10 Must-See Motorcycle Museums Across America
Barber Motorsports Museum
The Barber collection includes more than 1,400 restored motorcycles and cars; over 600 bikes are on display in the museum. Established to preserve motorcycle history, the collection represents 216 different manufacturers from 20 countries. Barber is generally acknowledged as the preeminent motorcycle museum in the U.S. 6030 Barber Motorsports Parkway, Birmingham, AL, (205) 699-7275
Wheels Through Time
Located five miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Wheels through Time Motorcycle Museum collection showcases rare, vintage American motorcycles and memorabilia. The 300 historic American motorcycles span numerous genres, including board track racers, hill climbers, military bikes and more. Historic American automobiles are also on display. 62 Vintage Lane, Maggie Valley, NC, (828) 926-6266
Harley-Davidson Museum
The main exhibit areas focus on aspects of Harley-Davidson history and culture. For example, Clubs & Competition explore board track racing and hill climbing competition. The Engine Room has an interactive wall that features the company’s various engine designs. The motorcycle galleries chart H-D evolution from 1903 to the present. 400 West Canal St, Milwaukee, WI, (877) 436-8738
Motorcyclepedia Museum
The goal of this museum, with its collection of over 700 bikes and memorabilia is to educate the public about the history, culture, and changing technology of motorcycles. The museum includes 85,000 square feet of space, featuring an international collection of motorcycles dating from 1897 to the present. 250 Lake St, Newburgh, NY, (845) 569-9065
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum
The AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Gallery celebrates individuals who have promoted the sport on tracks, roads, trails, and in the halls of government. The museum also currently displays a collection of Indian motorcycles. 13515 Yarmouth Dr, Pickerington, OH, (800) 262-5646
Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
This extensive private collection of vintage motorcycles emphasizes racing machines. Marques in the collection include AJS, BMW, Ducati, Gilera, Matchless, Moto Guzzi, Velocette, Vincent and others, which range from 1910 to the present. Bikes on display from the collection are rotated periodically. 320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA, (805) 686-9522
Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
Located in the Texas Hill Country, the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum is also a limited menu eatery with its tables spread among the collection of motorcycles. Bikes on display represent an international mixture dating from the early 20th century. 36517 Hwy 187, Vanderpool, TX, (830) 966-6103
National Motorcycle Museum
This privately owned, non-profit museum has over 450 bikes on display, many of which are on loan from private collectors. Current staged exhibits include a barn find, a completely restored 1920’s Shell Gas Station, and several antique motorcycles. There is also an extensive collection of motorcycle memorabilia, antique toys, photos, and posters. 102 Chamber Dr, Anamosa, IA, (319) 482-3982
The Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
The museum’s primary focus is on pioneers in the historic development of American two-wheeled transportation. The bike collection includes over 75 vintage and antique motorcycles, including Harley-Davidson, Excelsior, Ariel, and others. 5867 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, (719) 487-8005
World of Motorcycles Museum(aka Kersting’s Cycle Center)
Set in an unusual location, surrounded by fields of active farms, Jim Kersting’s motorcycle dealership and motorcycle museum features a collection of almost 100 machines, including brands from eight countries, and spans nine decades of motorcycle history. 8774 W 700 N, Winamac, IN (4 miles north of Judson on Hwy 39), (877) 537-7846