America On Wheels Museum | Allentown

America On Wheels Museum – Allentown, Pennsylvania

America On Wheels is a specialized transportation museum dedicated to showcasing the rich history and evolution of wheeled vehicles in America. Located in downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania, it is one of the premier museums in the region focused entirely on the story of cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and related transportation artifacts.

Overview and Mission

Founded in 2005, the museum’s mission is to educate and inspire visitors by highlighting the technological innovation, cultural impact, and design evolution of vehicles that have shaped American life and industry. Through its diverse collection, rotating exhibits, educational programs, and interactive displays, America On Wheels connects people to the history of transportation and its ongoing influence on society.

Collection Highlights

Vehicles: The museum houses over 75 vehicles spanning the early 20th century to modern times. This includes classic cars, historic trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles. Highlights often include vintage muscle cars, rare prototypes, custom motorcycles, and restored commercial vehicles.

Artifacts: Beyond vehicles, the collection includes historic signage, license plates, transportation tools, automotive parts, and memorabilia that tell the broader story of American road culture.

Restoration Center: Adjacent to the museum is the RB Collection Restoration Center, where visitors can observe vehicle restorations in progress, preserving automotive history for future generations.

Exhibitions

The museum features a mix of permanent displays and temporary exhibits that rotate every six months. These exhibits explore themes like:

The golden age of muscle cars

The role of transportation in wartime America

Innovations in motorcycle design

Car club culture and customization

The future of transportation technology

Recent exhibits have included detailed presentations on car clubs, highlighting their influence on automotive culture and community.

Educational Programs

America On Wheels offers educational outreach tailored to schools and families, including:

Guided tours focusing on STEM principles behind automotive engineering

Workshops and summer camps exploring mechanics and design

Special events like classic car shows and meetups that engage enthusiasts of all ages

Partnerships with local schools for curriculum support on transportation history

Visitor Experience

HubCap Café: The museum features a nostalgic 1950s-style soda fountain café serving classic snacks like hot dogs, soft pretzels, ice cream floats, and milkshakes—perfect for a family break during the visit.

Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Location and Hours: Situated at 5 North Front Street, downtown Allentown, it’s easily accessible via public transit and parking garages nearby. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday with extended hours on Thursdays.

Admission and Special Offers

General admission is affordable, with discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and children.

Special programs such as “Free Kids Thursdays” encourage family visits.

Guided tours of the Restoration Center are available on certain days for an additional fee.

Summary

America On Wheels offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the vehicles that have helped shape American society. With its rich collection, rotating exhibits, educational programs, and family-friendly amenities, it stands as a must-visit destination for anyone interested in automotive history, technology, and culture in the Lehigh Valley region.