The Pioneer Auto Museum is a must to see when in Murdo if you like old cars from the past. I would go back to this place in the future to see it again.
We were stunned with the size of this collection. An added bonus was the cheap admission price. After going through this it became obvious that this is more of a collection of antiques and is not a 'concours' collection. The gentleman that started this museum was a picker and much of the collection merely displays his hobby. It is a shame that much of the collection is not better stored and out of the elements, but it appears that the museum operates on a shoe string budget and at least these items weren't crushed and could be restored. If you are any sort of a 'Motorhead' or history buff, you must visit this place. Caution though- you will stay a lot longer than you anticipated!
It is worth $11 for admission. Most sheds had a button to push for car information. Nothing fancy, some of those cars have been there for along time, a little junky! Do not eat at the GTO Diner!
For sure, this is quite a collection; however, it's rather sad to see the old iron rusting and crumbling. There are a number of rare vehicles that could be preserved better, if not restored. The price of admission ($11) we felt was too high. I just cannot care about seeing a collection of, for instance, old outboard motors and felt that a $6 admission would have been appropriate. All that being said, the museum was interesting and I saw old automobiles that I am unlikely to see anywhere else.
Much to see and do - lots of vehicles from over the years to see for the whole family - just a fun little stop on the way to or from the Black Hills. Very reasonably priced.
What a collection! I have never seen such a collection. If you like to watch pickers or you like old cars with patina this is a must see for you if you're in the area. There is not much else in Murdo. It took us 2 hours to get thru it and we started slipping stuff after awhile. This collection is in multiple buildings that are as antiquated as the items in them. It was fun even though I am neither a pocket fan or a car buff.
The Pioneer Auto Museum is a 65 year collection that includes 35 buildings of vintage and famous cars, trucks, tractors, peddle cars, outboard motors, implements, arrowheads, toys, buggies...you name it, he has a collection of it. Some of the items were difficult to photograph as the buildings were not well lit. The self-guided tour ends up in a 50's style diner with great American "home-style cooking" adjacent to a large gift shop. The employees are real friendly. Entry fee was $11.00 and worth every dime.
The big attraction was the General Lee car from the Dukes of Hazzard show so I didn't expect much more than that. However it was a massive place with dozens maybe hundreds of cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles, including a motorcycle owned by Elvis! Besides the vehicles, there was every collection that you can imagine, lunch boxes, dishes, toys and much more. So much to look at and some hard to see as it's stacked up. There is also a restaurant and huge gift store. Quite an interesting place.
When passing through South Dakota from Montana to MN stay in Murdo. Found this Auto Museum well worth the cost and time spent here. Found vehicles that you only read about. Easy access for handicapped. Well planned and maintained. Would stop here again if in South Dakota.
Don't let the name fool you. This is not just cars. It is an unbelievable collection of anything old including cars, tractors, motorcycles, & antiques. It was started in 1954 and there are about 40 buildings to visit. Definitely worth a stop & the $11 entrance per person.