Waukesha Hangar - Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

About Waukesha Hangar - Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum

Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum occupies 12 acres on the Poplar Grove Airport in northern Illinois, preserving transportation history from 1903 to 1957. Visitors explore early twentieth-century airplane hangars and automotive garages that have been relocated and renovated on the museum campus, including the Hamilton Hangar, Springfield Hangar, and Slim's Garage. The museum features exhibits on both aviation and automobile history, with artifacts and displays throughout the grounds. The facility also includes a Sunoco Gas Station and museum garden. Beyond exhibits, the museum runs education programs for area grade schools, organizes field trips and summer camps, hosts lectures, and maintains a scholarship program. General admission is free. The museum operates Wednesday through Saturday, though appointments can be arranged outside regular hours. A new event space called The Landing opens in spring 2026.