The museum founder, Dale Walksler, specifically curated the collection to focus on 'running' history rather than static museum pieces.
The collection contains the world's only known examples of certain early 20th-century American motorcycle brands.
The museum floor covers roughly 38,000 square feet of display space.
Many of the motorcycles are kept in their original 'as-found' condition rather than being cosmetically restored to showroom quality.
The museum houses rare prototypes, including custom-built machines from the early motorcycle racing era.
The facility functions as a research center for motorcycle historians seeking information on obsolete mechanical systems.
Wheels Through Time is a motorcycle museum housing a collection of over 300 rare American vintage motorcycles. The museum specializes in operating machines, meaning a high percentage of the displayed motorcycles are maintained in running condition. Exhibits focus on the history of American motorcycling, including rare brands like Crocker, Pope, and Yale. The facility serves as a living history center where many machines are started and ridden throughout the museum floor. The collection also features extensive memorabilia, rare automobile prototypes, and historical period artifacts. It is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North Carolina. Unlike traditional static museums, this venue emphasizes the mechanical preservation of internal combustion history.
The central showroom floor featuring the dense arrangement of early 1900s board-track racers.
Listen for the staff starting up bikes; they often announce it over the loudspeaker when a rare machine is about to be run.
Allow extra time to read the detailed placards, as they contain specific mechanical history unique to each machine.
Check the museum's social media feeds before arriving for updates on 'crank-up' demonstrations occurring that day.
Do not assume the museum is just a walk-through gallery; missing a live engine demonstration significantly limits the experience.
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the season; typically closed during winter months.
Do not touch the motorcycles; be mindful of limited clearance in aisles when cameras or equipment are in use.
