“Discover the history of the RV”
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is a 100,000 sq. ft. museum in Elkhart, Indiana that features a variety of historical recreational vehicles from Airstream, Winnebago and other American makers. The foundation states that their primary goals are to "To create a display of historic RV/MH products in a museum for the education and enjoyment of the public."HistoryFounded in 1972 as the Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Housing Heritage Foundation, the museum opened in 1991 and in 2007, moved into its current location. The foundation is a non-profit organization and relies on donations from a variety of sources.FeaturesThe museum is located just off Interstate 80 near Elkhart and features pull through parking for RV travelers, which comprise a portion of the visitors. The primary building, Founders Hall, is complete with artificial trees and other plants to create a simulated RV campground.The museum features a variety of recreation vehicles dating back 100 years and continuing through the 1980s. The oldest vehicle on display is a 1913 Earl Travel Trailer and is the oldest surviving specimen known. The museum is divided into areas that highlight key events in the history of RVs, such as the introduction of the first microwave oven, the first indoor toilet and other features. Vehicles from the 1980s on are displayed at the Go RVing exhibition hall, within walking distance of the museum.One of the vehicles on display is the 1931 Chevrolet Housecar that was offered as a bribe to Mae West by Paramount Pictures, to persuade her to make movies. The oldest Winnebago and the smallest Airstream ever built are also to be found in the museum.
Reviews of RV Hall of Fame & Museum
21 people have reviewed this location
Ratings Summary
Reviews
Spent the night here in the parking lot with several other RVs. Enjoyed our time in the museum the next morning. The varieties of RVs from time back was just really fascinating!
As a camping enthusiast, this was a neat place to go to. It's not very big, but where else can you see & go in some vintage campers!?! Lots of info upstairs if you are restoring an older camper. Yes, it's a little pricey for the size, but hey they are restoring 'gems'!!
Not going to lie, the entry fee of $8 seemed a little steep for what you get, but I suppose when in Rome. Fun to look at the old vintage campers and trailers. If you're going through this area you might as well stop by.
We stayed here one night in a car for free. There were lots of RVs but I don’t know how much they charged for hookup. Parking lot on one side is gigantic.
The museum itself costs $20 per adult, and I would say it’s well worth it. We spent about three hours there learning about the history of RVs, campers, and trailers, dating back to a travel trailer on a Model T and a mobile house built specifically for Mae West. About half of the RVs allow you to actually wander on board. It didn’t mention anything about the evolution into modern Van Life, even though many of the earliest RVs were DIY projects. It does seem to be mostly funded by RV manufacturing companies, so that would explain it.
Nightly Rate: $0.00
Days Stayed: 1
Site Number: -
RV Type: Car
Well worth the money. Some of the RVs you can walk in to. Very well done. A must see for any RVer.
We really enjoyed seeing the new and the old RV's through the ages. This was an impulsive stop and well worth it! From 11-62 years old, we all loved this place.
My husband and I went in thinking it was a quick 30 min stop MAX. We spent 2 hours in here. Seeing how RVs have changed over the years is amazing. I’m a huge fan of vintage RVs so this place was jaw dropping for me. There were no real souvenirs but still worth it.
Definitely worth stopping to see these amazing and historical RVs and motorhomes from as early as 1912.
All my kids enjoyed walking through and seeing what rving was like over the years!
What a fun place to visit! A lot of great RVs, very clean and friendly staff!
What a great place to visit. It's a unique time capsule. Amazing how innovative Americans were as we still are.
Be the first to add a review to the RV Hall of Fame & Museum.
RV Hall of Fame & Museum
Hours
- Sun: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Mon, Tue, Thu - Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Problem with this listing? Let us know.
Has RV parking changed? Let us know.
-
Parking
-
Pets Allowed
-
Restrooms
-
Wifi
-
Wheelchair Accessible
-
Credit Cards Accepted
Parking
Nearby Hotels
Related Trip Guides
The top things to do on a U.S. Route 20 road trip
- 23 Places
- 60:25
- 3,576 mi
The top things to do on an I-80 road trip
- 35 Places
- 53:41
- 3,194 mi
The Great Northern is a 3,600 mile, cross-country odyssey
- 57 Places
- 69:15
- 3,565 mi