Photo: Kevin Larson
Photo: Tom Brinkman (RoadRunner)
Photo: Alicia Nowroski
Pioneer Auto Museum
★4.6(804 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger elementary kids are wowed by the sheer variety of colorful vintage cars and quirky antiques, while older children and teens with an interest in history, engineering, or cars will dive deep into the technical details and timeline of automotive evolution.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Pioneer Auto Museum offers an impressive journey through automotive history with over 275 vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles that captivate car-loving kids and adults alike. Beyond the classic vehicles, the museum features fascinating memorabilia collections including antique toys, musical instruments, and Americana that bring the past to life in ways children can actually see and appreciate.
Highlights
- ✓Over 275 vintage cars including rare models like the Tucker and an amphibious car
- ✓Antique motorcycle collection that fascinates kids of all ages
- ✓Elvis Presley memorabilia and music box collection
- ✓Vintage toy displays and old-time storefronts recreated with authentic details
- ✓Classic Americana collection including old signs, jukeboxes, and everyday items from bygone eras
Pro Tips
- 1.The museum is larger than it appears from outside,plan for more time than you'd expect and wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of ground to cover
- 2.Kids love the old motorcycles and unusual vehicles like the Tucker and Amphicar, so make sure to point these out
- 3.Pick up the self-guided tour information at the entrance to help explain vehicle history to older kids who want to learn more
- 4.Don't miss the Elvis memorabilia collection and antique music boxes,they're unexpected hits with kids who might tire of just cars
- 5.Arrive earlier in the day during summer months when the museum is less crowded and temperatures are more comfortable
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings during spring or fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is popular due to road trip season, so expect more visitors, especially on weekends. Early arrival any day gives you more space to explore at your own pace.
What to Know
The museum is fully indoor and climate-controlled, making it perfect for any weather. There's ample free parking, and while there's no on-site dining, Murdo has several family-friendly restaurants within a short drive along I-90.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with indoor exhibits, making it an excellent option regardless of South Dakota's weather. Hours may vary seasonally, so call ahead during winter months or holidays to confirm opening times.
Nearby Eats
The Rusty Spur Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Murdo offers kid-friendly American fare including burgers and comfort food. Star Restaurant is another local option with home-style cooking and reasonable prices perfect for families on a road trip budget.
More Activities Near Lincoln
Museum
Morrill Hall
$
Morrill Hall brings science to life through captivating planetarium shows, immersive OMNIMAX films on a giant screen, and hands-on exhibits that encourage curious minds to explore. Located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, this interactive science museum offers families an engaging blend of natural history, astronomy, and educational entertainment that makes learning an adventure.
Museum
Lincoln Children's Museum
★4.7$$❤️345
Lincoln Children's Museum is a hands-on paradise designed specifically for young learners, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage exploration through play. With dedicated spaces for water play, creative art studios, and physical climbing structures, this museum keeps preschoolers and elementary-aged children engaged for hours while parents appreciate the educational value woven into every activity.
Museum
University of Nebraska State Museum - Morrill Hall
★4.7$❤️16
The University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall brings natural history to life with towering dinosaur skeletons, authentic Egyptian mummies, and impressive wildlife exhibits that captivate curious minds. This hands-on museum offers an educational adventure where kids can explore everything from ancient fossils to native Nebraska wildlife, making it a perfect rainy-day destination or learning-focused outing in Lincoln.
Museum
Sheldon Museum of Art
★4.6$❤️93
The Sheldon Museum of Art offers a wonderful introduction to visual arts for children of all ages right on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. With specially designed family programs, interactive exhibits, and a diverse collection of American art, this free museum makes cultural exploration accessible and engaging for young visitors without overwhelming them.