The Volo Museum features 45 exhibits ranging from military vehicles, train cars, boats and other machines. The museum recently added the Jurassic Gardens, which features animatronic dinosaurs, visual effects and a "fossil lab" where kids can make discoveries. The museum also just unvelied its new carousel and Titanic exhibits.
From nuggets about the life and the rich and famous, to the history of snowmobiles, the men and women who sing "off we go into the wild blue yonder, to the days of America that was a tiny bit simpler and let's not forget the man of the bats.
Volo Museum and Jurassic Gardens are brimming with exceptional automobiles and an experience for the entire family. Plan your visit to the Lake County museum this summer (and spring, fall and winter).
Humble beginnings for this giant of a destination. The Volo Museum was a quaint little farm house in the 1800s which morphed into a second-hand store (currently called Volo 4 Malls), while it turned into a space for flipped Ford Model T cars. The Grams brothers, who still operate the museum to this day, noticed individuals would make the trek to the storied museum just to view the collection. Seeing a business model coming to fruition, the siblings coined the name the Volo Auto Museum.
Since its initial opening over six decades ago and four Grams generations later, the now Volo Museum has millions visit its grounds to browse hundreds of classic cars, snap pics for the gram with the famous vehicles and even outrun a T-rex (don't worry, they're animatronic). Discover the 5 things you can't-miss at the Volo Museum.
"Hollywood din't know if I was an actor or a nut or if I was this crazy character I was playing. I had developed an image of being a little bit unusual, different and wild" said Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage. Well, the Volo Museum has Cage's beaut - the 1967 Ford Shelby GT500, in which he called Eleanor in the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds." Whatever Hollywood car you're looking for, Volo basicaly has i.e. the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" van (a 1957 Volkswagen), the 1912 Renault from the 1997 film "Titanic," the 1921 Oldsmobile Jalopy from film and show "Beverly Hillbillies," the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor station wagon from the 1980s film series "Ghosbusters," many different types of the Batmobile, the sport whips from "Ford V. Ferrari," "James Bond" movies and "Fast & Furious" and so much more. So many vehicles from the cinema that will prompt you to feel extreme nostalgia or tempt you to snap a pic for the 'Gram.
The Volo Museum doesn't only have rides from the big screen, but also vessels from the life and the rich and famous. From former U.S. President Donald Trump's limo, to Elvis Preselye's 1974 Cadillac Deville Station Wagon to even Britney Spears's 2006 Mercedes-Benz.
With the big screen comes cartoons, and Disney is a large part of every generations' childhood. Volo obtained a double decker bus that was used at the Epcot center for over 30 years, as well as 100 Years of Disney Magic Celebration JEEPS built for Mickey Mouse and Goofy from 2001-14. Besides the Disney memorabilia, they also attain "Barbie's" life-sized pink convertible. Your youngsters can take home a wax collectible from an extremely rare 1964 Disneyland Toy Factory - Mold--a-Rama - which they have two of.
A walkway guides you through the building and past the different animatronic dinosaurs. All of the favorites including a T-Rex, velociraptors and stegosaurus are there. The movement and sound effects of the animatronics really do make you stop and stare in awe at just how cool the entire concept is. The Raptor Pen Arcade is attached to the Jurassic Gardens exhibit and has modern arcade games in it. The dinosaur lab is where kids can see "experiments" and watch educational films about the various periods when each dinosaur lived. This is where the "fossil dig site" for the kids is, too. Parents can buy souvenirs in the gift shop that is located in the same building and hide those "artifacts" for their children to find on their "excavations."
Did you know you can actually hit the links in the prehistoric times? Not really though - but Jurassic Gardens recently installed a mini golf course called Jurassic Jen's Putt-Putt Experience. This outdoor, dino-themed golf green is filled with fairways, obstacles and more. You may run into a Triceratops, Brontosaurus or T-Rex on your golfing excursion.
After a solid Mesozomic putt-putt, the course has a little dino-oasis that serves snacks, drinks (including libations) and more. Don't forget to make your T-Rex Time!
The Volo Auto Museum presents a profoundly moving experience with its "Titanic: Tribute to the Tragedy" exhibit. This 45-minute journey delves into the tragic night of the Titanic's sinking, offering a unique blend of education and heartfelt tribute. Tailored for Titanic enthusiasts and curious minds, the exhibit seamlessly intertwines emotion with knowledge, captivating visitors with its immersive storytelling. Visit the Volo Museum and embark on a journey beyond entertainment, leaving a lasting connection to the past and the indomitable spirit of the Titanic's passengers. This exhibit is more than an educational journey; it's a heartfelt tribute that will resonate with you long after you leave, reminding us of history's enduring impact on our lives.
Carousel and World Music Hall
The sounds of the World Music Hall can be heard from outside its builidng. The magical experience of a 1928 Allan Herschel Carousel should be on the docket of your visit. You can catch the intricate detail of hand-carved wooden horses, thousands of sparkling lots and relive the yester-year nostalgia . Melodies could get stuck in your head from the carousel, but it's not the only machinery that can play a mean tune. Inspect the DE Tiet H. Nellis Holland, Military Band Organs and Luna Park Wurlitzer for songs that slap.The Luna Park and Holland mechanisms are over 100 years old as well.
Vintage Planes, Trains and Automobiles
At Volo Museum, forget the history snoozefest. Here, transportation history does all the popper wheelies! Their planes, trains and automobiles aren't just static displays – they're a time-traveling extravaganza. Hop in a sleek vintage car and pretend you're a movie star on your way to a glamorous premiere (you can't hop in most of these cars - and you get the moving picture...see what I did there?). Then, climb aboard a plush train car and imagine yourself a wealthy tycoon, sipping tea while the countryside whizzes by. Finally, gaze up at an old school airplane and dream of being a daring aviator, soaring through the wild blue yonder. Volo Museum is like a choose-your-own-adventure story, but with way cooler vehicles. Some of the extensive collection on display includes vintage cars spread across five showrooms, junior pedal cars including timeless classics like the Bugatti, a collection of bicycles and military vehicles, aviation contraptions including the Navy single-seat helicopter and a cockpit of a shotdown World War II plane and so much more. Don't forget to search through a collection of old timey trains including train cars that date back to the 19th century.
Upcoming Events at Volo Museum
The experience doesn't end at the vessels. Volo Museum also throws a pretty hip party. Continue scrolling to view some of their upcoming events.
Fourth of July Weekend Fireworks on WHeels (July 5-6)
Sensory Sundays at Jurassic Gardens (July 21)
A Rock-afire Christmas in July (July 26-28)_
Sensory Sunday (August 18)
Haunted Tours at Volo Museum (September and October)
Time Warp Express (November and December).
For more information about Volo Museum, continue here. To learn more about Lake County Road Trips, click here. To play Road Trip Bingo, continue here. The Titanic Exhibit is closed through June 29.
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