Historic Auto Attractions — Attraction in Roscoe Township

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Historic Auto Attractions in Illinois, and it was an absolute delight for any history or automobile enthusiast. This hidden gem takes you on a captivating journey through the evolution of automotive history, seamlessly blending it with significant moments in world history. The exhibits are meticulously curated, showcasing a remarkable collection of vintage cars, ranging from iconic classics to rare, one-of-a-kind models. Each vehicle is accompanied by informative plaques, providing a wealth of knowledge about their origins, innovations, and historical significance. It's a testament to the dedication and passion of the museum's curators. One of the standout features was the section dedicated to presidential vehicles. Being able to see the actual cars used by past U.S. presidents, complete with authentic artifacts and memorabilia, was an awe-inspiring experience. The attention to detail in recreating the atmosphere of those times was truly commendable. Furthermore, the museum's commitment to education is evident in the thoughtfully designed interactive displays. They offer a hands-on experience, allowing visitors of all ages to engage with the exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of automotive history. It's an excellent way to make the information accessible and engaging for everyone. The staff at Historic Auto Attractions were exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable. They were eager to answer questions and share interesting tidbits about the exhibits. Their passion for both history and automobiles was contagious, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the visit. In addition to the impressive collection, the museum's ambiance is inviting and well-maintained. The layout is intuitive, guiding visitors through the exhibits in a logical sequence that enhances the overall experience. In summary, Historic Auto Attractions in Illinois is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in history, automobiles, or both. It's a treasure trove of knowledge and a testament to the incredible strides that have been made in automotive engineering over the years. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a casual visitor, this museum promises an unforgettable journey through time....

Located in the small town of Roscoe, Illinois about 10-miles North of Rockford and 10 miles south of the Wisconsin State Line is Historic Auto Attractions. Here in this exceptionally large museum is a collections of Historic Vehicles and artifacts that shaped the History, culture and political landscape of our Country. I have been wanting to come here from several years and finally made it. I had heard several people talk about just how large this place is and just how much there is to see here, so I set aside the entire day for my visit. I arrived Shortly after the museum opened at 9 a.m. After purchasing my $25 Senior Ticket I was off on what turned out to be an awesome trek through history. The more than 80,000 square feet museum is divided into several exhibit areas, The GansterLand exhibits contain several vehicles and artifacts that belonged to depression era criminals like Al Capone, Pretty Boy Floyd and Bonnie and Clyde. One of my favorite exhibits was the One dealing with the American Presidents. Here was a carriage belonging to President Ulysses Grand and the Funeral Coach that carried the body of President William McKinley. This is probably the largest collection of Presidential Limousines in the World. This museum also has one of the largest collections of memorabilia relating to the Assassination of Presidents Kennedy and Lincoln. One of the many vehicle on display is the Secret Service Follow car that was directly behind President Kennedy in the Dallas Motorcade and the Actual O’Neal Ambulance that transported Lee Harvey Oswald to Parkland Hospital after he was shot by Jack Ruby in the Basement of Dallas Police Headquarters. Also on display is the carriage that carried President and Mrs. Lincoln to Ford’s Theater the night of April 14, 1865. I could go on an on about historic vehicles and artifacts in this amazing collection, but I will just say that you should see it for yourself. I do love history and Historic Auto Attractions is a History Loves dream, but I must say I was just a bit overwhelmed. I did spend the entire day here and honestly; I could have stayed longer. If you are anywhere in Northwest Illinois or Southern Wisconsin Historic Auto Attractions is well...

For several years, my son-in-law, Jordan told me that there was a neat car museum near Rockford. We finally made it there with my grandsons ages 4 and 6 years on Saturday PM June 17th 2023.

And what a pleasant surprise it was to find out that besides cars, there were also: historic guns, western wagons, presidential cars & presidential wax figures; and wild custom cars and the1992 Bigfoot monster truck, Plus so many other unique attractions!

We especially liked the Space Exploration exhibit and “Miss Belvedere” a 1957 Plymouth that was buried in a “nuclear proof” vault for 50 years! When it was opened in 2007 to celebrate 100 years of Oklahoma statehood it wasn’t damaged by nuclear fallout but by simple water leakage and RUST.

And my personal favorite was the Family Truckster Green Station Wagon from the Classic family travel film “Family Vacation” (1983) with Chevy Chase as Clark W. Griswold and his whacky Wife Ellen and Teenage son Rusty and daughter Audrey 😉👍🏻

At the end of our 2 hour tour we met & talked with Tony Farrell, Sr. the museum’s Chief Historian. Tony answered all of our questions and filled in details that we’d overlooked.

You will definitely want to “TALK with TONY” while planning for your visit to the Rockford Illinois area and for your tour at Historic Auto Attractions Museum. He is always ready to help you have the very Best museum experience of your year.

It’s a Way cool museum in so many ways! We WILL be back with our wives soon. There is truly something here to interest...