wisconsin auto museum

My husband and I were in Hartford for a short winter get-away. An auto museum is normally not a place we would have visited but activities were limited on a winter day. However, we were pleasantly surprised and our visit turned out to be interesting and educational for both of us. We saw cars we had never heard of, including the Kissel Kar that was custom-made in Hartford from 1906 to 1931.

The museum is a little dark, but we found it fascinating. My husband is NOT a car guy.But, even he really enjoyed it and has remarked on that several times since we left.

We went here last year. It was a nice little museum. Lots of things to look at. If you love cars, this is your place. We took my sons here, and they seemed to enjoy it. :)

Enjoyed it very much, would recommend. Most people don't know about Kissel cars, they will after a trip here.

Kissel cars were unknown to me. Long lost company kept alive by this museum. Lots of interesting old cars. What I like the most is the plain Jane examples of various car manufacturers. You won't see 100 point restorations. You'll see nice examples of cars that almost anyone could imagine owning.

We visited the museum on our way up to Mayville. There are over a hundred cars and trucks on display. The Kissels and other vintage cars are on the first floor, with the more recent models on the second floor. The museum boasts over 20 of the roughly 150 existing Kissel automobiles and trucks, which were manufactured in Hartford, Wisconsin from 1906 to 1931. Most have been restored, but there was an unrestored “survivor” that is used as an example for other restorations and a very rough “barn find”. There is also a fairly large Lionel train setup as you enter the first floor viewing area. The second floor cars and trucks are quite diverse and even include a few local short track race cars from decades ago. I would highly recommend this museum to any auto enthusiast and anyone with even a passing interest in cars will be entertained.

I found this museum by mistake while travelling to Oshkosh and its well worth the drive off the highway.There is plenty of free parking and as a bonus there is a farmers market held in the car park on Saturday mornings. Entry to the museum is well priced and the collection is well laid out. Its an unusual collection of vehicles with Nash, Hudson and Kissel dominating the ground floor. Some of the cars are fully restored and some are displayed in as-found condition which I found appealing as it shows just what is required to get these machines restored to museum condition. A model train exhibit will keep the kids occupied if they ever get bored.On the upper floor is one of the more interesting displays Ive ever seen at a car museum included a mega mileage SAAB, Messerschmitt bubble car, DeLorean and more. There is also a steam train in another section that is well worth a visit.Our guide was friendly and knowledgable and added enormously to the visit. Its a laid back and relaxed atmosphere and we spent easily two hours wandering around. In all a fascinating and well thought out museum that would entertain anyone, not just car experts. Check out the souvenirs as well as the Kissel themed stuff is well done.

A must see afternoon trip to tour The Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, WI. The Museum is located in a beautifully restored old Canning Company was very active in Hartford. Come and experience the largest assembled group of Kissel luxury automobiles; with frames made of wood, manufactured in 1906. There is also a great selection of other model cars to view as well. There is even a 250 ton Steam Locomotive built in 1913 to view as well. Vintage model train tracks are set up to watch. A great time for all ages!

Great overview by staff. Unbelievable collection of autos and train stuff and miniatures and photos. Large collection of Kissel cars and Nash's made in Wisconsin. Also restored train. Not possible to explain how well worth your time this museum is.

We really enjoyed our tour of the cars in this exhibit. It was really very informative. actually learned quit allot about the area as well. I would highly recommended it.

Quite a selection of cars and trucks. They have a plane and a train! lot's of local history with the Kissel car being built right here in Hartford. Many celebrities drove a Kissel, it was the car to have in the day, and they have several on site. It's amazing how brand new they look. Well worth the price of admission, you can even plan an event there.

My husband's favorite..he's a real car buff but I'll have to admit I really enjoyed it...something for everyone..amazing!

We've been here twice. It is ever changing and there is something to see for all ages. A locomotive that's larger than life down to a (Messersmidt)? The grand kids loved the huge toy trains that run on hundreds of feet of tracks. The racing cars and cars from the 60's thru the early 80's. Se deserving and some a little questionable. Pricey but you can spend hours looking at everything there.

Over 100 cars ranging from early 1900's to 80's sports and muscle cars and vintage modified stock race cars. Largest collection of Kissel cars, which were built in Hartford, WI.Also contains a Lionel model train layout, a 1913 steam locomotive, an EAA airplane, an old motor boat and many other old small engines and memorabilia.This is an attraction for even children and a real auto enthusiast could spend several hours there.

Nice bit of car history for Hartford. Larger museum 75,000 sq ft) then what we originally thought it would be. There is an elevator, so it is handicapped accessible if you need it. Great for all ages. Over 100 cars and artifacts to view.