FEEL THE NEED FOR SPEED? When crossing the country on Interstate 80 be sure to pull into the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska. Founded in 1992 by Bill & Joyce Smith, the 150,000 square foot museum is presently adding on another 90,000 square feet to be able to display the museum’s growing collection.
“Speedy” Bill Smith knew automobiles and racing firsthand so in 1952 he and Joyce founded Speedway Motors, a nationally known company and the place to purchase everything you need to restore a classic automobile from any decade. From that successful business they determined there was a need for a place to continue their collection and share it with others interested in American vehicles, especially those with speed.
From the moment we walked through the doors, Jim and I knew this was an extraordinary collection of vehicles that ranks right up there with the Peterson Museum in Los Angeles. The collection consists of vehicles, motors and memorabilia through the years so there is definitely something for everyone.
Jim has worked with the museum curator, Tim Matthews, over the past few years so we were honored to have a tour of the facility led by Tim and followed by lunch where we talked about all things with wheels. Tim’s knowledge of everything in the museum is absolutely amazing and our conversation could have easily continued through dinner.
Be sure to place this museum on your Bucket List if you are in the area. To my Airstream friends, the museum is a member of Harvest Host. If you need a fun place to spend the night and a great museum, reserve your spot!
Camp Dawg 