Plan Your Visit to Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum, drawing visitors worldwide. The 90-acre campus boasts over 400 cars, motorcycles and auto memorabilia.
This local gem is one of our favorite things to do in the Gull Lake, Hickory Corners and Augusta area in SWMI.
From the 1930s Shell Gas Station with retro gas pumps to the 1941 Diner, the Gilmore Car Museum is full of fun for your whole group.
Read on for must-sees and insider tips and tricks for your visit to the Gilmore Car Museum.
Gilmore Car Museum
6865 Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
(269) 671-5089
Where is the Gilmore Car Museum?
The museum is located in Hickory Corners, MI, about 25 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo.
Its convenient location is almost equidistant between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.
When is the Gilmore Car Museum Open?
The museum is open year-round but has reduced hours in winter.
| Summer (Apr 1 – Nov 30) | Weekdays: 9 AM – 5 PM Weekends: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| Winter (Dec 1 – Mar 31) | Daily: 10 AM – 5 PM |
How much is admission to the Gilmore Car Museum?
Daily admission is $12 for youths aged 11-17, and $20 for Adults. Active military and kids 10 & under are free.
| Adults/Seniors | $20 |
| Youth (ages 11-17) | $12 |
| Kids (10 and under) | FREE |
| Active Military (must present ID) | FREE |
What You’ll Find at the Gilmore Car Museum
Don’t be fooled – the museum isn’t just for car fanatics.
With hundreds of automobiles, motorcycles and replicas that take you back in time, every person in your group will find something exciting. Photo ops abound so bring your charged camera or smartphone.
Autos and Motorcycles from Every Era
Gilmore Car Museum is home to cars and motorcycles from every era.
The main museum houses the main gallery, which changes every six months, Glamour and Grit, featuring cars from the 1920s/30s, 1950s/60s, and muscle car galleries. The Steam Barn features Pioneer Era Cars, or the cars that started it all, for non-car buffs.
The Carriage House was the first display gallery and the beginning of the Gilmore Car Museum and now houses the Ginopolis Bar (open during Cruise-Ins and car shows) and the Gnome Mobile exhibit.
Vintage Car Dealerships
If you’ve wondered what car dealerships looked like decades ago, you’ll find replicas on the grounds.
Explore 1928 Model A Ford, 1930s Lincoln, 1948 Cadillac, and 1918 Franklin dealerships. Each spot is complete with cars shoppers would’ve bought from that dealership.
On-Site Dining
Having two restaurants on site is perfect for families with kids and you’ll find plenty of options on the menus.
The Blue Moon Diner is a blast from the past. This 1941 Diner is open April – November and offers Chicago and Coney style hot-dogs, soups and sandwiches, and everyone’s favorite, custard.
The Pedal Car Cafe is open year-round.
While there isn’t a specific kids’ menu, options will please even the pickiest of eaters. This spot features a full menu of wraps and sandwiches, salads.
Scoop up some Plainwell ice cream for a sweet treat.
Visiting Gilmore Car Museum with Kids
Visiting a museum with kids can sometimes be a bit of a gamble. Will there be enough to keep our kids engaged?
Will there be food options on-site? Is it open enough to let the kids roam a bit?
Good news! The Gilmore Car Museum has activities and exhibits to peak kids’ interests. And there’s food. Win-win.
Learn How to Start a Model-A
Walk away from your visit to the Gilmore Car Museum saying you know how to start a Model-A car. That’s a new fun fact you can share with someone.
At this experience, you learn what it takes to start a Model-A and then get to try it for yourself. You’ll want to document this, so get those cameras ready.
Enjoy the Interactive Exhibits in the Main Gallery
The Main Gallery Always features fun, interactive things to do, no matter the exhibit.
Challenge your friends on the slot car track or arcade racing games.
Pair Your Visit With Another Local Attraction
If you want to make it a full day of fun, pair your visit to the Gilmore Car Museum with a visit to the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. The two spots are only ten minutes apart.
The Kellogg Bird Sanctuary has three miles of trails and many bird habitats. It’s a great spot to look for and learn about birds and wildlife and offers paved trails for easy access.
Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
12685 East C. Ave, Augusta, MI 49012
(269) 671-2510
Gilmore Car Events
From Classic Car Cruise-Ins and the Summer Concert Series, you’ll find an event to excite every person in your group.
Family Friendly Events
Cruise Ins (Summer)
Every Summer Wednesday night show off your collector car at the Museum.
Don’t have a car? No worries! Stroll through the cars and ooh and aah over them.
Food is available and this event is free.
Car Shows (Summer)
Throughout the summer, car hobbyists bring their special vehicles for everyone to see. There’s usually judging that everyone can participate in, music, games and food. Have a cool car and want to participate? All you have to do is register for the event.
Truck and Tractor Show (Summer)
This event features vintage tractors, tractor parades and farm machinery displays. Held in July each year.
Gilmore’s Trunk or Treat (Fall)
A fun Halloween themed night combining cars with good old fashioned spooky fun. Bring your car, decorate your trunk, donate candy, or just bring your little ghouls and goblins to trick or treat in a safe environment. Suggested donation $5 per family.
Vintage Rides (May-Sept)
Ride with a trained museum docent in a vintage car.
Each vehicle displays a fact sheet for guests to learn more about the car they are riding in. Offered by donation and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The SWMI Cultural Exchange (Fall)
The Gilmore Car Museum is one of six participants in the annual Southwest Michigan Cultural Exchange. This event runs for an entire month (June), inviting all membership holders to visit the other five cultural institutions for free.
The other five participating locations include: The Air Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary & W.K. Kellogg Manor House, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Kalamazoo Nature Center.
Winter Wonderland
Gilmore Car Museum’s Winter Wonderland event features drive-through lights, Santa visits, food, and other seasonal fun.
Adults Events
Model T Driving Experience
Learn how to drive an authentic Model T from an experienced instructor. This would make the perfect gift for the car enthusiast in your life.
Educational Events
Lecture Series (Winter)
This annual series is offered in the late Winter each year and features different automotive topics. Previous lectures have highlighted the Mackinac Bridge and the Wright Brothers.
Field Trips
The Gilmore Car Museum offers inexpensive field trips for school groups from preschool through 12th grade.
Members of the staff can also present to your students right at your school.
Gilmore Garage Works
This after-school program introduces students to automotive technology, including welding, painting and fabrication.
All lessons meet Michigan K-12 benchmarks.
Visitor FAQs
How long should I expect my visit to last?
The staff recommends reserving 4-6 hours to be able to see everything at the museum.
Can I bring my RV to Gilmore Car Museum?
Yes. Parking for larger vehicles (RVs, motorhomes, tour buses) is located in front of the Automotive Heritage Center.
What are the accessibility options at Gilmore?
The museum is handicap accessible and has free wheelchairs and mobility scooters (small rental fee) available. There are two elevators to reach the second floor to two small exhibits, the rest of the museum is at one level.
Make it a Getaway with Local Lodging and Attractions
Family getaways are the perfect chance to make life-long memories. With its close location to Kalamazoo, there is a plethora of lodging and attraction options to fit every family’s interest and budget.
Camp at Gilmore Car Museum
If you’re a camping family, you’re in luck. Gilmore Car Museum has 100 camping sites; ten with power and 90 without. Rates start at just $30/night.
Hotels
Does your group prefer lodging that has four walls and an actual bathroom? Good news – there are many local hotels to choose from. The museum has made it easy-peasy to find your ideal hotel through this search tool.
Other Local Attractions to Explore
Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas have lots of attractions to explore. With all the options you might have a challenge to pick and choose, but our list of 100+ Fun Things to Do in Kalamazoo will help you decide.
Tell Us About Your Visits to the Gilmore Car Museum
Leave us a comment with your favorite exhibits at this must-see destination in Hickory Corners MI.
More to Explore
