A Morning at the RV/MH Museum, Elkhart, IN

Day 3 – Travel as I Envisioned it Could Be

What do you do to fill a day while you are in town to have some work done on your camper—of course, go to the Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Housing (RV/MH) Museum.

Th RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, Elkhart, Indiana

We had made no plans as to what to do while waiting for the repairs on the camper to be completed.

But, this is not unusual for us—we often find ourselves at destinations with no real plans, at least for one or two days, and end up “discovering” something of interest or adding a new experience.

Elkhart was to be no different. At some point, we learned that there is a museum of recreational vehicles (RVs) and manufactured housing (MH) in town. The museum is but a part of the facilities of the RV/MH Association, headquartered in Elkhart.

1937 Hunt Housecar; built by Hollywood cinematographer Roy Hunt

The mission of the RV/MH Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the pioneers and individuals who made significant contributions to the RV and Manufactured Housing industries

The RV Founders Hall displays trailers, photos, and memorabilia reaching back to the 1920’s and 1930’s and is open to the public. The museum presents chronological and technological advancements in the industry from before WW I to the present.

A 1915 Model T with a “Telescope Apartment.” This early motor camper had multiple slide-outs for kitchen features and to extend the bed.

The history of camping vehicles is clearly displayed, beginning in the very early 1900s. Visitors over the age of 50 will recognize many popular models of motorhomes and campers. Most campers are open for inspection. The interiors range from bare essentials of shelter to almost lavish interiors for luxury living.

Based on our basic reason for being in Elkhart—camper repairs—a tour of the museum seemed appropriate and of interest.

Partial view of the display floor from the second floor balcony.

The Museum has a very well stocked gift shop that includes books, camping supplies, souvenirs and other must-have items.

The museum is part of the association’s headquarters, which is a relatively new, very modern facility. They are planning an expanded building and an area for parking, including RV parking for events and conventions.

Visitor Information

Location: Christiana Creek Country Club, 116 W. Bristol Street, Elkhart, Indiana
Hours: 9am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 3pm Sunday
Admission: $10.00, Seniors $8.00; Youth $7.00; Group and Family Specials

Previous: The Birthplace of our Travel and Time Machine

Next: US Route 36 Experience – Part 1

Gallery

Partial view of the display floor from the second floor balcony.

Many small modern campers use this same plan: sleeping quarters inside and a kitchen in a separate area in the back.

A 1931 Covered Wagon Travel Trailer. The outside is covered with leatherette and a canvas-covered roof.

The Driver’s compartment of the Hunt Housecar

1937 Hunt Housecar; built by Hollywood cinematographer Roy Hunt

1928 Wiedman camper body on a Steward Truck chassis. The camper bodies were manufactured and sold independent of the chassis. The Buyer could use any chassis available and have the camper installed.

1931 Chevrolet Housecar owned by Mae West. It is a chauffer-driven lounge car, and not really a camper.

Th RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum, Elkhart, Indiana

One display is a scale model of a typical RV assembly line. I saw this type of line in action at the Riverside RV factory.

A 1915 Model T with a “Telescope Apartment.” This early motor camper had multiple slide-outs for kitchen features and to extend the bed.

The 1915 Model T from above showing slideouts and bed extension.