Flathead County Historical Society Museum | Kalispell

The Classic Car Collection is a museum housing a significant assembly of vintage automobiles located in Kearney, Nebraska, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a single-story structure with a red brick facade. The interior exhibition space features polished concrete floors and white walls, designed to highlight the vehicles. The cars themselves represent a range of makes and models from the early 20th century to the late 1970s, showcasing diverse body styles, paint finishes, and interior designs.

Location & Access Logistics

The Classic Car Collection is situated at 2111 West 56th Street, Kearney, NE 68801. It is approximately 4.5 kilometers west of the Kearney city center. Access is via U.S. Route 30 (Second Avenue) and then turning south onto West 56th Street. Ample free parking is available on-site in a dedicated lot adjacent to the building. No public transport routes directly serve the museum; private vehicle or taxi is recommended.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The collection was established by local businessman and car enthusiast Gary L. Petersen. The building itself was constructed in the late 20th century to house his private automotive acquisitions. The purpose of the museum is to preserve and display automotive history for public viewing.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe over 200 vehicles on display, including models from Ford, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Packard. Specific exhibits focus on different eras of automotive design and engineering. Photography is permitted without flash.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the parking lot. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the museum. No food vendors are located within the museum; nearest options are approximately 1.5 kilometers east along U.S. Route 30.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays generally offers fewer crowds. Lighting conditions inside are consistent due to artificial illumination.

Facts & Legends

One notable vehicle in the collection is a 1911 Ford Model T, which predates the widespread adoption of assembly line production for that model. The museum often features rotating exhibits, so checking their current display schedule is advisable.

Nearby Landmarks

• Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce (1.2km East)
• The Museum of Nebraska Art (3.8km East)
• Cottonmill Park (3.1km Southeast)
• Kearney Archway Monument (4.0km East)