Harley-Davidson Museum

Having ridden on Harleys for 30 years, I felt it my obligation to take a trip to the Harley Museum in Milwaukee. I was intrigued to hear the whole building was made of recycled materials. I enjoyed seeing all the bikes from the very first bike to ones in current production. Thought the room for "clubs" would be fun, but it turned out to be "racing clubs" that I really never heard of. Come on! Where were the Hell's Angels represented! They played a huge role in the Harley legacy ... I thought that whole aspect was under represented. Anyway, I enjoyed the museum, bought stuff in the gift shop, didn't go in the restaurant at all.

For anyone traveling in or near Milwaukee, the Harley-Davidson Museum is sure worth a visit. It’s downtown and was easy to find. My wife, grandson and I really enjoyed the place -- even though we aren't bikers. The museum occupies a couple of floors in the building it's in and is filled with displays of Harley-Davidson bikes in chronological order. Admission prices are family friendly, audio tours are available and kids can go on a free scavenger hunt to win a prize. Our grandson did the scavenger hunt, but he especially enjoyed the chance to climb up on some real motorcycles in a hands-on exhibit and pretend he was riding them. We got some wonderful pictures. A souvenir shop and a couple of theme restaurants are right across the street. We wanted something fast so we stopped at Cafe Racer and left stuffed.

I recently visited the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee and loved it. For a company as iconic as Harley, that has such a devoted following, it's amazing this museum wasn't built years ago, especially since the company has so many artifacts and hundreds of vintage bikes from its century of history.

Even though I'm not a biker (not yet at least) i enjoyed seeing all the stylish vintage bikes and playing with the interactive elements-the museum has more personality than probably any museum I've been to.

There's a ton to see and you could spend hours there, it's nice that the museum includes restaurants, so you don't have to leave to get lunch. I'll definitely return again, and hopefully check out one of the temporary exhibits.

I wish I could do this review by saying I am a avid motorcyclist! I'm not but I did learn a great deal about why Harley-Davidson is so popular. It's not just a 'bike', it's a lifestyle! It's not jus a means of transportation, its the gateway to freedom..in essence to the open road.

The H-D Museum officially opened in Milwaukee this summer 2008! So far the museum has welcome H-D enthusiatists from all over during its first opened month. During my visit there was a Bike club from Perth, AU! They had cool leather vest with their bike club on the back.

It wasn't hard to find, there are signs along the streets near the museum that guide you to where you need to be. As long as you cross over the White Calatrava bridges, it will be right off to your side!

Admission is $16 for Adults, $12 for students w/ Student ID, and a lower rate for Senior citizens. They are offering museum members with packages, you will have to refer to the website for that info.

I think the place is wonderful, there is one bike saved from every production since 1903. The beginning bikes basically old school bicycles with a engine. With 3 levels, as of August 2008 there are still over 300 bikes that have yet to be put on display due to restoration.

Visting the museum and watching the evolution of the models as your eyes wander from 1900s thro later dates was an eye-opener and I feel i have a better understanding of the bike culture.

Will i buy a Harley now? When the time comes to learn how to ride, i will have to, I was born in the city, that the company came from! Bikes, beer, baseball...ladies & gentlemen I'm a proud Milwaukeean!