Although riding a "hog"; or any type of motorcycle has never been appealing to me, as a Wisconsinite the Harley-Davidson name means something special. If you have any interest in Wisconsin, Milwaukee, automotive, or motorcycle history, the Harley-Davidson Museum is such a great experience!

Harley hasn’t always been known for their loud engines; this 1915 model had a very effective muffler – enough to earn its nickname: "Silent Gray Fellow".

For one, they have hundreds of cycles organized in such an outstanding way. Each bike with a unique story. In major sections on both the first and second floor, I found it quite amazing that I could walk just a few feet and see how technology changed over the years. Comparing models from year to year, spotting advances in technology, power, and comfort.

Harley-Davidson wall of gas tanks.

Thirdly, you get a vibe of honesty. Information being in the open. It's history, the company went through good times and bad, they are just letting you experience their story. Speaking from the outside-looking-in, I left feeling like Harley-Davidson has a true connection to itself, its workers, and its riders.

A beautiful red 1947 Harley-Davidson FL Knucklehead.
This 1973 Harley Electra Glide has been decked out with hundreds of lights, and thousands of dollars of rhinestones; now weighing over 70lbs heavier than the stock version.
The 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH could be trimmed and tuned to go 100mph; that’s speedy for the twenties.

Fourthly, I was very impressed to learn that many of the hundreds of bikes in the museum are either originals - literally right from the factory line (1900s-Today), or are reconstructions using all original parts!

A replica of the Captain America bike that stared in the 1969 film Easy Rider.
Beautiful two-tone Big Twin 1958 Harley Duo Glide.
A relic of the Harley-Davidson Museum.
This tool was used to lace / splice the leather drive belts together.

Lastly, the infrastructure and style of the Museum is an art in itself. It's bold and unique but yet extremely functional - it's quite a spectacle at night as well. Speaking of functional, it's probably the easiest attraction to acquire a parking spot for in all of Milwaukee.

The 1957 Harley XL Sportster showing off its nugget gold and birch white paint.
Harley's 100th anniversary bike; dissembled, shipped, and signed by all employees.
A 1972 Harley-Davidson XRTT Road Racer.
This particular museum exhibit had a dissected motorcycle split into numerous sections. From one angle, it looked as-one, but walking around it, you could examine each piece separately.

I have been looking to purchase a faster lens. I would like to dabble in video someday and be able to shoot in darker situations. I had somehow forgotten about my Canon EF 50mm f/1.4! It came in handy at the Museum.

Vintage Harley Davidson toys on display.