Elkhart County, Indiana, proudly holds the title “RV Capital of the World,” with half of the RVs on the road today being manufactured there. So it only makes sense that Elkhart is also home to the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum (Recreational Vehicle and Manufactured Housing—not motor home, like you were probably thinking).
Although I’m not an RVer—I’m a hotel-er—I like finding unexpected, offbeat attractions. The RV/MH Hall of Fame has an amazing collection, and the journey through RV history is wild. I wouldn’t stay in a single one of them, but wow, they were fun to see!
I took a ton of RV Hall of Fame photos, so I’ll share a few of my faves here, along with some exhibits you absolutely should not miss!
Thank you, Elkhart County, IN Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting my visit.
How WWII Shaped the Evolution of RVs and Mobile Homes
In the 1940s, returning WWII soldiers needed housing quickly. The RV industry jumped on this, creating larger units for stationary living instead of travel. Mobile home parks and campgrounds popped up to meet these needs. Trailers were arranged in rows, similar to today’s manufactured housing communities. This led the RV industry to split into two paths: fancy travel RVs with kitchens and restrooms and the manufactured housing industry we know today.
How is the RV Hall of Fame Museum Organized?
- RV Founders Hall – A chronological collection of trailers, housecars, motorhomes, and memorabilia from pre-World War I to the current day.
- MH Museum – This collection highlights major milestones, from covered wagons to the 1980s, and includes three fully furnished manufactured homes. The final stop is a futuristic MH colony on Mars.
- Go RVing Hall – Modern-day RVs and campers.
- Exhibitors Hall – Displays for various manufacturers and service providers in the RV and manufactured housing industry.
- Kindlund Library – A library dedicated to RV and manufactured housing archives—a researcher’s paradise.
- Gift Shop – But, of course!
RV/MH HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM HIGHLIGHTS
Mae West Housecar
This exhibit was a standout for me! Paramount Studios designed this 1931 Chevy housecar specifically for movie star Mae West to entice her away from her vaudeville contract and into the world of movies. It wasn’t designed as a sleeping car but a luxurious chauffeur-driven lounge car.
Charles Lindbergh Travel Trailer
Another highlight for me was this 1939 custom-built trailer for Charles Lindbergh, the first pilot to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic in 1927. It features dual axles for stability and an aluminum exterior.
Oldest Surviving RV
The 1913 Earl travel trailer is believed to be the oldest surviving non-tent travel trailer. It had a table and two benches that converted into a bed.
Cadillac Eldorado Motor Home
This could be the most eye-catching motorhome at the Elkhart RV Museum. It was built in 1988 on a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado chassis. Remarkably, it can fit inside a standard residential garage!
Tennessee Traveler
The 1931 Tennessee Traveler, a housecar built on a Model AA Ford chassis, features yellow pine flooring and oak and yellow poplar cabinetry. Originally, it had flat, backless benches for the driver and passenger.
More Elkhart RV Hall of Fame Museum Photos
There’s plenty more to see, but those are some of my favorite exhibits. I hope I’ve piqued your interest enough to plan a trip to Elkhart County, Indiana (where you’ll find makers and crafters galore), and visit the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum!
More articles about Elkhart County to come. Subscribe and stay tuned!
Read Next: Ruthmere Mansion (Elkhart IN): Your Guide to a Fascinating Tour
Know Before You Go
RH/MV Hall of Fame and Museum
Address: 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, Indiana 46514 (near Indiana Toll Road 80/90)
Admission: Adult – $20, Senior (60+) – $15, Children (6-16) – $12, under 5 – free.
Tour Info: Self-guided tours allow you to explore inside some RVs and trailers and peek inside the rest.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Sun 10 am to 3 pm.
Pet Policy: Well-behaved pets on leashes, harnesses, or in strollers.
Parking: Standard auto parking and RV parking 65-foot pull-through parking spaces. Electric hook-ups and water are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Harvest Host members welcome.
Restrooms: Available.
Website
Visit the Elkhart County, IN Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more area information and help planning a well-crafted itinerary.
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