- Attraction: Wisconsin Automotive Museum
- Location: 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027
- Industry: Museum
- Website: https://wisconsinautomuseum.com/
Right where luxury automobiles once rolled off Hartford’s assembly lines nearly a century ago, you’ll find Wisconsin’s largest automotive museum housing an extraordinary collection that tells the forgotten story of American automotive ingenuity.
The Wisconsin Automotive Museum stands as a testament to Hartford’s remarkable automotive heritage, featuring the world’s largest collection of rare Kissel automobiles alongside over 120 carefully curated vehicles spanning more than ten decades of transportation history.
This isn’t just another car museum filled with predictable classics. You’re stepping into the birthplace of the legendary Kissel luxury automobile, where between 1906 and 1931, craftsmen built some of America’s most coveted vehicles.
Today, fewer than 150 complete Kissel cars exist worldwide, making this museum’s collection of 27 Kissel automobiles an absolutely irreplaceable automotive treasure.
Star Attractions & Must-See Highlights
The Famous Kissel “Gold Bug” Speedster: You’ll come face-to-face with the most coveted car of the 1920s – the two-passenger Kissel Speedster nicknamed the “Gold Bug.” These stunning examples of custom craftsmanship were owned by celebrities like Amelia Earhart, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Greta Garbo. The sleek lines and luxurious details showcase why these vehicles commanded premium prices during their heyday.
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Keep Exploring →Only Known Badger Car: The museum houses the only known surviving Badger automobile, offering you an exclusive glimpse into Wisconsin’s lesser-known automotive history. This one-of-a-kind vehicle represents a piece of transportation heritage you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Nash and Wisconsin Heritage Collection: You’ll discover an impressive array of Nash automobiles that were manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, along with Hudson, Essex, and American Motors vehicles. These cars tell the broader story of Wisconsin’s significant contributions to America’s automotive industry, featuring everything from family sedans to luxury limousines.
Vintage Race Cars & Short Track Hall of Fame: Racing enthusiasts will appreciate the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame exhibit, complete with authentic race cars, vintage photographs, and memorabilia celebrating the region’s rich motorsports heritage. You can get up close to the actual vehicles that dominated regional tracks decades ago.
1913 Soo Line Steam Locomotive: The massive 250-ton steam locomotive built in 1913 commands attention at the back of the museum. You can walk around this fully operational giant and appreciate its impressive scale and mechanical complexity – a perfect complement to the automotive displays.
Hartford Outboard Motor Collection: Since Hartford was also home to outboard motor manufacturing, you’ll find a fascinating collection of marine engines dating from the 1930s to 1990s, showcasing another facet of the city’s industrial heritage.
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Discover MoreAtmosphere & Museum Experience
Art Deco Interior Design: The museum’s thoughtfully designed art deco interior creates an authentic period atmosphere that transports you back to the golden age of automobiles. The styling perfectly complements the vintage vehicles and enhances the overall nostalgic experience.
Two-Floor Layout: You’ll find older classics and the prized Kissel collection primarily on the first floor, while the second floor houses more modern vehicles from the 1950s through 1990s. This logical organization makes it easy to follow automotive evolution through the decades.
Impressive Model Train Display: Upon entering, you’re greeted by an extensive O-gauge Lionel train layout with multiple trains running simultaneously. This elaborate display captivates both children and model railroad enthusiasts, featuring detailed scenery and impressive attention to detail.
Rotating Collection: The museum keeps things fresh with regularly changing displays, as about half the vehicles are on loan from private collectors. This means return visits often reveal new automotive treasures you haven’t seen before.
Educational Signage: Each vehicle features informative displays with historical context and interesting backstories, helping you understand not just what you’re seeing, but why these particular automobiles are significant to automotive history.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: At $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for children, you’re getting exceptional value considering the rarity and quality of the collection. Many visitors report spending much longer than expected, with some staying for three hours when they initially planned a quick 30-minute visit.
Family-Friendly Experience: The museum welcomes visitors of all ages, though car enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the detailed automotive craftsmanship and historical significance. The train displays provide entertainment for younger visitors who might not be as interested in automobiles.
Convenient Downtown Location: You’ll find the museum easily accessible in downtown Hartford, with free parking available. The location is about an hour from Milwaukee, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Recommended Visit Duration: Plan for at least 1-2 hours to properly appreciate the collection, though serious automotive enthusiasts often spend 2-3 hours exploring every exhibit. The museum recommends allowing a minimum of one hour.
Group Accommodations: Groups of 10 or more can arrange special rates by calling ahead at least one week in advance. The museum also offers educational programs for school groups and automotive clubs.
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Discover MoreOperating Hours: The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, with no admissions after 4:30 PM. It’s an ideal rainy day activity or a must-stop destination for anyone interested in automotive history and Wisconsin’s industrial heritage.
Wisconsin Automotive Museum
📍 147 N Rural St, Hartford, WI 53027
