NEWS: THE HEART OF THE RV AND MANUFACTURED HOUSING INDUSTRY LIVES HERE!
Welcome to the ultimate destination for every road warrior, history buff, and industry professional! I’m Daryll Milnikel, President of The RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc., and I am thrilled to take you on a high-octane tour of our 100,000-square-foot tribute to the American dream of mobile living!
We aren’t just a museum, we are the keepers of the flame! Our mission is simple but powerful: PRESERVE, PROTECT, and PROMOTE the incredible history of the RV and manufactured housing industries! From the earliest “housecars” to the high-tech motorhomes of tomorrow, we honor the industry trailblazers who paved the way!
Click here to explore our official mission and legacy: About the Foundation
THE MISSION: PRESERVING A CENTURY OF INNOVATION!
The RV/MH Heritage Foundation was born out of a desperate need to save our history before it vanished into the rearview mirror! Founded in 1972, we’ve grown into a global beacon for enthusiasts! We are the bridge between the rugged pioneers of the 1910s and the visionary engineers of 2026!
WHY WE DO IT:
- To Educate: Showcasing how mobile living changed the world!
- To Honor: Recognizing the giants who built these industries from the ground up!
- To Inspire: Fueling the next generation of explorers and builders!
See how you can stand with us in this mission: Support the Foundation
THE HALL OF FAME: HONORING THE LEGENDS!
This is the INNER SANCTUM! The Hall of Fame is where we immortalize the people who didn’t just build trailers, they built a lifestyle! Every year, we induct a new class of industry trailblazers who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and innovation.
WALK THE GALLERY OF GIANTS!
The Hall of Fame Gallery is a sacred space. It features the portraits and stories of those who dared to dream big! These are the men and women who invented the slide-out, perfected the chassis, and revolutionized affordable housing for millions!
Relive the magic of our past induction ceremonies here:
ATTENTION: We need YOUR help to keep this flame burning! Every donation supports the upkeep of these legendary archives!
Make your mark on history today: Support the Foundation
FOUNDERS HALL: A TIME MACHINE ON WHEELS!
Step into Founders Hall and prepare to be blown away! This is the chronological heart of the museum. You will walk through the decades, starting with the very beginning of the RV movement!
MUST-SEE EXHIBITS:
- THE 1913 EARL TRAVEL TRAILER: The oldest known travel trailer in the world! It’s the “Genesis” of our industry!
- MAE WEST’S 1931 CHEVROLET HOUSECAR: A Hollywood legend’s personal luxury lounge! Imagine the stories these walls could tell!
- THE OLDEST WINNEBAGO: See the vehicle that made “Winnebago” a household name!
- THE SMALLEST AIRSTREAM: A marvel of compact engineering that still turns heads today!
Check out our current Wish List to see what we’re looking to add to the collection next: Exhibits & Collections
MANUFACTURED HOUSING: REINVENTING THE AMERICAN HOME!
We aren’t just about travel; we are about HOME! Our MH Museum celebrates the evolution of manufactured housing. It is a testament to quality, affordability, and the spirit of community!
DISCOVER THE MILESTONES:
- See the transition from “trailers” to modern, high-performance manufactured homes!
- Explore three fully furnished homes that showcase the peak of interior design and structural integrity!
- Marvel at the Mars Colony Exhibit, the future of manufactured housing isn’t just on Earth; it’s in the stars!
JOIN THE CHALLENGE!
The Clayton Challenge is our rallying cry for the MH industry! We are calling on all donors to step up and ensure this history is preserved for a hundred more years!
See the list of heroes who have already stepped up: Donors & Sponsors
THE LIBRARY: THE WORLD’S PREMIER RESEARCH HUB!
Knowledge is power! Our Library and Research Center is the most comprehensive repository of RV and MH information on the planet!
WHAT’S INSIDE:
- Thousands of historical magazines and periodicals dating back to the 1950s!
- Technical manuals for vintage rigs that you can’t find anywhere else!
- Corporate archives from the biggest names in the business!
Whether you are a restorer looking for original specs or a historian tracking industry trends, this library is your GOLD MINE!
Planning a research trip? Contact us first: Contact the Foundation
EVENTS THAT SHAKE THE INDUSTRY!
We don’t just sit still! The RV/MH Hall of Fame is a living, breathing hub of activity! From our annual induction dinners to the massive Supplier Show, we are where the industry meets to do business and celebrate!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
- The Annual Golf Classic: Swing for a cause at the Christiana Creek Country Club!
- The Supplier Show: See the latest parts and tech from the best in the business!
- Induction Ceremony: The biggest night of the year for the RV/MH Heritage Foundation!
Explore current Foundation programs and events:
VISIT US IN THE RV CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!
Elkhart, Indiana, is the beating heart of RV manufacturing. Over 80% of all RVs in North America are built right here in our backyard! Visiting the Hall of Fame is a pilgrimage every enthusiast must make!
PLAN YOUR VISIT NOW!
- LOCATION: 5600 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, Indiana 46514.
- PARKING: Massive pull-through spots for rigs up to 65 feet! Bring your home with you!
- TIME: Give yourself at least 2-3 hours. There is way too much to see in a quick walk-through!
ADMISSION DEALS:
- Adults: $20
- Seniors: $15
- Kids (6-16): $12
- Under 5: FREE!
Ready to hit the road? Start your journey here: https://www.thervmhhalloffame.org/blog
SHOW YOUR PRIDE: SHOP THE HALL!
Want to take a piece of history home? Our shop is loaded with exclusive gear that shows the world you support the preservation of our heritage!
GEAR UP:
- Official RV/MH Heritage Foundation apparel!
- Unique collectibles and vintage-style memorabilia!
- Books and guides on RV history!
Browse the complete Hall of Fame inductee directory.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: YOUR CALL TO ACTION!
We are a non-profit, and we rely on YOU! The legends in our Hall of Fame didn’t wait for things to happen, they made them happen! You can do the same!
THREE WAYS TO HELP TODAY:
- DONATE: Every dollar keeps the lights on and the engines (symbolically) running! Support the Foundation
- VISIT: Bring your family, your club, and your friends!
- SPREAD THE WORD: Share our story! Tell the world about the industry trailblazers who made modern travel possible!
URGENT: Our history is fragile! Without the support of enthusiasts like you, the stories of the early housecars and the pioneers of manufactured housing could be lost forever! ACT NOW!
Review our donor list and join the ranks of the elite: Donors & Sponsors
FINAL WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT
Folks, it’s an honor to lead this foundation. Every time I walk through Founders Hall, I’m reminded of the grit and determination it took to build this industry. We aren’t just looking at old metal and wood: we are looking at the spirit of freedom!
Come see us in Elkhart! Let’s celebrate these legends together!
Daryll Milnikel
President, The RV/MH Heritage Foundation Inc.
Join the mailing list to stay connected.
Support the Foundation through the currently verified giving pathways.
STAY BRIGHT. STAY BOLD. KEEP ROLLING!
Learn more about our star donors: Donors & Sponsors