Harley-Davidson Museum

Programs at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Whatever you call yourself – an enthusiast, a curiosity-seeker, an educator or a family looking for a fun change of pace – you’re invited to jump on and enjoy the ride. The programming choices below draw from the rich collection of artifacts and stories of the people, products, history and culture of Harley-Davidson and provide unique learning experiences.

Try out the behind-the-scenes Back Roads Tour, get some insight into the exhibits with our Gallery Talks, explore special topics in our weekly Artifact Spotlights, and treat the whole family to a fun experience on Family Day. Check out more of our offerings below.

Untold Stories: Motorcycles in the Movies

The Harley-Davidson motorcycle used in 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'

Join us for an evening with Tim Woods & Justin Kell February 26 at 7PM. Learn how motorcycle movie magic is made from two of the industry's insiders. Join Tim Woods, Picture Car Coordinator, and Justin Kell, Motorcycle Coordinator, for a fun evening of entertaining stories and unique insights on motorcycles in films, the actors who ride them, the stunts that are performed, and much more.

Tim and Justin have worked together on the hit films The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Come see the bikes, watch clips from the films, and get the inside scoop on how it's all done.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Friday, February 26, 7PM
Museum Members: $8, Non-members: $10

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Movie Night: 1919 Marion, Indiana Races

1919 races in Marion Indiana

In 1919, Harley-Davidson's race team, the Wrecking Crew, swept the competition at the first major race after World War I in Marion, Ind. Red Parkhurst took first, Ralph Hepburn took second and Otto Walker took third. The Harley-Davidson Museum Archives just recently discovered footage of this race at the Library of Congress. The evening will feature footage from this race as well as private footage of 1920's and 30's motorcycling.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Friday, March 19, 7PM
Museum Members: $5, Non-members: $8

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Shop Class

Harley-Davidson Engines on the production line
THE WHO:
  • Riders
  • Curiosity-seekers
THE WHAT:

Learn from the pros at Harley-Davidson University. Harley-Davidson Museum Shop Class is a series of "interactive" classes taught by HDU technicians. Participants earn one "Shop Class" patch and then a rocker for each class they complete.

2010 classes are Powertrain, Electrical and EFI, Motorcycle Maintenance and Cosmetic Care.

Powertrain is the first class in the Shop Class series. HDU technicians will explain the functions of the major components of our Twin Cam motors and how they work together as a complete assembly using a combination of PowerPoint presentation and actual motors in various stages of disassembly. Participants will also understand how Screamin' Eagle® parts differ from stock OE parts.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

February 20, March 20 and April 17, 9AM - 11:30AM
Museum Members: $35, Non-members: $40
Class size limited to 15 attendees.

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Back Roads Tour

Museum archives staff
THE WHO:
  • Enthusiasts
  • History Buffs
  • Curiosity-seekers
THE WHAT:

This behind the scenes tour is led by a member of our Archives/Curatorial staff. This guided tour will provide visitors with a deeper level of insight into the artifacts and stories about both the exhibits and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Did you know that the hanging gallery is in the shape of a gas tank? And did you know that… oh, wait, that’s enough insider information for now. Be sure to sign up for this unique tour and learn much more. You’ll be a walking encyclopedia on H-D trivia, which you can bust out at the next BBQ after you show off your commemorative pin.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Fridays at 11AM (subject to change)
$25 per person (in addition to Museum admission)
Tour groups limited to 15 visitors

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Gallery Talks

Historic racing bikes frozen in time on a replica wooden racetrack.
THE WHO:
  • Enthusiasts
  • History Buffs
  • Curiosity-seekers
THE WHAT:

Join a member of our Archives and Curatorial staff to gain special insight into our museum exhibits. These informal and engaging 20-minute presentations take place in the galleries on Thursdays. Covering a wide range of artifacts and events, from board track racing to paint and logo design to the history of the black leather jacket, Gallery Talks are included free with Museum admission on Thursdays at 2PM.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Available to Museum visitors for NO CHARGE
Thursdays at 2PM
Time: approximately 20 minutes

Artifact Spotlights

Trophies on display at the Museum
THE WHO:
  • Enthusiasts
  • History Buffs
  • Curiosity-seekers
THE WHAT:

Explore special topics and get up-close-and-personal with never-before-seen artifacts taken from the Harley-Davidson vaults. From artifact conservation to recent additions to the collection, visitors are invited to listen to a short presentation and take a closer look at some of our treasures. Artifact Spotlights are included free with Museum admission on Wednesdays at 2PM.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Available to Museum visitors for NO CHARGE
Wednesdays at 2PM, just past the Tank Wall at the entrance to the Archives Bridge on the 2nd floor of the Museum.
Time: approximately 20 minutes

Tool Box

The Museum Tool Box
THE WHO:
  • Families
  • Enthusiasts
  • Curiosity-seekers
  • Wrenchers
THE WHAT:

If you’re looking to take a deeper dive into the Museum, then you’ll want to check out this program. The Tool Box is an interactive, hands-on activity lead by a knowledgeable Museum staff member. Here you’ll engage the senses and get a better understanding of Harley-Davidson by touching objects, trying-on different clothing and interacting with staff in fun and creative ways. The current topic is "Harley-Davidson Racing." There are new activities every few months, so check back to see the latest ways to explore the Museum.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Available to Museum visitors for NO CHARGE
Saturdays & Sundays only
Time: 15 - 20 minutes

Family Day

Families gather for story time at the Harley-Davidson Museum
THE WHO:
  • Families
THE WHAT:

Fun activities built just for kids to interact with the history, art, science and culture of motorcycles, America and Harley-Davidson.
Activities include:

  • Story Time at 11AM and 2PM. Kids can gather round as our Museum story teller reads a book. Then the story comes alive as we venture into the Museum and spotlight an artifact.
  • Temporary tattoos and a DIY activity.
  • Kid's meals available at Motor Bar & Restaurant and Cafe Racer
THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Available to ticketed Museum visitors and Museum members for NO CHARGE.
Details on activity locations will be provided to you in the Museum lobby.

Road Pack

Girl drawing by the tank wall
THE WHO:
  • Kids (accompanied by parents)
THE WHAT:

The Road Pack will be available for families to "check out" at the start of the tour and includes tips to help families make the most of their visit. This back pack includes four activities for parents and kids to complete while exploring the Museum exhibits.

  • Motorcycle Scavenger Hunt - Can you break the secret code?
  • Tank Design – Will you be the next custom paint designer?
  • Making of the Museum Word Search - Learn about the H-D Museum and find construction terms
  • Road Log - Share what you think about the Museum in your words or pictures. They will be passed on for others to read.
THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Available to ticketed Museum visitors for NO CHARGE
Every day of the week

Bags

Playing bag toss at the H-D Museum
THE WHO:
  • Enthusiasts
  • Families
  • Anyone who likes to throw stuff
THE WHAT:

If you simply want to relax, hang out on the grounds and visit with friends and family, then be sure to get into a game of "Bags." Okay, okay, some of you may call it "bean bags", or "cornhole", either way you’ll call it a load of fun. This is a FREE activity so don’t be shy.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Look for the bags at the Southeast Yard when Mother Nature permits. It’ll be a great excuse to return to the Museum and hang out, compete, socialize and hang with others who share the passion for not only the grand old game that is BAGS, but for bikes in general.

Vintage Day

THE WHO:
  • Visitors 65 and over
THE WHAT:

Tour packages include a Museum admission, guided or audio tour, $10 Museum gift card, and a souvenir.

THE WHERE, WHEN & HOW:

Packages are available every Tuesday in the Museum Lobby for $25 per person.