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This Wisconsin Museum Has A Real “Dukes Of Hazzard” General Lee, And It’s Free To Enter

Published: July 27, 2025

Few destinations combine nostalgia, horsepower, and pure automotive passion quite like Doc’s Classic Car & Cycle Museum in Bonduel, Wisconsin.

This remarkable free attraction houses an incredible collection of pristine muscle cars, vintage motorcycles, and automotive memorabilia that transforms every visit into a journey through America’s golden age of horsepower.

What began as Steve “Doc” Hopkins’ personal passion project has evolved into one of Wisconsin’s most unique roadside destinations, where visitors find themselves completely immersed in automotive history.

The magic begins the moment you step through the original bi-fold doors of a reconstructed 1938 Standard gas station, complete with its illuminated vintage sign that still beckons travelers to stop and fill up. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a time capsule that captures the romance of America’s love affair with cars and motorcycles.

Automotive Treasures That Define an Era

The Muscle Car Collection: You’ll discover an impressive lineup of 1960s muscle cars that represent the pinnacle of American automotive engineering. The crown jewel might be the ultra-rare 1970 Hemi ‘Cuda, which Doc spent over a year hunting down.

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This fully documented, numbers-matching beauty features a monstrous 426ci Hemi V-8 producing 500 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed pistol grip transmission that commands respect from any gearhead.

Plymouth GTX Rarity: Among the collection’s standouts is a 1969 Plymouth GTX Hemi convertible in stunning B5 blue – one of only nine cars ever made in this exact combination. The 425-horsepower Hemi engine earned the nickname “elephant motor” for its incredible power output, and seeing this beast up close reveals why these machines became legends.

The Judge Takes Court: Doc’s 1969 GTO “The Judge” showcases the era’s boldest automotive statement. With its Ram Air 4 engine, carousel red paint, and parchment white interior, this is one of only 239 produced, making it a true automotive unicorn that embodies the rebellious spirit of late-60s muscle.

Amphicar Adventures: Perhaps the most unusual vehicle is the fully restored Amphicar – a fascinating hybrid that both drives on roads and floats on water. During calm summer days, you might even spot this unique machine “driving” across nearby Shawano Lake, proving that some automotive dreams really can come true.

The General Lee Legacy: Movie car enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover an authentic General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, complete with an autograph from legendary customizer George Barris. Outside, the iconic car chase scene continues as the General Lee and Sheriff Rosco’s patrol car appear frozen mid-pursuit above the museum’s roof.

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Vintage Motorcycle Gems: The motorcycle collection spans decades of two-wheeled innovation, from a 1921 Indian Powerplus to rare military Corgi folding motorcycles originally designed to be dropped from planes for airborne divisions. Doc’s personal racing history shines through with nitro Harley dragsters that have conquered quarter-mile tracks at blistering speeds.

Atmosphere & Authentic Details

Gas Station Nostalgia: The museum’s centerpiece is the fully reconstructed 1938 Standard gas station wall, complete with working vintage pumps that look ready to dispense gasoline at Depression-era prices. The 1928 Milwaukee Pump Works visible gas pump and 1925 Canadian Double gas pump from Saskatchewan create an authentic service station atmosphere that transports you to simpler times.

Memorabilia Paradise: Every surface tells a story through original porcelain gas station signs, vintage oil bottles, and countless automotive artifacts. The walls showcase everything from an early German-developed STP oil rack still stocked with original oil to a rare Sinclair H-C Gasoline sign representing the first premium fuel developed in Houston laboratories during 1926.

Running Engines Display: Doc regularly demonstrates two fully operational vintage engines – a 1937-39 Ford Flathead V-8 producing 60 horsepower and a 1920s John Deere Model E Stationary engine. These living pieces of mechanical history remind visitors that these aren’t just static displays but working examples of engineering excellence.

Unique Oddities: Among the most conversation-starting pieces is an authentic 100,000-year-old woolly mammoth tusk from Siberia, weighing 88 pounds and stretching 8 feet 7 inches long. This unexpected addition perfectly captures Doc’s philosophy that his museum should surprise and delight at every turn.

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Other Considerations

Pricing Excellence: The museum’s completely free admission makes it an exceptional value for families and automotive enthusiasts alike. You’ll easily spend hours exploring without any pressure to rush through expensive exhibits, allowing you to truly appreciate each display at your own pace.

Family-Friendly Experience: Beyond the museum, the 58-acre complex includes a petting zoo with rescued animals including kangaroos, alligators, bison, and a variety of birds. Children can interact with friendly animals while adults marvel at automotive history, making this a perfect multi-generational destination.

Timeline Saloon Integration: Your visit can extend to the adjacent Timeline Saloon & BBQ, where the centerpiece 10-seat Timeline Motorcycle features seven different Harley-Davidson engines arranged chronologically. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked BBQ with ribs marinated for 48 hours, creating a perfect complement to your museum experience.

Best Visit Times: The museum operates seven days a week with varying hours, making it accessible for both planned visits and spontaneous stops. Highway 29 travelers often discover this gem by accident, drawn in by the spectacular General Lee and police car suspended above the roof in eternal chase.

Parking Convenience: Ample parking accommodates everything from motorcycles to RVs, ensuring easy access for all visitors. The location just off Highway 29 makes it a natural stopping point for travelers exploring Wisconsin’s scenic routes.

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Doc’s Classic Car & Cycle Museum
📍 W2709 State Highway 29, Bonduel, WI 54107

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.