- Attraction: Gilmore Car Museum
- Location: 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/
What happens when a simple birthday gift transforms into North America’s largest automobile museum? You get an extraordinary journey through automotive history sprawling across 90 magnificent acres in rural Michigan.
The Gilmore Car Museum houses over 400 vintage automobiles and motorcycles from every era imaginable, displayed within more than a dozen historic buildings that transport you through different decades of American culture.
This remarkable collection began in 1963 when Donald S. Gilmore received a 1920 Pierce-Arrow project car from his wife Genevieve for his birthday. That single vehicle sparked a passion that would eventually become a world-class museum opening to the public in 1966.
Today, you’ll discover everything from an 1899 Locomobile Steam Car to muscle cars from the 1960s and 70s, all maintained in pristine condition that will leave you marveling at the craftsmanship of bygone eras.
Incredible Vehicle Collections
The Classic Beauties: You’ll find yourself face-to-face with stunning examples of automotive royalty including elegant Duesenbergs from the 1930s, luxurious Rolls-Royces, and the incredibly rare 1948 Tucker. Each vehicle tells its own story through meticulous restoration and expert presentation that highlights the engineering marvels of their respective eras.
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Keep Exploring →American Muscle Power: The museum’s collection of American muscle cars will get your heart racing with iconic Chevelles, roaring Mustangs, and sleek Corvettes from the golden age of horsepower. You can practically hear the rumble of these legendary engines as you admire their chrome details and aggressive styling.
The Unique Tucker Collection: One of the museum’s crown jewels is its Tucker Historical Collection, featuring the famous 1948 Tucker sedan that represents one of the most innovative and tragic stories in automotive history. Only 51 Tuckers were ever produced, making this an exceptionally rare sight.
Hood Ornament Gallery: You’ll discover what many consider the largest display of automotive mascots and hood ornaments in North America. These miniature works of art showcase the creativity and attention to detail that automakers once lavished on even the smallest components.
European Elegance: The collection includes sophisticated examples from prestigious European manufacturers like Aston Martin, representing the global evolution of automotive design and engineering excellence.
Historic Campus Experience
Authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner: You can grab a bite at George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner, a fully restored and operational 1941 Silk City Diner that serves classic American fare. The authentic atmosphere transports you back to the era when diners were the social hubs of American highways.
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Discover MoreRecreated Dealership Row: You’ll walk through meticulously recreated vintage car dealerships including a 1918 Franklin dealership, 1928 Ford showroom, 1930s Lincoln facility, and 1940s Cadillac dealership. Each space captures the sales atmosphere of its respective era with period-appropriate furnishings and displays.
1930s Shell Gas Station: The fully recreated Shell station complete with vintage gas pumps, full-service garage tools, and authentic Shell memorabilia gives you a glimpse into when filling up your tank was a full-service experience with friendly attendants.
Seven Partner Museums: The campus houses specialized collections including the Classic Car Club of America Museum, Pierce-Arrow Museum, Model A Ford Museum, Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum, and Lincoln Motor Car Heritage Museum, each offering focused expertise on specific marques.
Immersive Atmosphere
Multiple Historic Buildings: You’ll explore vehicles housed in beautifully restored barns and period-appropriate structures that blend rustic charm with gleaming chrome. The thoughtful presentation makes each building feel like a different chapter in automotive history.
Park-Like Campus Setting: The 90-acre grounds feature landscaped areas where you can rest between buildings while taking in the peaceful rural Michigan countryside. The expansive layout prevents the crowded feeling common in many museums.
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Keep Exploring →Interactive Experiences: During summer months, you can actually take chauffeured rides in classic cars from the museum’s collection, or even learn to drive an authentic Model T Ford with its unique three-pedal system and hand controls.
Photography Paradise: The excellent lighting throughout most buildings makes this a photographer’s dream, and you’re encouraged to capture memories of these automotive treasures. You can get remarkably close to the vehicles for detailed shots.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: At $20 for adults and free admission for children 10 and under, you’re getting exceptional value considering the scope and quality of what you’ll experience. Veterans receive a discount to $18, and active military enter free.
Plan Your Time Wisely: Most visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the campus, though serious car enthusiasts often stay much longer. You could easily spend an entire day here if you want to thoroughly examine each collection and read all the informational displays.
Accessibility Features: The museum provides wheelchairs free of charge and mobility scooters for $30 per day, plus the buildings include elevators for second-floor access. This makes the experience accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Considerations: While the main Automotive Heritage Center remains open year-round, the outdoor historic buildings close during winter months (December through March). Summer visits offer the full experience with all buildings accessible.
Free Parking: You won’t have to worry about additional parking fees, and there’s ample space for RVs, motorhomes, and tour buses in designated areas.
Special Events: The museum hosts numerous car shows throughout the summer season, plus Wednesday night cruise-ins that bring together local car enthusiasts and their vehicles for an even more dynamic experience.
Gilmore Car Museum
📍 6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
