Despite the economic environment that brought Michiana's RV industry to its knees, it is making a comeback and going strong in Elkhart.

The RV Hall of Fame Museum serves as a tribute to this industry that carried both a community and a region.

This is a story of change and of progress.

“Very basic units that any family could afford to some high end luxury end vehicles that anybody could be comfortable in, and that's the evolution that takes place here,” says Al Hesselbart from the museum.

Elkhart has long been known as the RV capital of the world and today, that reputation is still going strong.

“RV's and the related suppliers and service industry are by far the biggest employer. Many, many hundreds of families support themselves on this industry.”

The industry came about many years ago, and to celebrate that history, the RV Hall of Fame Museum in Elkhart proudly displays dozens and dozens of RVs.

That is not the only thing the hall has plenty of. Hundreds of people visit the museum every week, and you may be surprised to find out how far some will travel to see the displays.

“Well we saw this museum on a brochure when we stopped at one of the rest points on the I-90,” says Hugh Monroe of Sydney, Australia. “I thought ‘wow, we're in an RV.’ We really should go to a museum about RVs. And our RV broke down, right near here which was like the RV saying ‘you need to go and see this!’”

From one RV to another, visitors can watch the progression of the industry with every step down the museum's halls.

They can even check out some of the newest models on the market and learn about RVing not just for a hobby, but for a lifestyle.

“The American people or a high percentage of us are vagabonds and explorers. We like to see this wonderful country of ours,” says Hesselbart.

He says he came on to manage the building when the museum opened in the mid-1990s and never dreamed he would end up where he is today.

“I had no background in RVing in any way, shape or form. I, jokingly, say that I couldn't even spell RV when I came on board.”

However now that he has hopped behind the wheel, he would never turn back.

“I had decided this is for me!”

Many museum visitors say they feel the same way. RVing is not only a piece of American history, but an unforgettable experience.

“An RV is really the way to go when you're having an adventure, and boy, what a great adventure all the way from Australia. We love it,” adds Monroe.

Monroe has been RVing in countries such as Japan and Europe, and he says he could not imagine living any other way.
The museum is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Saturday, and it is closed on Sundays.

Admission is $8. For seniors or groups of 14 or more, the price is $6. Children six to sixteen are free.

For more information about the museum and RVing, just click on the Big Red Bar.