R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Explore Lansing's automotive legacy at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, featuring a vast collection of vehicles and the story of a true American i...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lansing's automotive legacy at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, featuring a vast collection of vehicles and the story of a true American innovator.
"A wonderful walk through the life and inventions of Mr. Olds, perfect for car enthusiasts and history lovers."
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the extensive collection and learn about R.E. Olds' life.
📸 Photo ops available
Sit in select vehicles for fun pictures! Kids under 12 often get free admission.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Curved Dash Oldsmobile
Main Exhibition Hall
See the revolutionary 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile, one of the first mass-produced automobiles in history.
R.E. Olds' Personal Collection
Special Exhibits
Explore vehicles that were part of R.E. Olds' personal life and showcase his enduring legacy.
Diverse Transportation Exhibits
Throughout the Museum
From early bicycles and tractors to classic cars and unique prototypes, discover a wide range of transportation history.
Interactive Elements for Kids
Designated Family Area
Younger visitors can sit in select vehicles for memorable photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
What to Expect at the R.E. Olds Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the extensive collection and learn about R.E. Olds' life.
📸 Photo ops available
Sit in select vehicles for fun pictures! Kids under 12 often get free admission.
🚗 Free parking on site
Enjoy the convenience of complimentary parking during your visit.
💡 Learn about innovation
Discover the history of Oldsmobile and General Motors, rooted in Lansing, Michigan.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the extensive collection and learn about R.E. Olds' life.
📸 Photo ops available
Sit in select vehicles for fun pictures! Kids under 12 often get free admission.
🚗 Free parking on site
Enjoy the convenience of complimentary parking during your visit.
💡 Learn about innovation
Discover the history of Oldsmobile and General Motors, rooted in Lansing, Michigan.
🌟 Friendly and helpful staff
Visitors often praise the staff for their knowledge and welcoming demeanor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum for its fascinating collection of historical vehicles and its engaging presentation of R.E. Olds' life and accomplishments. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the opportunity for kids to interact with some exhibits, make it a highly recommended stop for families and car enthusiasts alike.
"I loved learning about the history. Seeing all the cool cars was fun. The staff was super friendly. It was so cool to see the history of R. E. Olds. We learned so much about him and his family. I would recommend going here."
Alice Whitmore
"Great museum. The car collection is amazing. Great story of the man and his accomplishments. Helpful staff. Free parking."
T-roy Sierra
"We spent three hours in the R. E. Olds Museum—it was the highlight of our ride through Michigan. The museum has Oldsmobiles from 1887 (steam) to the early 2000s. The curators have designed a wonderful walk through the life and inventions of Mr. Olds. Perfect museum for car enthusiasts and U. S. history lovers."
Thomas A. Cleves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is located in Lansing, Michigan. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. For those using public transport, check local Lansing transit routes for bus accessibility to the museum's vicinity.
Yes, the museum offers convenient and free parking for visitors, making it easy to access your vehicle after your visit.
Lansing is accessible via major highways. If flying, the closest airport is Lansing Capital Region International Airport (LAN), which is a short drive from the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $7 for adults, with children under 12 often admitted for free. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most current pricing.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as birthday celebrations for the REO Motor Car Company. Keep an eye on their announcements for upcoming festivities.
While specific discounts vary, children under 12 often receive free admission. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for any ongoing promotions or group rates.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to visit the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm their current hours of operation before your visit.
While not always necessary, purchasing tickets in advance can sometimes save time, especially during peak seasons or special event days. Check their website for online ticketing options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find an impressive collection of automobiles, engines, bicycles, tractors, and other forms of transportation, spanning from the late 1800s to the early 2000s. 
Yes, the museum is great for kids! They can learn about automotive history and even sit in some vehicles for fun photo opportunities.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits and learn about R.E. Olds' contributions.
While primarily a display museum, there are opportunities for interaction, such as sitting in certain vehicles for photos, which kids particularly enjoy.
Ransom E. Olds was a pioneering automotive industrialist, known for founding Oldsmobile and being instrumental in the early development of the American automobile industry.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use inside the museum. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
Absolutely! The diverse collection of vintage vehicles provides numerous excellent photo opportunities. You can even sit in some cars for unique shots.
The iconic 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile, the various classic cars from different eras, and unique items like the Marbelite traffic signal are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
They'll love seeing cars from different eras and especially enjoy the chance to sit in some of the vintage vehicles for fun photos. It's a great way to spark their interest in history and engineering in a hands-on, engaging environment. Plan for about 2-3 hours to explore without rushing.🚗 Car Enthusiasts & History Buffs
Beyond Oldsmobiles, the museum showcases a variety of other historical vehicles, engines, and transportation artifacts that tell the broader story of American innovation. 🏛️ History & Culture Explorers
The museum's exhibits provide context on how transportation has shaped society and technology over time. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of R.E. Olds
+1 His innovations, particularly the mass-produced 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile, revolutionized car manufacturing and made automobiles accessible to a wider audience. The museum meticulously chronicles his life, his inventive spirit, and his significant contributions to the industrial landscape of Lansing and beyond. Visitors often express surprise at the depth of Olds' impact, learning not just about his cars but also about his other ventures and his role in shaping early American industry. The curators have done an excellent job of presenting his story in an engaging and informative way, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts.
Exploring the Vehicle Collection
+1 You'll find everything from sleek classic cars and utilitarian trucks to unique prototypes and even early forms of transportation like bicycles and tractors. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated to tell a story, showcasing not just the vehicles themselves but also the technological advancements and societal changes they represent. The museum also features interesting artifacts like vintage engines and a Marbelite 4-way traffic signal, adding further depth to the transportation narrative.
This extensive collection makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of how we move. A Family-Friendly Experience
One of the most popular features for kids is the opportunity to sit in select vehicles, creating memorable photo opportunities and a hands-on connection to the exhibits.
With admission often free for children under 12, it's an affordable and enriching outing. The museum's friendly staff and well-organized displays also contribute to a positive experience for visitors of all ages. 
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