Volo Auto Museum: Admission Ticket

If you’re a car lover, a history buff, or someone just curious about Americana’s love affair with cars, the Volo Auto Museum near Chicago offers a lively, nostalgic glimpse into both the automobile industry and its cultural impact. While we haven’t personally roamed its sprawling 35 acres, reviews and descriptions paint a picture of a place packed with everything from muscle cars to pop culture icons, making it a compelling stop for a wide range of visitors.

What we really appreciate about this museum is its diverse collection of exhibits—from vintage bikes to famous movie cars—and its accessibility for families and enthusiasts alike. The price point of $24.10 per person is quite reasonable considering the size and scope. However, it’s worth noting that to see everything comfortably, plan to spend around 2-4 hours, especially if you want to truly soak in the stories behind each exhibit.

One consideration is walking—the outdoor layout and spread-out exhibits mean you’ll need good walking shoes and patience. While the museum is wheelchair accessible, some reviews mention that certain doorways and transitions could pose a challenge for visitors with mobility issues. Still, for most travelers, the experience will be both fun and informative, especially if you love autos or vintage Americana.

This experience is best suited for families, auto enthusiasts, and nostalgia seekers. Whether you’re bringing kids who love Mickey Mouse and Batman or adults eager to see rare muscle cars, the Volo Auto Museum offers a well-rounded, family-friendly environment.

Key Points

• Extensive collection: Over 33 exhibits on 35 acres, from classic cars to pop culture icons
• Family friendly: Suitable for all ages, with exhibits like Mickey Mouse and Batmobiles
• Reasonably priced: Entry at just over $24 per person provides good value for a full day of exploration
• Accessible: Wheelchair accessible, though some reviews note certain challenges
• Flexible duration: Expect to spend 1 to 5 hours, depending on your interest level
• Outside walking: Be prepared for outdoor sections and wear comfortable shoes

A Closer Look at the Volo Auto Museum Experience

The Layout and What to Expect at the Museum

The Volo Auto Museum sprawls across 35 acres, which might sound overwhelming but allows for a leisurely exploration. As you arrive, you’ll notice the variety of buildings and outdoor displays—each dedicated to different themes or types of vehicles. The entire experience is a blend of classic autos, pop culture memorabilia, vintage bicycles, military vehicles, and even trains, which makes it stand out from typical auto museums.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the auto exhibits, which include everything from muscle cars to vintage bicycles. The reviews highlight the “cars from movies” and iconic vehicles like Batmobiles, generating nostalgia and excitement. One reviewer raved about the “unique and plentiful” cars and the stories behind them, emphasizing how reading the exhibits’ descriptions adds to the enjoyment.

The Special Exhibits: Pop Culture and Americana

Beyond just cars, the museum’s pop culture exhibits provide a fun throwback to Americana. There’s a “Crime & Punishment” section, and you’ll find famous movie cars, including some from cartoons and classic TV shows, like Scooby-Doo or Miami Vice. One visitor noted that “loved the nostalgic feeling”, especially seeing cars associated with childhood favorites.

The Mickey Mouse and other character-themed cars are particularly popular with families or those interested in the memorabilia side of things. A visitor mentioned they enjoyed seeing the cars from cartoons and movies, making the experience engaging for kids and adults alike.

The Outdoor Exhibits and Walking

Given the spread-out nature of the museum, you’ll likely be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you want to see all 33 exhibits comfortably. The outdoor sections include military vehicles, trains, camper exhibits, and even a train tour, offering a different perspective from indoor displays.

While the outdoor walkways add to the charm, some reviews mention trip hazards and doorway accessibility issues. For visitors with mobility challenges, renting a wheelchair (at a cost of $10) might be necessary, but availability can be limited. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day if you’d like to see everything.

The Inside Exhibits: Cars, Memorabilia, and More

Inside, the museum maintains a clean, well-maintained atmosphere, with exhibits housed in several buildings. Visitors can learn about the evolution of automobiles, from vintage bicycles to luxury cars of the rich and famous. The “Muscle Car” section is especially popular among enthusiasts, showcasing powerful, sleek models.

The “Cars of the Rich and Famous” exhibit offers glimpses into celebrity-owned vehicles, adding a touch of glamour. Families and children love the interactive and themed displays, especially the Batman Batmobile collection.

The Experience for Different Visitors

For families, the museum is a kid-friendly environment, with plenty of photo opportunities and themed cars. One reviewer said, “I brought my son for his 12th birthday, and we both loved it,” emphasizing its appeal for children and teens.

For auto enthusiasts, the variety and rarity of cars, combined with the stories behind each, make for a rewarding visit. The “Special Interest Cars” are a highlight, and those looking to buy a classic car might find inspiration in the displays.

Food, Rides, and Extras

The ticket includes only entry, so you’ll need to bring extra for food, drinks, or rides. The museum features a gift shop and BBQ area, but kiddie rides or carousel rides are not included in the ticket price. Some visitors might find that spending extra on food or souvenirs is worth it, especially if you’re there for several hours.

Practical Details: Timing, Accessibility, and Booking

The museum operates year-round, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, seven days a week. To avoid disappointment, plan to arrive early—the last entry is at 4:00 PM, and no admittance after that.

Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially since the tour has a maximum group size of 15, ensuring a more personal experience. The free cancellation policy offers flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting?

The Volo Auto Museum offers a nostalgic and engaging journey through the history of American automobiles and pop culture. Its diverse exhibits ensure there’s something for all—whether you’re marveling at vintage bikes, snapping photos of movie cars, or exploring military vehicles.

The price is fair, considering the size and scope, and the family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great day out. The outdoor layout might be a bit exhausting for some, but the wide range of exhibits and the chance to see rare cars and memorabilia make it worthwhile.

For auto enthusiasts eager to see unique, collector-quality cars, or families looking for a fun, educational outing, the Volo Auto Museum hits the mark. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, plan for extra expenses if you want food or souvenirs, and set aside enough time to truly enjoy all the exhibits.

FAQs

Is the Volo Auto Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, but some reviews mention that certain doorways and transitions could be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It’s advisable to rent a wheelchair if needed, and plan your visit accordingly.

How much does admission cost?
The full ticket price is $24.10 per person, which is reasonable considering the variety of exhibits and the potential for a full day of entertainment.

What are the museum’s opening hours?
It operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. It’s best to arrive early to maximize your visit.

How long should I plan to spend at the museum?
Most visitors spend between 2 and 4 hours, but if you want to see everything leisurely, including outside exhibits and special displays, setting aside up to 5 hours is a good idea.

Are there rides or attractions included in the ticket?
No, rides such as carousel or kiddie rides are not included in the ticket price, and you’ll need to pay separately if you wish to experience them.

Is food available on-site?
Food and drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included in the admission fee. There is a BBQ and gift shop, perfect for a quick snack or souvenir.

Can I see the museum exhibits in bad weather?
Yes, most exhibits inside are accessible regardless of weather. Outdoor exhibits depend on good weather, so plan accordingly.

Are there special themed exhibits?
Yes, including a Crime & Punishment section, pop culture cars, and displays featuring cars from movies and cartoons.

Is the museum suitable for children?
Absolutely. Kids love the themed cars, movie memorabilia, and the opportunity to take photos with iconic vehicles like the Batmobile. One reviewer mentioned taking their son for his birthday and both enjoyed it.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While you can purchase tickets on arrival, booking in advance is recommended to secure a spot and avoid disappointment, especially since the group size per tour is limited to 15.

The Volo Auto Museum stands out as a must-visit for anyone with a soft spot for classic cars, pop culture, or Americana. It’s a well-priced and family-friendly destination that offers something for all—whether it’s the fascinating exhibits, photo ops, or stories behind each vehicle. Its outdoor layout invites a casual, relaxed pace, and the variety of displays helps ensure that you’ll find plenty to marvel at.

While it’s a bit of a walk and there are some accessibility concerns, these are minor compared to the unique collection and entertaining atmosphere. Plan your visit with enough time to explore, wear comfortable shoes, and bring along your curiosity—and you’ll leave with memories of more than just cars, but a slice of American nostalgia.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, history lover, or family looking for a fun outing, the Volo Auto Museum offers authentic, engaging, and surprisingly diverse experiences that make it worth the trip outside Chicago.