





Children's Museums
Elwood Haynes Museum
📍 1915 S Webster St, Kokomo, IN 46902🌐 www.cityofkokomo.org/departments/haynes_museum.php
🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 1–4 PM |
| Friday | 1–4 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 1–4 PM |
About Elwood Haynes Museum
Inventor's mansion featuring his work. Owned by inventor Elwood Haynes, this 1916 estate museum displays his inventions, photos & exhibits. Elwood Haynes invented Stellite alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and spark plug electrodes in addition to automobiles, demonstrating his versatility across multiple industries including metallurgy and natural gas. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 92 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Subject
- Elwood Haynes - inventor of first automobile and founder of natural gas industry in Indiana
- Key Exhibits
- Automobile history, metallurgy, Stellite alloys, natural gas industry
- Admission
- Free will donation
- Hours Note
- Seasonal hours; Tuesday-Wednesday by appointment only
💡 Did You Know?
- Elwood Haynes invented Stellite alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and spark plug electrodes in addition to automobiles, demonstrating his versatility across multiple industries including metallurgy and natural gas
- The museum is housed in Haynes' original 1916 estate mansion, which features distinctive period details including unique matching bedroom furniture sets and notable tile work in the master bathroom
- The museum operates on a free will donation model with seasonal hours (June-August open Wednesday-Saturday; September-May closed Mondays with Tuesday-Wednesday by appointment only), requiring advance planning for visits
💬 What Visitors Say
- Book a guided tour with the knowledgeable staff in advance, especially during September-May when tours are by appointment only. Reviewers consistently praised staff members like Al Taylor for their personable approach and ability to answer detailed questions about Elwood Haynes' inventions beyond just automobiles.
- Plan to visit Wednesday-Saturday 11am-4pm during summer months (June-August) for the most reliable access. Fall and winter hours are limited with Monday closures and Tuesday-Wednesday appointments only, so call (765) 456-7500 ahead if visiting during those seasons.
- If you have a larger vehicle, park in the big parking lot behind Highland Park and walk to the museum entrance. The museum's dedicated parking lot is small and requires driving under a low overhang, which can be challenging for taller vehicles.
- Come prepared to spend 30-45 minutes exploring; it's a small but well-curated space. Reviewers note you can walk through quickly, but the exhibits on Haynes' diverse innovations (spark plugs, alloys, natural gas industry) beyond automobiles reward a thoughtful pace.
- While admission is free with donations accepted, consider bringing cash or being prepared to donate. The museum relies on visitor contributions and has recently improved its exhibits and lighting based on past renovations, making even modest donations appreciated.
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