The new Harley museum blasts you back to the past
This year marks the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, and what better time to open a museum honoring the world's most famous motorcycle? Whether you own several bikes or have no desire to ever ride one, you will find something to tell your friends about at the new Harley-Davidson Museum, opening this weekend in the brand's home city, Milwaukee, Wis.
Set in Milwaukee's industrial Menomonee Valley, the museum was designed with manufacturing and factories in mind. Of course, motorcycles play a key role - the parking lot features a crossroads of 60-foot-wide streets with an orange stripe down the middle, mimicking the layout of a bike rally. Cars are allowed in the parking lot, too, or the Amtrak station is conveniently located blocks away.
Once inside, the Harley experience starts with a "100 years in 100 seconds" video in the sparsely decorated, mostly metal lobby. Be prepared to wait if you didn't buy your tickets in advance. If you did, arrive by your allotted time and head up the metal staircase, where the sound of rumbling motors accompanies you to the first exhibits.
The chronological journey through the brand's history starts on the right-hand side with the first Harley built. (Contrary to a popular myth, the company did not start out building bicycles, although they did make them at one time.) Historical documents including the original owner's manual and paperwork from the brand's founders - three Davidson brothers and their neighborhood friend, William Harley - are on display.
The exhibit continues through the Great Depression, when the company had to get creative to stay afloat. Three-wheeled commercial vehicles were produced for delivering milk, Singer sewing machines and other products, and H-D secured the accounts for the U.S. Postal Service as well as the police force. This is also when the brand started using vibrant colors on the bikes, which evolved into the defining look we know today.
If you're more into mechanics than history, head to the other side of the second floor and check out the Engine Room. Various interactive exhibits let you see how a Harley motor works and illustrate that the original engine isn't much different from the modern version.
This side of the floor also houses apparel from the first motorcycle clubs (note the lack of leather) and the story of Vivian Bales, a woman who rode a Harley 5,000 miles in 1929 and documented her travels for the Harley-Davidson magazine. Before heading downstairs, walk across the bridge to watch mechanics restoring old bikes in the garage.
The first floor of the museum is dedicated to post-World War II through today. Old advertisements paint a vivid picture of the 1950s and '60s. Scooters, golf carts, snowmobiles and a fiberglass boat document the time when the company merged with AMF. Realizing that this partnership was steering H-D away from its original purpose, 13 stakeholders gathered their resources and bought back the company in the 1980s - a pivotal moment in Harley history.
Perhaps the most interesting exhibit for those who aren't motorcycle buffs is the Custom Culture gallery. This gallery is dedicated to extreme riding, motorcycles in pop culture and the popular art of customizing your Harley with everything from trailer hitches to sequins. Interactive touchscreens allow you to customize your own bike, and a video montage documents famous motorcycle scenes from movies like "The Wild Ones" to "Pee-wee's Big Adventure." Some celebrity bikes are also on display, including the one Elvis Presley bought for $993 - paid for in installments of $50 a month - right before his first hit single.
The tour ends with a chance to sit on the bike of your choice and pretend you are riding off into the sunset.
Don't forget to stop by the gift shop on your way out and bring home a piece of Harley history.
Harley-Davidson Museum
Location: 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, Wis.
Web: harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/HD_Museum/Museum.jsp?locale=en_US
Hours: May through October: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Tuesdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; November through April: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends
Admission: $16 adults, $12 students and seniors, $10 children ages 5-17, free for children younger than 5; timed tickets, buy in advance online
Where to eat and drink
Harley-Davidson Museum Restaurant, 401 W. Canal St.: Featuring American fare like onion rings, cheeseburgers and peach cobbler, the full-service restaurant at the museum will satisfy bikers and nonbikers alike. A cafe is also available for a quick bite.
La Fuente, 625 S. 5th St., (414) 271-8595, megustalafuente.com: Voted "Best Mexican" by Milwaukee Magazine for nine years running, this authentic Mexican restaurant has a stunning courtyard and delectable margaritas.
Things to see
Capital Drive Plant, 11700 W. Capitol Drive, Wauwatosa, Wis., (877) 883-1450, http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Factory_Tours/factory_tours.jsp?locale=en_US: Can't get enough Harley? Head to the nearest manufacturing plant for a free tour.
Miller Brewing Factory, 4251 W. State St., Milwaukee, (414) 931-2337, www.factorytour.com/tours/miller-brewing.cfm: Miller offers free tours - and free beer - at its brewing facility.