Road Trip to Elkhart Indiana

The RV Hall of Fame is a "must see."

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."

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.

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 smallest Airstream ever built is also to be found in the museum. 

The 1958 Airstream ‘der Kleiner Prinz”, is only 10 feet long and was a prototype that was considered for the European market.

We spent about 2 hours exploring the museum and watching videos in the theatre. There is a complete section of the complex dedicated to the manufactured home industry. I loved walking through these well designed period pieces with their attention to detail. You certainly find the weird and wonderful of the RV world here.

The custom, one of a kind, homebuilt van based on a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado might be the most photographed vehicle in the collection. It is pictured below and is indeed a show stopper! 

Okay, ready for a road trip?

I was surprised that the RV Hall of Fame is only 5 hours from the London area and that you can get there quite easily.

The other great thing is that they are members of Harvest Host and will let you boondock for free. My recommendation would be to leave home early and take your time to arrive in the Elkhart area mid afternoon. There are Amish restaurants in the area and lots to see. Stay overnight in the parking lot and visit the museum in the morning. If you are staying in town longer there is the Elkhart Campground just up the road as well. Elkhart is the centre of the RV manufacturing industry. You will see the various manufacturing plants as you move around the area. All in all a fun and affordable destination for a weekend getaway. And don't forget to visit the gift shop for a stellar collection of RV souveniers. For some Ontario interest, you can pick up one of my Michael Lambert Art Prints while you are at it!

RV/MH Hall of Fame

21565 Executive Parkway

Elkhart, Indiana 46514

(800) 378-8694 Toll Free

For directions, admission rates and times, CLICK HERE.

*This article is from the Can-Am RV Centre Newsletter: Subscribe Today!