If you’re looking for a unique field trip destination and you have a car enthusiast in your family, Gilmore Car Museum is a destination you’ll want to check out. With almost 400 cars from Model A’s to Cadillacs, Pierce-Arrows to Duesenbergs, Studebaker to Mustangs, there are plenty of exhibits for the entire family to enjoy.
Located in Hickory Corners, Michigan, the Gilmore Car Museum is a treasure. Situated on 90 acres and with 189,000 square feet of exhibit space, this museum is filled with cars that both educate and inspire.
One of the first things you’ll notice about this museum is their attention to detail. The barns and buildings are in immaculate condition as are the beautifully-restored cars from every era.
Gilmore Car Museum offers completely free educational tours for grades K-12 or you can choose a self-guided tour. As you wander through the exhibits, there are signs which give detailed information about each vehicle.
Having experienced both options, I highly recommend taking a tour if you have the time. The guides are knowledgeable and funny and they add a lot to the experience of visiting the museum.
There are also several special exhibits at the museum. One of my favorites is an authentic recreation of a 1930’s Shell gas station.
And while visitors can’t touch the cars, they do offer several hands-on areas throughout the various buildings to help hold the interest of younger kids.
The museum is accessible for everyone regardless of fitness level. There are plenty of benches and other areas in which to rest. And while a few of the barns have upper levels, the vast majority of the exhibits are on the ground floor. They also have an outdoor picnic area where you can purchase a lunch or enjoy a sack lunch you bring with you.
The cars are shiny and are beautifully restored and the barns where they are housed are also immaculate! Gilmore Car Museum is a great spot to enjoy a few hours learning about the history of cars and how they’ve changed over the years.
Things You Should Know
Pros:
- The guided tours are fantastic
- Beautiful grounds and cars
Cons:
- Not as much to hold the interest of younger children
Cost:
- $15.00 Adults / Seniors
- $10.00 Youth (ages 7-17)
- FREE Children (ages 6 and under)
- FREE Active Military (must present ID)
Group rates and annual museum memberships are available. Also, keep an eye on Groupon because this museum occasionally participates in a partnership which allows you to purchase a pass for a member organization and gain entry here for a lower price.
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- The Museum is CLOSED only on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
How Do I Get There?
For More Information
Check out the Gilmore Car Museum’s website or you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Gilmore Car Museum
6865 W Hickory Rd.
Hickory Corners, MI 49060
269-671-5089