Motorcycle Museums Around the World
The motorcycle has a very interesting history. In some circles, it’s a symbol of freedom and rebellion. It’s associated with tough biker gangs or wild street racers. More than that, it’s one of the symbols commonly associated with America as a whole. It’s not uncommon to find the bald eagle, the symbol of the United States, emblazoned on a motorcycle as its riders shoot down a long highway. As the history of the motorcycle is so fascinating, it makes sense that there are all types of motorcycle museums around the continental United States.
The most famous is the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This museum regularly holds events that draw huge crowds. It’s located in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and admission costs $5 for AMA members, $9 for anyone who’s already a part of a national motorcycle organization, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $3 for students aged 12 to 17, and children under 11 get in for free. They also have a special family rate for parents with kids under eighteen where the family gets in for $25.
Another extremely popular museum is the National Motorcycle Museum. Located in Anamosa, Iowa, the museum has one of the best collections in the entire country. Its hours are different from April to October than they are from November to March, so make sure you check. Admission is $7 per person, with kids 12 and under getting in free. Seniors and certain club members get a $1 discount and there are group discounts available.
The Barber Museum is located in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s located in the Barber Motorsports Park and admission will cost $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-12, and all kids under 3 are free. Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, the Wheels through Time is also popular. Their website is very interactive and they also host many events. The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum is a bit smaller but it has a great collection. It’s located in Solving, California and also has European bikes on display.
Another popular one is the Harley-Davidson Museum. Located in downtown Milwaukee, this museum boasts some of the world’s most iconic bikes. Adults can get in for $16, children 5-17 can get in for $10, and younger children can get in for free.
The Lone Star Motorcycle Museum boasts a special Ace Café right inside and it has vintage decorations to go along with its theme. It’s located in Vanderpool, Texas. Admission is $5 for adults, $10 for families, $4 for seniors, and groups of 10 or more get in for $4 a head. Other discounts are available. The Kansas City Motorcycle Museum’s website offers a virtual tour. The website itself is located outside of Lindsburg, Kansas.
Cyclemo's Motorcycle Museum is a 7,500 square foot museum that’s only just opened. It’s located in Red Boiling Springs, Tennessee, and has a unique collection of vintage bikes. The Old Mill Motorcycle Museum has been open for 70 years and there’s a flat $7 admission fee rate.
- AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame
- National Motorcycle Museum
- Barber Museum
- Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum
- Wheels Through Time
- Lone Star Motorcycle Museum
- Kansas Motorcycle Museum
- Cyclemo's Motorcycle Museum
- Harley Davidson Museum
- Old Mill Museum
The history of the motorcycle has been preserved because of these museums. People who enter get a glimpse of the first motorcycles and can get a sense of just how far they’ve come since the earlier times.
