisconsin That Are a Must-See For Everyone.