One of the most unique tourist attractions in Illinois is the Volo Museum. This massive, must-visit museum is tucked away in the town of Volo and home to an incredible collection of classic cars, movie props, pop culture memorabilia, and so much more. I recently spent a full day exploring the exhibits, and I was blown away by just how many cool things I discovered. From legendary Hollywood vehicles to quirky hidden gems, the Volo Museum offers something fun for car lovers, history buffs, and families alike.
Family Truckster From Vacation
One of the funniest surprises I came across at the Volo Museum in Illinois was the legendary Family Truckster from the 1983 comedy National Lampoon’s Vacation. Fans of Clark Griswold and his cross-country misadventures will instantly recognize this over-the-top station wagon with its wood paneling and absurd add-ons. Seeing the Family Truckster up close was one of many nostalgic highlights of my visit. Vacation was one of my favorite movies growing up! It’s just one example of the many famous movie cars at the Volo Auto Museum. For anyone who loves classic films, this quirky piece of Hollywood history makes the museum a must-see attraction near Chicago.
Showbiz Pizza Animatronic Band: Rockafire Explosion
Another unexpected find at the Volo Museum was the original animatronic band from ShowBiz Pizza Place. If you grew up in the 1980s, you’ll remember Rock-afire Explosion—the quirky, mechanical band that entertained kids during birthday parties before Chuck E. Cheese took over. At the Volo Auto Museum, the full animatronic set is on display, bringing a wave of nostalgia for anyone who remembers those pizza parlor days. It’s a perfect example of how the museum is more than just cars—it’s also packed with pop culture history and family-friendly exhibits. It was so amusing to see these characters in person after so many years. They were a huge part of my youth and the best part was watching young kids seeing them for the first time. Some were incredibly amused while others looked on with total confusion. The band performs at the Volo Museum at least a couple of times each hour.
Greased Lightning
Another exciting find at the Volo Museum was the iconic Greased Lightning car from the movie Grease. Made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in the beloved 1978 musical, this bright red hot rod is instantly recognizable to fans of the film. Seeing the Greased Lightning car up close at the Volo Auto Museum is a thrill for movie lovers and classic car enthusiasts alike. It’s not just a piece of automotive history—it’s a slice of Hollywood magic that helps make the museum one of the top attractions near Chicago for families, film buffs, and travelers looking for unique things to do in Illinois.
Lifeboat From Captain Phillips
The Volo Museum has the actual lifeboat from the movie Captain Phillips starring Tom Hanks. This lifeboat played a central role in the Academy Award–nominated film, recreating the harrowing true story of a cargo ship hijacking off the coast of Somalia. Standing next to this authentic movie prop at the Volo Auto Museum was a surreal experience, reminding me how the museum blends film memorabilia, history, and unique exhibits all under one roof. (Well sort of, the boat is outside under a canopy. In fact, you might miss it if you aren’t looking for it.)
Old School Product Containers
At the Volo Museum, visitors can step back in time by discovering a fascinating collection of old-school product containers from beloved food brands like Peter Pan Peanut Butter and many others. These vintage packages bring back memories of classic grocery store shelves and highlight how branding and design have evolved over the decades. Perfect for nostalgia lovers, history buffs, and families, this unique display adds a fun twist to the museum’s already impressive collection of pop culture artifacts.
Jukebox From Happy Days TV Show
One of my favorite pop culture finds at the Volo Museum was the original jukebox featured in the classic TV series Happy Days. Fans of the show will instantly recognize this iconic piece, which served as the backdrop to many scenes at Arnold’s Drive-In with characters like Fonzie and Richie. Seeing the actual jukebox up close offers visitors a nostalgic trip back to the 1950s-inspired world of Happy Days and makes for a perfect photo opportunity. This rare artifact is just one of the many reasons why the Volo Museum is a must-visit destination for TV and movie enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Volo Museum in Volo, Illinois is more than just a car museum—it’s a one-of-a-kind destination filled with movie props, vintage collectibles, pop culture treasures, and fascinating pieces of Americana. From classic cars and famous film artifacts to nostalgic displays like the Happy Days jukebox and retro food packaging, every corner of the museum offers something new and exciting to discover. Whether you’re a history buff, a movie lover, or simply looking for a fun family day trip, the Volo Museum delivers an unforgettable experience that keeps visitors coming back for more.