The famous Oscar Mayer Weinermobile is set to be back in Wisconsin this upcoming weekend for a trip around the southeast portion of the state.
On Thursday, September 18, the hot dog shaped truck will make two stops. First in New Berlin at the Sendik’s on S. Moorland Rd. from 11 am to 2 pm. Later in the day, it will be in Hales Corners at the Sendik’s on S. 108th St. from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Lake Country residents have no need to fear about being overlooked on this important trip, though:
On Saturday, September 20, the Weinermobile will make an appearance in Dousman at the Three Pillars Festival on Sunset Dr. from 11 am to 3 pm.
Weinermobiles have become a classic part of Americana, with the hot dog shaped fiberglass vehicles being used throughout the country to promote Oscar Mayer products.
They were first introduced in 1936, and were unveiled to the public right here in Janesville, Wisconsin on October 16.
The very first Weinermobile cost the company about $5000; when adjusted for inflation, that would be about $115,705.71 in August 2025.
The vehicle didn’t receive its famous name until several years later, though. It wasn’t until 1951 that the name ‘Weinermobile’ was first used. Prior to then, the truck had operated under several titles, unlcuidng
- Weiner Truck
- Oscar Meyer Truck
- German Weiner Sound Car
- World’s Largest Weiner Car
- Giant Weiner Sound Truck
The Weinermobile’s manufacturing history is also closely tied to Wisconsin.
Although the first Weinermobile model was built in Chicago, Illinois, it would see changes to its build occur at manufacturing facilities through Wisconsin.
In 1969, Oscar Mayer built a new version of the vehicle in Madison. This rendition was built on a Chevrolet chassis and given a V6 engine and Ford Thunderbird taillights.
In 1975, Plastics Products in Milwaukee created a replica of the 1969 design out of styrofoam and fiberglass, but also kept its V6 engine.
In 1988, Stevens Automotive Corporation in Milwaukee designed a new version of the build, this time swapping the standard Chevrolet chassis for a Chevrolet van chassis.
The drivers of these Weinermobiles are, of course, called ‘Hotdoggers’. Eligibility to become a Hotdogger is dependent on the applicant being a college senior preparing to graduate.
Six different Weinermobiles drive across the country each year- Don’t miss your chance to catch one in Lake Country this week!
