On countless journeys to Arizona, our route consistently takes us along I-90 from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Murdo. It’s in Murdo where we transition onto U.S. Highway 83, commencing our southward trek towards North Platte, Nebraska, our planned overnight stop. As a devoted classic car aficionado, one might assume I’d have visited the famed Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo long ago. However, with our usual 10-hour driving days, stopping wasn’t a priority. The fact that much of the exhibit is outdoors, coupled with unpredictable November weather in unheated buildings, and a website cautioning about variable hours from November to April, further deterred us. This year, our summer family reunion in Colorado presented the perfect opportunity. The persistent billboards along the Interstate, beckoning travelers to the Pioneer Auto Show at Murdo, finally proved irresistible. Stopping now meant we could still reach North Platte with daylight to spare, thanks to daylight saving time.
Classic Buick car displayed at Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota, showcasing vintage design and window air conditioning.
Beyond the beautifully restored classic vehicles, such as the featured Buick, the Pioneer Auto Show boasts unique creations like a wooden car powered by twin V-8 engines. Iconic vehicles, including one of the original 17 “General Lee” 1969 Dodge Chargers from the Dukes of Hazzard TV series, are showcased prominently. However, less celebrated vehicles are displayed with minimal spacing and roped off, hindering close inspection of interiors. On the positive side, most exhibits are well-identified with informative signage detailing their history.
Unique wooden car with twin V-8 engines on display at Pioneer Auto Show, Murdo, South Dakota.
Don’t expect a formal “Concours D’elegance” setting or high-stakes auctions at this “Auto Show”. The Pioneer Auto Show feels more like a blend of a car museum and a pioneer village. TripAdvisor reviews, totaling 235, rate it from Excellent to Very Good. While “excellent” might be a stretch, “very good” aligns perfectly with my experience. It’s definitely a worthwhile stop for anyone with an interest in vintage cars or motorcycles.
Collection of older cars displayed under a shed at Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota.
Speaking of motorcycles, one entire building is dedicated to antique motorcycles, including a Harley-Davidson once owned by Elvis Presley. This striking blue motorcycle is as elaborately customized as one might expect. Unfortunately, photographing it proved challenging due to its plexiglass enclosure, which reflected too much light.
Motorcycle museum building exterior at Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota, featuring vintage signage.
The Pioneer Auto Show complex incorporates historic buildings relocated from across South Dakota. Near an old schoolhouse, a series of small rectangular signs evoke nostalgia for those familiar with Burma Shave roadside advertisements. These signs playfully read, “Past the Schoolhouse”, “Take it slow”, “Let the little”, “shavers grow”, “Burma Shave.”
Burma Shave advertisement signs near a schoolhouse at Pioneer Auto Show, Murdo, South Dakota, invoking roadside Americana.
The museum’s origins trace back to 1954 when A. J. (Dick) Geisler and his family started it. Initially, a few classic cars were used to attract visitors to stop in Murdo and refuel at his gas station. The cars proved so popular that Dick Geisler expanded his collection. Today, the Murdo Pioneer Auto Show boasts over 275 vehicles, 60 tractors, 60 motorcycles, and numerous other collectibles.
Collection of vintage tractors at Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota, showcasing agricultural machinery.
For those interested in acquiring a classic car, select vehicles are listed for sale on the Pioneer Auto Show website. While winter hours are variable, during summer, they are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Central Time, and weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Adult admission is reasonably priced at $11.50, and children aged 5-12 are $5.75. It’s always best to check their website here for the most current details. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring, longer if you are a dedicated classic car enthusiast. For families with varied interests, the “pioneer village” and other memorabilia offer additional attractions. Don’t miss the Covered Wagon Cafe for real ice cream, not the soft-serve variety. Consider these images a preview of what awaits you at the Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo.
