Volo Museum - A Place For Everyone
Table of Contents
- What Makes Volo Museum So Special?
- What Can You See at Volo Museum?
- Are There Other Things to Do at Volo Museum?
- When Did Volo Museum Start Its Story?
Picture a spot where fascinating history meets fun things to do, all in one big, welcoming place. That's a bit like what you'll find at the Volo Museum, located in Volo, Illinois. It's a rather special kind of destination, offering a mix of truly incredible displays and, as a matter of fact, a chance to take home a piece of history yourself. This particular place brings together two big ideas: a sprawling collection of items to see and a way to acquire some really cool collector cars. It's a setup that seems to work quite well, providing a memorable visit for anyone who stops by.
This destination, which covers a good thirty acres, is set up for a whole lot of family enjoyment. When you get there, you'll discover a museum with more than thirty-nine different displays, each one put together to entertain everyone who visits. Beyond just looking at things, there's also a part of this place where you can actually pick from over three hundred of what are considered the very best collector vehicles. It's quite a selection, really, giving folks a chance to see and, perhaps, even own a piece of automotive history.
The Volo Museum, which is in Volo, Illinois, is truly a dream come true for anyone who loves cars, you know, those folks who really get into the mechanics and the stories behind them. It has a pretty amazing collection of old cars, those strong muscle cars, and even some famous rides from movies and television. But it’s not just for car lovers; people who enjoy learning about the past will also find it a perfect spot. It's a place where, in a way, you can step back in time and see things you might only have dreamed of.
What Makes Volo Museum So Special?
What exactly sets the Volo Museum apart from other places you might visit? Well, for starters, it's a place that really tries to offer something for everyone in a family group. You see, it’s not just a single type of experience; it's a collection of many different interests all brought together. There are, for instance, a great many exhibits, more than fifty of them, and within these, you can find over ten thousand amazing mechanical creations. This sheer number of things to see means that, basically, every corner you turn holds a new discovery, a new piece of history or engineering to admire. It's a place where you can spend a good deal of time just looking at all the wonderful things.
Then there's the fact that this location, which is in Illinois, serves as both a place to view old cars and a spot where you can buy them. This dual purpose is rather unique. It means that while you're enjoying the sights of famous cars from Hollywood and television, you might also be looking at something that could, in fact, become your own. There are over fifty well-known vehicles from the big screen and small screen, some with moving figures, and even displays related to a famous mouse. It’s pretty cool, actually, how they mix entertainment with the chance to own a piece of that history.
You might also find it interesting that some of these vehicles, the ones on display, are actually available for purchase. And, apparently, some of them are said to have, shall we say, a bit of a ghostly presence. That adds a little bit of a spooky, fun twist to the visit, doesn't it? It’s not every day you hear about cars that might have a spectral passenger. This little detail, in some respects, makes the visit a bit more memorable and gives you something to talk about long after you’ve left the Volo Museum.
Is Volo Museum Just About Cars?
Is the Volo Museum only about vehicles, you might wonder? While it's true that a big part of what they do focuses on older cars made in this country, the Volo Museum actually has a lot more to offer than just that. When you get your general admission ticket, you're not just getting to see those classic cars. You're also getting access to one of the biggest collections of memorable vehicles from movies, which is pretty neat. So, it's not just about regular old cars; it's about the ones that made an impact on the silver screen.
Beyond the cars, there's also a really engaging military exhibit, which is quite impressive. This display includes things like old uniforms, actual military vehicles, different kinds of weapons, and other items from history. It gives you a real sense of what it might have been like. So, for anyone interested in history, especially military history, there's a good amount to explore. It’s a pretty comprehensive look at that particular aspect of the past, offering a bit of a deeper experience beyond just the shiny cars at the Volo Museum.
And, as a matter of fact, the Volo Museum has even more. You can find displays related to a famous animated mouse, which are pretty popular with younger visitors, and even vintage arcade games that take you back to a simpler time. So, if you're thinking it's just a car show, you'd be missing out on a lot. It's truly a place that tries to cater to a wide range of interests, making sure that there's something for nearly everyone to enjoy, whether they like cars, history, or just a bit of old-fashioned fun.
What Can You See at Volo Museum?
When you arrive at the Volo Museum, you'll discover a vast place, covering thirty acres, all set up for family enjoyment. This area is home to a really wide array of things to see and do. For example, there are five separate showrooms, each one filled with famous cars from Hollywood and television. You can also find some pretty wild custom vehicles and classic American cars that really show off the history of automotive design. It's a pretty big space, so you can spend a good chunk of time just wandering through these areas, taking it all in.
Beyond the vehicles, there's a truly large military museum, which is quite something to behold. And, surprisingly perhaps, there’s also a museum dedicated to crime and torture, which offers a different kind of historical look, if you're interested in that sort of thing. You'll also find those fun displays featuring animated characters, and, just to add to the variety, a whole section with vintage arcade games where you can try your hand at some old favorites. It’s a lot to take in, honestly, and each section offers a unique perspective on different aspects of history and entertainment at the Volo Museum.
The collection itself is quite extensive, with more than thirty-five distinct displays. These collections span a wide range, from those classic cars and motorcycles that everyone loves to see, all the way to older farm machines like vintage tractors. You can also find military vehicles, which are quite imposing, and a variety of rare old items that you might not see anywhere else. It’s a very broad collection, so, in a way, there's always something new and interesting to catch your eye, no matter what your particular interests might be.
Exploring the Unique Exhibits at Volo Museum
One of the really cool things you can experience at the Volo Museum is a visit to Jurassic Gardens. This is Volo’s very own dinosaur display, which is a big draw for many. It’s a place where you can get up close with some truly large and impressive creatures from the distant past, making for a rather memorable outing, especially for families with little ones. It’s a bit like stepping into another world, honestly, where these ancient beasts come to life in a way that’s quite captivating.
Then there's the Titanic exhibit, which offers a different sort of historical experience. This part of Volofun, which is the broader name for the attractions here, gives you a unique way to look at a very famous piece of history. It’s a thoughtful presentation that allows you to consider the stories and events surrounding that well-known ship. These different attractions, like Jurassic Gardens and the Titanic exhibit, really do offer varied ways to look at history, providing unique views on past events and fascinating subjects at the Volo Museum.
And for those who enjoy a bit of retail therapy, or just looking for interesting items, the Volo Antique Malls are quite a sight. They have three hundred different sellers, which means there's a huge selection of old items, gifts, and little keepsakes. You could spend hours just browsing through all the different stalls, finding all sorts of hidden treasures. It's a good place, actually, to pick up a souvenir or a unique present for someone special, adding another layer of enjoyment to your visit to the Volo Museum.
Are There Other Things to Do at Volo Museum?
Beyond just looking at the displays, the Volo Museum offers several other activities that make a visit even more engaging. For instance, if you're thinking about hosting an event, they have a party barn available. This space could be perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or any kind of special get-together you might be planning. It’s a really convenient option, offering a unique setting for your special occasion right there on the grounds. So, it's not just about what you see, but also what you can do there, which is pretty cool.
And, depending on the time of year, you can also enjoy seasonal train and trolley tours at Volo. These tours offer a different way to experience the whole area, letting you sit back and take in the sights from a unique perspective. A historic trolley tour, for example, takes you to see the cars that belonged to very rich and famous people, which is quite a treat. It also goes to a barn that, apparently, is said to be haunted, adding a bit of a spooky element to the ride. These tours, in some respects, add a nice touch to the overall experience.
The shopping experience itself is quite extensive, with seven miles of opportunities to browse for antiques, gifts, and souvenirs. That’s a really long distance for shopping, so you can be sure there’s a huge variety of items to look through. Whether you’re searching for a rare old piece, a small memento of your visit, or a present for a friend, you’re likely to find something that catches your eye. It’s a pretty impressive setup for those who enjoy a good bit of retail exploration at the Volo Museum.
Shopping and Tours Around Volo Museum
When you consider the shopping options around the Volo Museum, it's clear there's a lot to explore. With those seven miles of places to look for antiques, gifts, and souvenirs, you could easily spend a good part of your day just wandering and discovering new things. It’s a place where, honestly, you never quite know what unique item you might stumble upon, making each visit to the antique malls a bit of an adventure in itself. This extensive shopping area really rounds out the visitor experience.
The tours, too, add a lot to the visit. That historic trolley tour, taking you to see the cars of the well-to-do and famous, offers a glimpse into a different kind of luxury and history. And the mention of a haunted barn on that tour adds a fun, slightly mysterious element, which, you know, can be a great conversation starter. These guided experiences provide a structured way to see specific highlights and learn a little more about the stories behind some of the more interesting parts of the Volo Museum property.
It’s also worth remembering that the entire place, the Volo Museum and its surrounding attractions, is open every day starting at ten in the morning. This makes it pretty convenient for planning a visit, as you don't have to worry about specific days of the week. You can just show up and start exploring all the different areas, from the car showrooms to the antique malls and the special exhibits. It’s quite a flexible schedule, allowing you to fit a visit into your plans pretty easily.
When Did Volo Museum Start Its Story?
The story of the Volo Museum goes back quite a ways, actually. It first opened its doors in 1960, which means it has been around for a good number of years now. This long history means it has seen many changes and has had plenty of time to grow and gather its impressive collections. It’s pretty neat to think about how a place that started so long ago has continued to develop and offer so much to visitors over the decades. They even celebrated a big milestone not too long ago, marking all those years of operation.
This place, which is now simply called the Volo Museum, was originally known as the Volo Auto Museum. It was set up in 1960 by the Grams family, and they really got the ball rolling. It’s located in Volo, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago, in the United States. So, it has a clear family connection and a specific geographic spot. The fact that it was a family effort from the beginning really gives it a bit of a personal touch, you know, making it feel like a labor of love that has grown over time.
Since its start in 1960, the Volo Auto Museum, as it was then known, has really expanded to become one of the biggest and most thorough collections of cars, old items, and historical pieces anywhere in the world. This growth is quite remarkable, showing how much dedication and effort has gone into building up what you see today. It’s not just a small local spot; it has truly become a place of international standing for anyone interested in these kinds of collections, which is a pretty big achievement for the Volo Museum.
The Volo Museum - A Family's Vision
The vision that the Grams family had back in 1960 was clearly a big one, seeing as how the Volo Museum has become such a comprehensive collection. They didn't just focus on one type of item; their collection, which features over thirty-five displays, includes everything from those beloved classic cars and motorcycles to vintage tractors, large military vehicles, and a wide variety of rare old items. This broad approach means that the museum appeals to a very wide audience, basically offering something for almost every kind of collector or history enthusiast.
It’s pretty clear that this family's long-term commitment has shaped the Volo Museum into what it is today. They started with an idea, and over the years, they kept adding to it, making it richer and more diverse. This continuous effort has resulted in a destination where visitors can spend a considerable amount of time exploring different aspects of history and machinery. It’s a testament to their dedication that the museum has maintained its appeal and continued to grow its impressive holdings for so long.
And, as a matter of fact, the Volo Museum isn't just about showing things; it's also a place where you can actually buy some of these amazing collector cars. For example, there was a particular car, a V21880, that was a real "judge" car, meaning it was judged to be very original and correct. It had a special order color and was really packed with extra features. This car was available for ninety-one thousand, nine hundred ninety-eight dollars, or about one thousand seventy-one dollars a month. This detail shows that the museum isn't just a static display but a living, breathing marketplace for these special vehicles.
So, when you visit, you're getting a chance to see history up close, but also, in a way, to be a part of it by potentially owning a piece. It truly combines the fun of a museum with the excitement of a collector car dealership, all in one spot. This blend of experiences makes the Volo Museum a truly unique and engaging place to spend your time, offering something a little different from your typical day out.
The Volo Museum, located in Volo, Illinois, offers a wide array of attractions for families and enthusiasts alike. It serves as both a comprehensive museum with over 39 distinct exhibits and a collector car dealership with over 300 vehicles for sale. Visitors can explore a large military museum, a crime and torture museum, Disney displays, and vintage arcade games. The site spans 30 acres and includes 5 showrooms featuring famous Hollywood and TV cars, custom vehicles, and American classics. There are also 7 miles of shopping for antiques, gifts, and souvenirs, alongside a historic trolley tour to celebrity cars and a "haunted barn." Established in 1960 by the Grams family, the museum has grown to be a significant collection of automobiles, antiques, and artifacts. Beyond cars, the Volo Museum also features Jurassic Gardens and a Titanic exhibit, with an antique mall hosting 300 dealers. It also offers event hosting at a party barn and seasonal train and trolley tours. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.
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