Welcome to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, where the history of trucking in America comes to life. This museum is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the trucking industry and showcases the evolution of trucks and trucking equipment over the years. It is a great place for visitors to learn about the growth and development of the industry that plays such a vital role in the American economy and culture. With its extensive collection of vintage trucks, trailers, and artifacts, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is an essential destination for trucking enthusiasts and anyone interested in America’s transportation history.
Explore the Rich History of Trucking at Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, located in Walcott, Iowa, is a must-visit destination for all truck enthusiasts. The museum houses a vast collection of trucks and artifacts that tell the story of the evolution of the trucking industry. Here are some of the exciting things you can experience during your visit to the museum.
Discover the Beginning of Trucking Industry
The museum has several exhibits that showcase the beginning of the trucking industry. You will learn how the industry started from a horse-drawn carriage to a modern-day truck. The collection includes a 1910 Avery Farm Truck, which was used to transport crops from the fields to the market. You will also see a 1917 Velie truck, which was used as a delivery truck for a candy company. These trucks are a testament to the ingenuity of early truck builders and the role they played in the growth of the trucking industry.
Witness the Significant Milestones
The museum’s impressive collection of trucks includes some of the significant milestones in the history of trucking. You will see the oldest Buick truck, which was built in 1909. This truck features a tilt steering column, a first of its kind during that time. You will also witness the evolution of truck design with several Peterbilt trucks, including a 1948 Peterbilt 350, and a 1980 Peterbilt 359. These trucks represent the progress of truck design and the role it played in shaping the modern-day trucking industry.
Experience Virtual Tours
If you are unable to visit the museum in person, you can still experience the collection through the museum’s virtual tours. The virtual tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the museum’s impressive collection and learn about the history of the trucking industry. You can take a virtual tour of the entire museum, or explore individual exhibits, such as the Mack Truck exhibit, the Women in Trucking exhibit, or the Antique Transportation exhibit.
In conclusion, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone interested in the history of trucking. The exhibits offer a glimpse into the past and a celebration of the industry’s evolution. Whether you visit in person or through the virtual tours, you are sure to walk away with a newfound appreciation for the trucking industry and the role it played in shaping our modern-day world.
Making the Most of Your Visit to Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Plan Ahead
Visiting a museum is always exciting, but to get the most out of your visit to Iowa 80 Trucking Museum, it is best to do a little preparation ahead of time. Check the museum’s website for hours of operation, special events, and current exhibits. This will help you plan your visit and ensure that you have plenty of time to explore all the museum has to offer. Consider joining the museum’s membership program for exclusive perks and discounted rates. This is especially beneficial for frequent visitors or those who have a genuine interest in the history of trucking.
Don’t Miss the Highlights
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum has over 100 trucks on display, making it overwhelming to know where to start. However, there are specific highlights that you wouldn’t want to miss. One of the oldest trucks in the museum’s collection is the 1910 Avery Tractor which is an incredible display of mechanical ingenuity from the early days of the trucking industry. Another exhibit worth your time is the Road-Side Diner which is a small eatery that has been designed to resemble a typical diner from the 1960s. The graphics, signs, and fixtures are all authentic and come from an actual diner that was left unused and forgotten.
Grab a Souvenir
A visit to a museum is never complete without taking home a souvenir. Iowa 80 Trucking Museum offers a gift shop filled with memorabilia, t-shirts, and other souvenir items. Pick up a memento to remember your visit, and support the museum’s ongoing efforts to preserve the history of trucking. You can choose from a variety of items ranging from miniature models of your favorite trucks to books and posters that share the story of the trucking industry. Whatever item you select, it will be a perfect reminder of your trip and the fun memories you made at the museum.
Supporting the Future of Trucking Industry
Donating to the Museum
Preserving the history of the trucking industry is no small feat and it requires ongoing support to achieve. That is why Iowa 80 Trucking Museum relies on donations to continue its mission of capturing and showcasing the evolution of the trucking industry for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Whether you are a trucking enthusiast or simply believe in the importance of preserving history, your donations are greatly appreciated. With your support, the museum can maintain and restore its collection which includes significant trucks from every decade of the 20th century. In addition, the museum will be able to continuously develop new exhibits, offer educational programs for schools and universities, and provide a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors from all over the world.
Joining the Trucker’s Jamboree
The annual Trucker’s Jamboree hosted by the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is a highly anticipated event by truckers and enthusiasts alike. It is a celebration of all things trucking, featuring live music, fireworks, truck beauty contests, food, and much more.
This popular event is a fantastic way to support the trucking industry and appreciate its rich history while having a great time. You can come with your friends and family to relax, enjoy the entertainment, and engage with other trucking enthusiasts. And don’t forget to take a stroll through the museum’s exhibition where you can learn about the evolution of the trucking industry from the early 1900s to the present day.
Volunteering
For those who are passionate about the trucking industry and its history, volunteering at the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a great cause while learning new things and meeting like-minded individuals.
Volunteers play a critical role in keeping the museum alive and operational. From assisting with events, tours, and exhibits, to maintaining and preserving the museum’s collection, each volunteer is an essential part of the museum’s team. With your time, dedication, and skills, you will help ensure that the rich history of the trucking industry is preserved and shared with others for generations to come.
Whether through donations, attending the annual Trucker’s Jamboree or volunteering, there are many ways you can support the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum and contribute to its mission of showcasing the history of one of America’s most important industries. If you are interested in supporting the museum or would like to learn more about their efforts, please visit their website or reach out to their team directly.