Harley Owners go Hog Wild in Milwaukee
Harley Museum, Iron Horse Hotel and Factory Tour Delight Harley Fans
Jul 9, 2009
For those that live and die by the bar and shield, a trip to Brew Town will have them in hog heaven.
New Museum showcases Harley history
Open for just over a year, the Harley Davidson Museum, located near Milwaukee’s oldest neighborhood, Walker’s Point, is the ultimate historical tribute to the 106 year old history of this iconic company. The museum takes visitors on a ride through time, showcasing the first bike HD built in 1903 and the robust dealer network it set up early on to sell its bikes worldwide. During the Depression Harley offered unique vehicles like the Servi-Cars, developed for auto dealerships to make service calls, it was later adapted for police use. In WWII Harley cycles were used extensively, with over one-third of all Harley’s produced by the end of the war supplying the US and her allies. The museum brings the company’s history to modern times, including fun exhibits celebrating the 100th celebration party held in Milwaukee. The museum also showcases the customization and pop culture associated with the brand, and features a historical look at women riders and board tracking. During the summer, the museum hosts bike nights on Thursdays and a classic car drive-in on Tuesdays.
The museum site includes plenty of green, park-like space to enjoy the limited sunny summer days. Plan a picnic on the grounds, or stop by the Motor Café Racer to fuel up before continuing the Harley themed day.
See Harley Cycles being Built on the Power Train tour
For true aficionados, the museum isn’t likely enough, but seeing Harley’s being “born” might just do the trick. Visitors can tour the power train center at 11700 W. Capitol Dr. in suburban Wauwatosa. The facility produces the Sportster and Buell power trains. The welcome center features a display showcasing the evolution of the Harley engines. A video starts up the tour before visitors see the factory floor and assembly line. Tours run only on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and photography is not permitted anywhere but in the visitor center.
New Iron Horse Hotel caters to Harley lovers
The hippest new hotel in town also happens to have a Harley twist, the boutique Iron Horse Hotel was created by local developer Tim Dixon to cater to Hog riders. Housed in a converted warehouse in Walker’s Point (just a quick ride from the museum) the Iron Horse features biker amenities including covered motorcycle parking, rag bins and check-in carts for saddlebag contents, tiled room entrances and custom hooks for heavy motorcycle gear, boot benches, an onsite bike wash and onsite bike rental service, domestic/international motorcycle shipping and receiving. Hotel staff will happily pack saddlebag lunches and suggest bike routes.
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