Driving(not ready for the long trip on my Iron) up to Milwaukee for my first visit to the Museum. Any helpful hints? And more importantly how are the ribs at Motor?

 

I haven't tried the ribs but the museum is totally amazing. I've been over a half dozen times and each time was special. My wife and I love history and art and you get both at the HD museum.

 

You can't be but around 100 miles from there. Why not ride? IMO that is nowhere near a long trip.

 

The museum is fantastic. I thought the food at their restaurant was a little expensive but good. Consider trying to ride if you can.

 

Take the bike! Only about 120 miles each way. Plenty of places to stop along the way. The museum is great. You'll enjoy it.

 

Never had the ribs but the hamburgers and pork BBQ sliders are pretty good. Prices are not all that bad for the food. It's the drinks that cost $$. My last tab there was easily 50/50 alcohol/food and I had 2 drinks.

I agree - a ride up sounds like a great way to go. But, do what you're comfortable with.

 

You'll love the museum, it truly is a top-notch destination. I was there two weeks ago (my 2nd time there). Food at Motor is very good, but I haven't had the ribs so can't comment on those. I had a pulled-pork sandwich which was delicious.

Check the museum hours on their website before you go. Allow yourself a minimum of 4 hours. You'll feel very rushed if you have less time than that. Another tip I would offer for visitors, is simply to point out that the museum is very close to the Milwaukee Brewer's baseball stadium. If you're at all interested in catching a game, check their schedule ahead of time, and do take note that you can drive from the museum to the stadium using surface streets (easier than heading back onto the interstate... at least for an out-of-towner like myself).

I would also advise to take your motorcycle to the museum. I rode in from Canada, so surely your trip from Illinois wouldn't be a huge deal. Milwaukee appears to be very motorcycle friendly. If you take bike to the museum, they let you park right in front of the door, in a motorcycles-only area. Same thing when I went to the Brewers game. The parking attendant yelled out at me, "Hey! Bikes can go park right up front!!" Yup. I felt very welcome in Milwaukee and Wisconsin in general. Good people there.

 

Agreed with these guys. 4-5 hours is a long ride with my body. If I lived as close as you, I'd already been there.

Take the bike.

 

I was there last week. On a bike they make you feel very welcome as far the whole city of Milwaukee. That is why I like going up there so much.

Motor is a great place to eat. I went in there on a Wednesday at lunch and sat at the bar. Bill Davidson was sitting three spots away from me. He was talking to all the people in there.

The museum is very nice. They have lockers there for your stuff. Definitely take the bike. I even joined as a member for the times that I do ride up there. Many benefits for being a member. Consider it if you are planning on going more than once. I know on Sunday and Mondays they have 20% off for museum members and the rest of the week it is 10%. Gift shop is 10% off everyday.

Have fun. You will not regret going to the museum.

 

Not a long ride, but the OP's the best judge of his experience and skill levels on his bike.