wheels o' time museum

This is a one of a kind museum! There is something for everyone! We have been to many car museums, but Wheels has cars displayed we had “never seen before”—for example, a 1916 Glide, or the 1927 Kissel, or the 1893 Duryea. They even have a 1970 Mercedes 600 6-passenger Pullman once owned by Hugh Heffner! The display of antique washing machines is unique—and makes you so glad you don’t have to use any of those! Ever heard of a “barrel piano” from 1900? We hadn’t either—but they have one! Displays too numerous to mention—go see it for yourself!!!

A very fun place to visit and see a lot of antiques; most wheel-related. There was much more to see here than I imagined. I especially liked the interactive exhibits where you could activate and see the workings of many things. Also, the "what is this?" displays were fun. That engages the kids much more than a "look, but don't touch" exhibit and keeps them interested. The artifacts were meticulously restored to great condition. I would recommend this museum for families with children 10 years and older. I will return with my grandchildren.

The people are friendly, and there are endless displays of various historical artifacts. For kids who have never seen old farm tools, juke boxes, old time radios, organs run by bellows, old school attire, and many antique vehicles, this will ba an engaging visit into the past. A couple of railroad cars and planes top off this huge collection of cars, many many cars as well as fire trucks and other interesting vehicles. The displays are distibuted throughout several buildings. Great for family outing.

This place is a mix between a museum and old road side attraction. Needless to say, the whole family ages 14, 24 and 50s had fun! Amazing cars on display, fun interactives, and a lot of history! Bring some spare change as a few of the old gadgets do fun things for a quarter, though a vast majority (95%) are free.

This was a wheel-der-ful place to visit with lots to look at. There was a special display of the FORD MUSTANG which we really enjoyed. Just a wheel-th of things to look at. Be sure to climb into the train outside and pull the cords for the whistles and horns!

Can’t tell you what a phenomenal stop this is. Day trip for us but if you are in Peoria, Il (technically it's Dunlap) you need to go see! I knew my husband would love it due to being a car enthusiast, but I was pleasantly surprised that this Museum, of several buildings, is much more than the name implies. What a time travel through fun, history, and going ‘I used to have one of these’ or oh man my mom still has that. I love history and was really happy to learn some new things. This is much more for your money than you can imagine. A paltry $6.50 and we were there 2 hours plus. Best part? LOTS OF INTERACTIVE instead of “DO NOT TOUCH” displays. The dedicated volunteers are deeply rooted and happy to answer questions. While Peoria holds a lot to do, this should be a MUST!!! I’ve never seen the show American Pickers, but someone said if you follow that show, this is like being on the show as a picker yourself.

This museum showcases transportation, industry, farm and home life, and entertainment from times past. They have some interactive exhibits; push a button, pull a lever, etc to start a model train or prompt 4 men (resembling past American Presidents) in a barbershop to sing. There’s a display set up with multiple choice quiz to see if you can identify various gadgets like an egg beater or apple corer. Lots of antique cars and fire trucks. It’s a great museum for all ages. I brought the kids when they were young, and came back last week with my husband, our 21 yr old son, my 81 yr old mother, and her 93 yr old husband. Every one of us found something we enjoyed, and we liked hearing the elder’s stories as certain displays prompted their memory.We went on a Wednesday, just after Noon, so it wasn’t crowded. There was a “guide” who walked with us around the first floor of the main museum, explaining the exhibits (lots of vintage cars) and answering questions. Then we went up to the 2nd floor on our own, then into a second building, out and into a 3rd and 4th building (try out the steam whistles!) They were tuckered out by then, so we didn’t get to explore the train this time. This museum was just plain fun!Admission is Adult $6.50, Child 3-11 $3.50, under 3 free. We had AAA and got a discount. They only accept cash or check- no credit cards. They’re open Wed-Sun 12 noon-5pm from May-Oct. Allow 2 -3 hours. They have wheelchairs available and a small elevator for people with mobility issues.Tip: Bring a few pennies, nickels, dimes & quarters to feed the old jukeboxes and other machines. It’s worth it!

Our car club journeyed to Wheels O'Time last Saturday, and everyone enjoyed the many exhibits and displays. Wheels were everywhere - on cars, trucks, tractors, a locomotive, train cars, toys, clocks - you name it, it was there. The volunteers could not have been more helpful. They are so enthusiastic and are well versed in what the museum is showcasing. We had a great couple of hours, and I'm sure many will make a return trip.

The cars! I love old cars and they have lots of them and lots of good information about them. Did you know there was an electric car in 1931? There was, and they have one. Did you know there was an automaker in Peoria? Yep, they have information on that too. In addition to lots of cars, there are a number of other items and hands-on activities (various juke boxes throughout, try the different car horns) to keep the young and young-at-heart entertained. We were just randomly looking for things to do around Peoria and out of the list, my mom selected this one. It was a good choice and fun was had by all.

We had seen nice Reviews here on Trip Advisor before our trip to the USA. We were on our way from Pontiac to Galesburg so it suited us. They opened at noon and we were a bit early but we killed the time. The volunteers opened and showed us a lot in the museum so we could see how some machines worked. tThe museum is quite big so you need time to see all and enjoy what you see. I'm sure the kids would love it. A good place for the grandparents to take their grandchildren for some hours. The entrance fee was reasonble.

So much to see, listen to and interact with. My wife and I spent almost 3 hours and came away thinking it was one of the best museums anywhere. Just a very fun time from a calliope to cars to clocks to many informative and interesting devices and loads of information.

My husband and I were in Peoria and only had a few hours to visit attractions. We chose Wheels O' Time and loved it!! Worth the admission price. Lots of colorful, well marked displays. Buttons to push and wheels to turn made it especially fun. I can see where families with kids would enjoy this museum. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend.

Today my boys and I took my father to the Wheels O' Time Museum on the outskirts of Peoria. We had a wonderful visit. My boys ran ahead and ran back as they were on sensory overload like at any museum. My dad would stop and look at items and if we (or I, if the boys were running ahead) were lucky we got an explanation of what the item was and it's uses. Even better were the times that my dad connected with something from his past and was able to share a personal story with my boys. At the start of the museum they give you a map and some tips about what not to miss, then they turn you loose in four different buildings and three train cars! Be sure to have a variety of change as there are old juke boxes, player pianos, other other rare finds to enjoy for as little as a penny! We were told it would take about an hour and a half to go through the museum. I think it really depends on who you go with since I think my dad and I would have gone through a little slower if we didn't have the boys with us. I loved that there was a good mix of hands on activities for the kids and I never felt like they were going to break something. There is also such a variety of items from antique cars, airplanes, cuckoo clocks, musical instruments, farm tools and equipment, women's clothing fads, fire trucks, trains and so much more that there really is something for everyone.

This museum offered a wide range of exhibits including some really unique vintage cars and many interactive exhibits which allow you to see how old machines work. I was pleasantly surprised with how interesting this museum was. My family and I spent about 3 hours looking at everything that was exhibited. The staff were very enthusiastic and helpful.

Definitely worth stopping in to see a varied collection, including mechanized toy displays, old scenes depicted well and of course methods of transportation. Great place without the amount to look at being overwhelming. We spent 2-3 hours there and felt doing so was well worth it.