If you are ever near Elkhart Indiana, it would be a mistake if you didn’t take a side trip to the RV/MH Museum (Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Home Museum). Located just off highway 80 (at exit 96) in Elkhart, it is a 100,000 square foot museum. The museum covers a wide range of vintage recreational vehicles. It has been in its current location since 2007.
Plan to spend at least two hours here; however, that probably isn’t enough given the size of the building. We spent around two hours looking through the museum but could easily have spent another few hours checking out other parts of the facility.
The cost is ten dollars per person and well worth the price.
The lower level of the museum has a huge section devoted to vintage trailers, some with unique histories. The upper level contains a huge RV Library.
It’s a step back in time to when travel trailers were first manufactured. Not only will you see many of your favorite vintage 50 and 60’s travel trailers but you will also get a chance to see Mae West’s and Charles Lindbergh’s travel trailers.
Mae West’s House Car – 1931
Charles Lindbergh’s Travel Trailer – 1939
You can enter and walk through many of the travel trailers. In addition, the layout of the museum is constructed as if you are on an old road with trailers on each side. It’s easy to get turned around inside if you’re not careful. I’d compare it to being at a huge vintage RV show.
On the Road at the RV Motor Home Museum
The RV Motor Home Museum
The RV MH Museum
Jayco’s 1968 Pop-up Camper
This really is a great place to visit. My only disappointment was that I couldn’t find the first Jayco we owned, a 1971 16′ JayWren. However, On the bright side, we did get a chance to see the 40th pop up camper produced by Jayco (see below), a 1968 Jayhawk.
I could post picture after picture but that just wouldn’t be the same as visiting. We actually made a 150 mile side trip to see this museum and the Jayco factory. The museum alone is worth the side trip.
For more information on the RV?MH Museum click here.
The RV/MH Museum in Elkhart Indiana
If you are ever near Elkhart Indiana, it would be a mistake if you didn’t take a side trip to the RV/MH Museum (Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Home Museum). Located just off highway 80 (at exit 96) in Elkhart, it is a 100,000 square foot museum. The museum covers a wide range of vintage recreational vehicles. It has been in its current location since 2007.
Plan to spend at least two hours here; however, that probably isn’t enough given the size of the building. We spent around two hours looking through the museum but could easily have spent another few hours checking out other parts of the facility.
The cost is ten dollars per person and well worth the price.
The lower level of the museum has a huge section devoted to vintage trailers, some with unique histories. The upper level contains a huge RV Library.
It’s a step back in time to when travel trailers were first manufactured. Not only will you see many of your favorite vintage 50 and 60’s travel trailers but you will also get a chance to see Mae West’s and Charles Lindbergh’s travel trailers.
Mae West’s House Car – 1931
Charles Lindbergh’s Travel Trailer – 1939
You can enter and walk through many of the travel trailers. In addition, the layout of the museum is constructed as if you are on an old road with trailers on each side. It’s easy to get turned around inside if you’re not careful. I’d compare it to being at a huge vintage RV show.
On the Road at the RV Motor Home Museum
The RV Motor Home Museum
The RV MH Museum
Jayco’s 1968 Pop-up Camper
This really is a great place to visit. My only disappointment was that I couldn’t find the first Jayco we owned, a 1971 16′ JayWren. However, On the bright side, we did get a chance to see the 40th pop up camper produced by Jayco (see below), a 1968 Jayhawk.
I could post picture after picture but that just wouldn’t be the same as visiting. We actually made a 150 mile side trip to see this museum and the Jayco factory. The museum alone is worth the side trip.
For more information on the RV?MH Museum click here.
john.martini.patterson@gmail.com
October 5, 2016
Blog, Camping Locations, Industry Commentary
RV/MH Museum, Travel Trailer Blogs, Travel Trailer Nation, Vintage Travel Trailers