Harley-Davidson Museum

The campus sits along the Menomonee River in Milwaukee's historic industrial corridor — the same city where, in 1903, William Harley and Arthur Davidson built their first motorcycle in a backyard shed. That origin story anchors everything inside. The three-building complex holds more than 450 motorcycles spanning the company's 120-plus-year run, with permanent galleries spread across two floors. The centerpiece of the upper hall is Serial Number One, the oldest known surviving Harley-Davidson, displayed under glass. A procession of machines runs the length of the main hall, and side galleries trace the chronological arc from that 10-by-15-foot wooden shack to the current lineup. The Custom Culture gallery goes a different direction — its standout piece is a 13-foot, two-engine custom, and the exhibit includes replicas of the choppers from the 1969 film Easy Rider.

Beyond the permanent collection, the museum holds rotating special exhibits and ticketed programs, including a behind-the-scenes tour into the private Harley-Davidson Archives and a separate tour that shuttles visitors to a working powertrain facility. On-site you'll find a full-service bar and restaurant, retail, and park-like outdoor spaces along the river. Parking is sized for the crowd that actually shows up here: the grounds accommodate up to 1,000 motorcycles. The museum is open daily; hours can shift on some holidays, so check the official site before making a long ride of it.