Elkhart, Indiana, is known as the āRV Capital of the World.ā
Whether youāre a seasoned RVer or just curious about recreational vehicles, a trip to the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, promises a unique blend of history, innovation, and modern convenience.
Discover the RV/MH Hall of Fame
The RV/MH Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring the pioneers and innovations that have shaped the recreational vehicle industry. Established to preserve and highlight a century of RV history, the museum features an impressive collection of exhibits, including vintage trailers, motorhomes, and fascinating memorabilia.
Whatās inside?
ā¢ Founders Hall: Step back in time with a chronological display of classic trailers and motorhomes, featuring rare artifacts like the 1913 Earl travel trailerāthe oldest surviving RV of its kind.
ā¢ Exhibitors Hall and Go RVing Hall: Learn about the technological advances that transformed RVs from simple travel trailers into the luxury, high-tech campers we see today.
ā¢ Unique exhibits: Highlights include the Mae West Housecarāa dazzling 1931 Chevy conversionāand a custom-built Charles Lindbergh travel trailer that pays tribute to one of aviationās great pioneers.
I think you’ll appreciate the museumās thoughtful layout, complete with ample pull-through parking designed especially for RVs. I like that visitors can take all the time they want on the self-guided tour. It allows you to fully explore the history and innovation of the RV/MH industry.
Plan your visit: Hours, directions, and tips
Before you hit the road, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Location and hours: The museum is located at 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, Indiana. It offers convenient hours with extended parking for RVs, making it easy to pull through and explore. Check the official website for the most up-to-date hours and admission details.
- Amenities: Along with the exhibits, the museum provides modern conveniences like restrooms and a well-stocked gift shop where you can pick up RV-themed souvenirs.
- Family-friendly: With engaging exhibits that appeal to both adults and kids, itās an educational outing that the whole family can enjoy.
On-site campgrounds
The RV/MH Hall of Fame offers overnight stays on a first-come, first-served basis. (They do not accept reservations.) A Harvest Hosts camping area nearby is also available.
Elkhart isnāt just about RV history. The region offers excellent campgrounds that offer a full range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and fun.
Elkhart Campground
A local gem, Elkhart Campground offers a family-friendly atmosphere with features like pull-through sites and modern electrical hookups (20-, 30-, and 50-amp options). The campground also features extras: a heated swimming pool, mini golf, and a playground. Itās perfect for a night or an extended stay.
Middlebury KOA Holiday
For those looking for a blend of comfort and convenience, the Elkhart County / Middlebury KOA Holiday offers spacious pull-through RV sites as well as cozy cabin rentals. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, on-site shuttle services, and proximity to popular local attractions (including the Shipshewana Flea Market), itās a great choice for families and groups alike.
Elkhart RV Resort by Rjourney
Located just a short drive from downtown Elkhart, this resort provides both full hookup RV sites and extra features tailored for the RV lifestyle. Its friendly environment and well-maintained grounds make it an ideal base for exploring the regionās rich history and vibrant culture.
Why Elkhart is a must-visit for RVers
Visiting the RV/MH Hall of Fame not only offers a window into the history of RV design and technology but also celebrates the enterprising spirit that helped build the industry.
Elkhartās unique combination of historical significance and modern amenities makes it a destination where the past and present of RVing come together. While you’re there, plan to visit the Wellfield Botanical Gardens, National New York Central Railroad Museum, and the Midwest Museum of American Art. The area also offers great fishing and dining experiences.
You should go!
Whether youāre planning a short weekend getaway or a longer adventure, make sure to add Elkhart, Indiana, to your travel list. Roll into history, park your rig at a welcoming campground, and embrace the RV lifestyle in a town that truly understands what it means to be on the road.
RELATED
- Visit the best vintage car and trailer museums in the U.S.
- Visiting the Airstream Heritage Center and taking the Airstream factory tour
- Henry Ford Museum a āmust seeā
##RVT1204
Definitely a must see museum! We visited in 2019 and it’s worth the price of admission and more.
You didn’t mention the Hall of Fame portion of the venue, which is upstairs. While not quite as mesmerizing as the RV displays downstairs, it’s worth the time to stroll through. If you are a long time RVer with decades under your belt, you’ll recognize the names of many of the inductees. It will take you back to a time when clubs like Good Sam had great magazines with real writers, useful first hand product reviews, and massive rallys with top name entertainers and nearly uncountable vendors. š
Visited the museum a couple years ago. It was interesting to see the old rv’s. We wanted to see Keep your Daydream’s vintage rv The Bird.
Great display of RV’s from over the years.
I still think the Jack Sizemore RV Musuem in Amarillo TX is better.
http://www.rvmuseum.net
Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum
Thanks for the tip! I’ll be sure to check it out!
Thank you for this article–I had no clue! I’ll plan a stop on my next cross-country trip.
Planning a visit there tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Enjoy! Have a good night, T & S. š –Diane at RVtravel.com
Thank you, Gail, for discussing the RV hall of fame. We spent 2 or 3 nights there a couple of years ago while getting work done at Master Tech there in Elkhart. The “campground” at the hall of fame is a huge parking lot with power pedestals scattered throughout. If one decides to stay there, scout out all the “sites” for one that works for the power setup of the rig before selecting a site. It is rather dispersed “camping,” given how removed the sites are from one another. My favorite part of our visit was poring over issues of Motorhome magazine to read Gaylord Maxwell’s monthly columns of days gone-bye in the second-floor library. Have a great weekend and safe travels!