Road trip lovers often miss out on cool stops along the way. The RV Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart, Indiana is one such hidden gem. This blog post will show you why this place is a must-visit for guys who love hitting the open road.
Get ready to explore a world of vintage RVs and road trip history.
Do You Like Road Trips?
- The RV Hall of Fame & Museum stands as a premier destination for camping enthusiasts and road-trippers, featuring over 100,000 square feet of vintage and modern RVs that visitors can actually step inside and explore, making history truly tangible.
- Charles Lindbergh's custom 1939 travel trailer and Mae West's luxurious 1931 Housecar represent just two of the celebrity-owned vehicles that provide fascinating glimpses into how the rich and famous experienced life on the road during the early days of recreational vehicles.
- The museum's Founder's Hall houses an exceptional collection of 1920s trailers and memorabilia, including the groundbreaking 1929 Covered Wagon Travel Trailer, which helps visitors understand how RV design has evolved over nearly a century.
- The facility offers both free boondocking for museum visitors through Harvest Hosts and full hookup options for $40 per day, making it not just a museum but a practical stopover for modern RV travelers.
- With admission prices ranging from $12-20 for adults and typical visit times of 1.5 to 2 hours, the museum provides an affordable and efficient way to experience over 100 years of road trip culture under one roof.
RV Hall of Fame & Museum is A Must-Visit Destination for Guys Who Love Road Trips
The RV Hall of Fame & Museum offers a unique trip through time for road trip fans. Visitors can explore a vast array of RVs from different eras and step inside these rolling homes.
Extensive Collection Of Vintage And Modern RVs
The RV Hall of Fame & Museum boasts an impressive array of recreational vehicles. Visitors can explore over 100,000 square feet filled with RVs from every era. The collection spans from early 1900s models to cutting-edge modern designs.
History buffs will love seeing the 1913 "Earl" Travel Trailer and 1928 Pierce Arrow Fleet Housecar.
RV enthusiasts can step inside various motor homes and travel trailers. A highlight is Charles Lindbergh's 1939 travel trailer. This unique piece offers a glimpse into the aviator's life on the road.
The museum showcases how RVs have evolved over time, from basic campers to luxurious homes on wheels.
Interactive Exhibits, Including Stepping Inside RVs
The RV Hall of Fame & Museum offers a hands-on experience for visitors. You can step inside many RV exhibits and explore their interiors. This unique feature lets you feel what it's like to be in different RVs from various eras.
Thinking About A Cruise Or Resort Vacation?
The museum has interactive displays that show off different RV designs. These exhibits bring the history of RVs to life in a way that static displays can't match.
One standout exhibit is the 1939 Schult Nomad. This vintage RV gives visitors a glimpse into early road trip life. As you walk through these RVs, you'll see how they've changed over time.
The museum's setup allows for an average visit time of 1.5 to 2 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore and interact with the exhibits at your own pace.
Unique Memorabilia And RVs from Notable Individuals
The RV Hall of Fame & Museum houses some truly special vehicles. Mae West's 1931 Housecar stands out as a prime example. This luxurious RV belonged to the famous actress and showcases the glamour of early Hollywood travel. While not configured for camping, this "Housecar" was designed as a chauffeur-driven mobile lounge for her between Vaudeville performances and other events.
On the other hand, Charles Lindbergh's travel trailer was designed for camping and overnight stops. You'll notice that this one - while designed as a trailer - actually has two axles, and this provided enhanced stability without requiring extra weight on the tongue. These unique RVs offer a glimpse into past celebrities' lives and travel preferences.
Beyond star-owned RVs, the museum boasts other rare finds. A John Deere covered wagon from the 1910s sits on display, showing how far RV design has come. Visitors can see how recreational vehicles evolved from basic camping setups to modern marvels.
The collection highlights major changes after World War II, when RV manufacturing really took off.
Founder’s Hall Highlights
Founder's Hall stands as the crown jewel of the RV Hall of Fame & Museum. This space houses a treasure trove of RV history, showcasing trailers and memorabilia from the 1920s. Visitors can marvel at the 1929 Covered Wagon Travel Trailer, a true gem of early recreational vehicles.
The hall spotlights the pioneers who shaped the RV industry, telling their stories through unique displays.
Inside Founder's Hall, guests journey through time, witnessing the evolution of RVs. From basic campers to luxurious motorhomes, the exhibits reveal how RV design has changed over decades.
Each display offers a glimpse into RV manufacturers' ingenuity and road trip culture's continuing popularity. While we see "Van Life" hashtags on social media as a whole new generation discovers this nomadic lifestyle full of freedom to explore without needing to travel between hotel rooms, this museum does a fantastic job of showcasing both the historical roots of the lifestyle as well as the modern potential.
For RV enthusiasts, this hall is a must-see attraction, blending nostalgia with education about the roots of their beloved pastime.
Planning Your Visit to the RV Hall of Fame & Museum
While this destination is clearly a bucket-list pilgrimage for folks that already enjoy traveling around the country in their RV or their caravan for our international friends, it's also a super fun spot to visit for guys that are curious about what it would be like to take an RV trip or what the history of this segment of the auto industry is like.
Whatever your perspective is, the RV Hall of Fame & Museum offers a unique experience for road trip enthusiasts. Here are some tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable:
Tips For First Time Visitors:
- Hours vary seasonally: Winter (Nov 1-Apr 1): Mon-Sat 10am-4pm (closed Wed), Sun 10am-3pm EST
- Admission: Adults $20, Seniors (60+) $15, Children (6-16) $12, Family pack (2 adults + 2+ kids) $45, Under 5 free. Group rates available for 14+.
- Founder's Hall highlights: Features the evolution of RVs from covered wagons through the decades - see vintage campers from the 30s, 50s, 70s, and 80s that showcase key innovations in RV design and technology.
- Don't miss the Manufactured Home (MH) exhibit where you can tour three fully furnished modern manufactured homes from leading manufacturers, plus explore futuristic displays including a Mars colony concept.
Overnight Rv Parking Options:
- Free boondocking (no hookups) for museum visitors through Harvest Hosts - park on west side
- Full hookups available ($40/day) on east side - includes 30amp electric, seasonal water/dump station (May-Oct)
- First come, first served - no reservations
- Perfect meetup spot for Notre Dame football trips (30 min to South Bend)
The museum combines historical preservation with modern innovation, making it ideal for both casual visitors and RV enthusiasts planning extended stays.
A Living Testament to America's Road Trip Legacy
The RV Hall of Fame & Museum offers a unique journey through time for road trip lovers. Visitors can explore vintage campers and modern motorhomes, gaining insights into the evolution of travel.
This museum celebrates the spirit of adventure that drives RV enthusiasts. For guys who crave the open road, this place is a must-see destination. It's more than just a museum; it's a tribute to the freedom and excitement of life on wheels.
