America on Wheels Auto Museum Review: Tips and Suggestions for Visiting

Saturday, March 26, 2022
Do you have a kid who loves cars? Hold on to your hubcaps! We're heading beyond New Jersey for this post, but not too far beyond.  America On Wheels Auto Museum is located in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and it's worth the ride if you're a car enthusiast. Well, even if you're not, I think it's a fun place and worth the trip.

*This post has been freshly updated for 2022!


Disclosure: this is not a sponsored post. We love America on Wheels and have visited often. No one paid me to tell you so!

Please check the America on Wheels website or call ahead before visiting in order to ensure the most accurate information. 

What is America On Wheels Auto Museum?

America on Wheels is an auto and transportation museum located in Allentown, Pennsylvania.  They have permanent displays and rotating exhibits.  You can see everything from antique cars, classic cars, Mack trucks, transportation vehicles, bicycles, collectibles, artwork and more.


How Much Will America on Wheels Cost Me?

One of the most appealing things about the museum is the affordable entry fee.  As of the publication date of this entry, adults are only $13.00 each, $10.00 for seniors 62 and up, $7.00 for kids ages 6 to 16, and children 5 and under are FREE!  (but always be sure to check their website for the most up to date ticket prices. They are open year round, but again, days and hours vary, so check their website or call ahead for exact information).


What Will I See at America on Wheels Auto Museum?

As soon as you enter the parking lot you'll notice a car right away in the upstairs window.  The cars on display change- the one pictured in the window here was from "The Fast and the Furious" movies (but that was a temporary exhibit, so don't expect to see that one when you visit).


The museum has permanent exhibits and rotating exhibits.  We visited during their "Cars as Stars" exhibit, so we were able to see cars from famous movies (the Austin Powers VW Beetle, a jalopy from "The Muppet Movie" and many more!  So cool!).

Yeah, baby!  It's the Austin Powers VW Bug!

During another visit we loved seeing their old time kiddie cars! Check out that plush interior!


There are even fun things to see in the entryway, before you even begin to trek around the museum:

A display in the front lobby of the America on Wheels Auto Museum

And note that the museum is about 'America on Wheels,' so you're not going to just see cars.  There are bicycles on display, too, and the one pictured below just made me squeal! (I am a big Pee Wee Herman fan!)

Pee Wee Herman's bicycle on display at the museum.

Old bicycles at the America on Wheels Museum

There are trucks and race cars that kids can climb inside, too.

Crazy driver at the wheel!

The displays are beautiful and eye-catching, and The Jersey Momma's Boy loved seeing the imaginary buildings surrounded by real vehicles!

Life-size displays of cars and garages

This is a great trip to take with grandparents, too.  We brought Grammy and Poppy along, and they loved seeing the cars from their own era, and even some of the ride-on toys, too!

They have cars from many eras at America on Wheels!

Where Can I Eat at America on Wheels Auto Museum?

The Hubcap Cafe is a small ice cream parlor inside the museum, made to look like a 1950's diner. There's even an old working jukebox playing!  The cafe is only open certain days/seasons, so be sure to check ahead. The cafe wasn't supposed to be open when we were there, but they were kind enough to open it for the weekday guests so we could have some ice cream. Yummy! 

If you're looking for a place to eat outside of the museum, there isn't much in the immediate area. You can take a ten minute drive down to the Lehigh Valley Mall for more choices: Dave and Busters, Chipotle, Starbucks, White Castle, Bonefish Grill, and more. We drove into Phillipsburg, NJ for Chick-fil-A.


A balloon sculpture outside of the Hubcap Cafe!

There is a small gift shop at the front of the museum with a variety of toys and t-shirts.  Everyone we encountered there was so friendly; we really enjoyed our visit!


JERSEY MOMMA TIPS

*America on Wheels hosts events and festivities at their museum often.  They have special weekend events and visiting car associations constantly, so check their Facebook page or website for details.

*Keep in mind that this is a small museum in Allentown, so don't expect The Museum of Natural History!  But you get your money's worth and the museum is interesting and fun.

*The museum does offer free admission days for Seniors and kids under 12. Check their FAQ section for more details.  

*Keep an eye on their rotating exhibits. If the current exhibit is not something you'd like to see, check ahead to see what their next exhibit will be (I recommend joining their mailing list or visiting their Facebook page).  I was really excited to see the "Cars as Stars," so I planned our visit based on the running times of that exhibit.

*Lehigh Valley Mall is about a ten-fifteen minute drive from the museum if you want to extend your day. There are plenty of restaurant choices near the mall, as well. Exploring Allentown? Also check out DaVinci Science Center or Planet Snoopy at Dorney Park

*I can't stress enough to check their website before you visit, or call ahead to check their hours of operation.  www.americaonwheels.org   Have fun!!


Visit America on Wheels at
5 North Front Street
Allentown, PA 18102
(610) 432-4200

























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