Michigan is famed for its rich automotive legacy and few places celebrate that heritage as well as the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. This enthralling museum features a vast collection of vintage car models, as well as bicycles and carriages. Follow the story of the REO Motor Car Company and the classic Oldsmobile from its inception in the 1880s to the present day.
Ransom Eli Olds is one of Lansing’s most famous historical figures and the entrepreneur behind REO. Trace the fortunes of his businesses, which started in 1897 with the Olds Motor Works. The museum also covers Lansing’s other contributions to the transportation industry, with vehicles dating back to 1886.
Marvel at some of the highlights of the museum’s collections, such as a NASCAR racing vehicle from 1953 and a vintage curved-dash Oldsmobile from the turn of the 20th century. Lose hours exploring the exhibits, which include over 60 vehicles. The collection also includes a selection of REO lawnmowers, among the first of their kind.
In addition, the museum displays automotive memorabilia, with a collection of thousands of items. Take a tour of the museum and stop to admire hood ornaments, traditional dashboards and more. Browse a gallery dedicated to First Responders and the vehicles they use to save lives. Another display chronicles the history of advertising in the car industry.
Check the museum’s website for upcoming events hosted in the museum. The annual Car Capital Auto Show is a huge community event in summer that involves driving demonstrations and automobile competitions.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is located just off the Lansing River Trail, near the historic center of the city. Walk here in about 10 minutes from the Michigan State Capitol or take a bus and get off at a nearby stop. Limited parking is available by the museum. The attraction is open from Tuesday to Sunday, except during winter when it also closes on Sundays.