Now in its 47th year, the Volo Auto Museum and Antique Malls draw international attention to the beautiful country village of Volo, Illinois. Chicago Magazine lists the museum as one of its top "101 Things To Do."
The 30-acre theme park is known worldwide for its multi-million dollar collection of nearly 300 antique and famous cars, which it displays year round in five climate-controlled showrooms. The museum has established itself as the best and largest collector-car sales company in the world.
The family-operated complex is the proud home of the George Barris TV and Movie Car Collection, which includes the original Batmobile, Grandpa Munster's Dragula, the General Lee, the "Miami Vice" Ferrari Daytona Spyder and other legendary vehicles from America's favorite films and television shows.
Auto enthusiasts of all ages love the museum's playful children's exhibit featuring the "Back to the Future" DeLorean, the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine and other wacky hotrods. The little ones especially delight in piloting the museum's collection of antique kiddy-rides.
An 1848 barn provides an entrance to three large antique malls with 350 dealers displaying their unique finds. The fourth mall, the Mercantile, houses a broad array of gifts and collectibles and also houses the Midwest's largest selection of die-cast automobiles. A UPS Shipping Center is located in the back of the Mercantile Mall. Finally, the fifth mall, the Straw Market Mall also features home décor and gifts, including the work of some local artists.
At its 1950s food court, the museum sells fresh baked gourmet pizzas, delicious deli-subs, hot dogs, nachos, fresh baked warm cookies and other treats. The museum's gift shop features automotive and hard-to-find 50s and 60s memorabilia, including reference and car books, signs, posters, clocks, and clothing.
The museum's all-new Armed Forces Exhibit places you in the thick of the battle with action-packed dioramas featuring heart-pounding sound effects and awesome military weapons and vehicles. Coming early in 2007 will be a thrilling aviation exhibit, featuring an actual cockpit from a Messerschmitt fighter plane shot down in North Africa in WWII. Imagine yourself behind the stick as a large, flat panel display and surround sound carry you into aerial combat.
The museum's grounds are dotted with shade trees and flower gardens that change with the seasons, a winding creek, brick pathways and bubbling fountains. Benches located throughout the park provide rest stops. The museum provides on-site parking and free camping.
The museum hosts about 10 car shows and several charity events each year.
The museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $9.00 for adults; $7.00 for seniors, veterans with Veterans Universal Access ID and active personnel with military ID; $5.00 for children 5-12; and free for any kid under 5 and military personnel in uniform. Special group rates are available. The museum receives approximately 500,000 visitors each year.
The museum is located about 50 miles north of Chicago, 50 miles east of Rockford and 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee, ½ mile west on Route 12 on Highway 120, 13 miles west of I-94 in Volo, Illinois.
Greg Grams is the museum's founder and president.
