Though I have been to many museums both here in the United States and at various points I have visited around the globe, The Harley Davidson Museum on Lake Michigan is my favorite thus far. I am not a Harley rider, or even a “Motorcycle Guy,” but I honestly believe that a walk through the museum is a walk through the motorized history of America in the 20th century and beyond.
No where else is there as huge of a collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia, from the first bike that was built, to several that have been in major movies. It was an astounding sight to see hundreds of beautiful ‘fresh from the assembly line motorcycles, from the initial run, through the 2019 models, in many different configurations.
We saw some pretty amazing stories of people, history, and the Harley-Davidson culture and even got to go down to the basement and look at, but not touch archives, and motorcycles being readied for display.
The museum building is situated on a big park-like campus, with huge parking lots so you don’t have to drive and walk forever to get in. On the day we visited, there were races outside in one of the side lots which we could watch for free, in between walks on the tree lined paths on the Milwaukee riverfront, where we could check out the city skyline.
Emily was pretty much a whizz at listening to different engine sounds on a headset and guessing what motor/engine they belonged to, while I was pretty good at “loud,” “louder,” and “too loud.”
Right down the hall from that was the “Try a Bike Experience Gallery,” where we sat on different models from brand new to vintage and took touristy pictures while I complained about having short arms and legs.
Emily and I also wandered into the Harley-Davidson Museum Shop, so she could look for a gift for her mom and step dad, who do ride. While she asked questions and looked at various sizes in a serious attempt to spend money, I looked at the price tags and wondered why people would pay such large sums for memorabilia!
It was an amazing adventure, and I would return to Milwaukee just to hear the roar of engines, and see the glistening chrome and paint again!
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