TRAVEL GUIDE

Wisconsin Travel and the Wisconsin Automotive Museum

For a little taste of old Wisconsin, why don't consider a visit to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum when on your Wisconsin travel with Mayfair Rent-A-Car? Wisconsin's largest auto museum is filled with historic momentums with everything to do with automotives. Their feature displays include classic, vintage autos and automotive artifact. However, "The Kissel", which was manufactured in Hartford from 1906 to 1931, is probably the best find in the Wisconsin Automotive Museum. The most well known Kissel model is most likely the "Speedstar" which is better known as the "Gold Bug". The Speedstar was owned by famous people such as Fatty Arbuckle and Amelia Earhardt. Another popular exhibition is the one dedicated to Nash, which was first built in Kenosha in 1916. Also, completed just recently is an all new display area for the Hudson Essex Terraplane, products produced by Hudson Motor Car Company from 1909 to 1954 and in 1954 to 1957 for the American Motors Corporation.

When you visit the Wisconsin Automotive Museum on your Wisconsin travel with your Mayfair Rent-A-Car prepare yourself to see over 90 other rare memorabilia such as Reos, Pierce - Arrows, Pontiacs, Studebakers, Chevrolets, and Fords which stand out magnificently against the art d'cor. When on your Wisconsin travel with your Mayfair Rent-A-Car you will also find some other automotive artifacts such as license plates, spark plugs, oil cans and signs. A true gem is the industrial and outboard engines which where built in Hartford from 1936 to 1992. After your tour of the Wisconsin Automotive Museum on your Wisconsin travel, remember to drop in the gift shop. Inside you will find several little treasures and trinkets, a perfect gift for anyone.

Introducing....

Come see Wisconsin Automotive Museum's newest addition on your Wisconsin travel with your Mayfair Rent-A-Car. The SOO LINE 1003 is a 1913 2-8-2 Steam Locomotive which has been preserved and operated by 1003 operations, LLP. The SOO LINE is a locomotive with 2 pilot wheels, 8 drive wheels, and 2 trailing wheels. The locomotive is named the Mikado type because of the large firebox which was first built for the Emperor of Japan. The SOO LINE 1003 original cost was $25, 654.53. Then engine of the SOO LINE had a cylinder with 28" x 30" dimensions, a 63' driver, and a tender of 7 500 gallons of water with a capacity to hold 12 tons of coal! No small feat for any locomotive. The SOO LINE 1003 originally had oil headlights but by the late 1913 and early 1914 electric headlights where more commonly used and was applied to the SOO LINE 1003. By November 1941, a major update was needed for the somewhat outdated SOO LINE 1003. A large sandbox was added, the wooden pilot was replaced with a boiler tube steel pilot, the wood and canvas roof was replaced with a steel one, and the cab was greatly enlarged. The SOO LINE 1003 officially retired August 1959.

Some more useful information on your trip to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum...

• Hours from May 1 to September 30 are Monday and Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday noon to 5:00 pm. However the schedule changes starting on October 1 and lasts till April 30, the Wisconsin Automotive Museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Statuary Holidays.
• Home of the Kissel Kar Klub
• The Wisconsin Automotive Museum is private and non-profit
• Wheelchair accessible

The Wisconsin Automotive Museum

147 North Rural Street
Hartford, Wisconsin 53027
Phone: (262) 673 7999
Email: info@wisconsinautomuseum.com
Map: click here for map to the museum