How a Guided Tour Works
Every tour at Ye Ole Carriage Shop is led by Lloyd Ganton, who has shared this collection with school classes, senior groups, families, and car clubs for decades. Tours are available by appointment. There is no admission charge, though donations are welcome.
Lloyd opens each visit with a concise summary of Jackson, Michigan manufacturing history. He then walks guests through seven gallery rooms. You will see Jackson-built automobiles, plus motorcycles, vintage signage, Coca-Cola memorabilia, gas pumps, pedal cars, and dozens of other displays described on our Collections page.
Step-by-Step: Planning Your Visit
1. Call or email to schedule. Reach the museum at (517) 414-1773. Share your group size and preferred date so staff can confirm availability.
2. Allow time for seven rooms. Most groups plan at least 60 to 90 minutes. Lloyd adjusts the pace for classrooms and senior tours.
3. Ask about Jackson-made cars. Lloyd has collected 18 of the 24 known Jackson manufacturers. Details on individual marques appear in our Jackson Manufacturing History reference and on the Cars gallery page.
4. Review visit details before you arrive. Parking, accessibility notes, and contact information are listed on the Visit page. You can also preview exhibits through our video tour.
Groups We Welcome
Teachers often pair a museum visit with local history units on Michigan industry. Senior centers and family reunions book weekday appointments when the galleries are quiet. Automotive clubs frequently request extra time in the rooms that feature Jackson-made vehicles and factory artifacts.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but please ask Lloyd before using flash in rooms with older signage or painted surfaces. Small gift-shop items are not sold on site, so plan snacks and restrooms before you arrive.
If you are researching a specific Jackson automaker, bring the name with you. Lloyd can often point to the exact vehicle or factory photo that matches your question. Many guests combine a tour with a stop at the Sparton Products display or the 1915 Soda Bar exhibit after the walk-through.
Ready to book? Return to the home page for a gallery preview, or read About the Museum for background on Lloyd Ganton and how the collection grew.
