R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing: Hours, Address, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
From rare vehicles like REO, Star, Durant, and Viking to classic Oldsmobiles, buggies, bicycles, aviation endeavors, trucks and engines- enjoy the excitement of transportation history! See why we are rated one of "The Ten Best Automobile Museums in the United States" exhibiting a small collection, by Car Collector Magazine.
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Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
169 reviews
Excellent
102
Very good
53
Average
14
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Diane B
Fairview Heights, IL330 contributions
This is a small, unairconditioned building, so if it's hot outside, it is a bit uncomfortable. R.E. Olds was ahead of his time with his ideas on making cars. There are some neat autos here, but you mostly learn about Olds and his ideas for making a good car.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David L
1 contribution
I've been to the REOlds museum a few times. I've always liked older cars, especially Oldsmobiles. My 1st Car was a 1965 Olds Dynamic 88 sedan. You can see classic Oldsmobiles and learn about the Olds history. See many different significant Olds cars, and REO's. If you want a ride in an actual 1910's car, make plans on being in Lansing on the Tourist in your Town event at the museum. The museum often has rare Olds items from time to time. Like the prototype Olds 425 hemi v8 engine. Too bad that motor never went into production. Would have made the 442 a serious contender against Mopars hemi cars.
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheaterLovers
Bay City, MI183 contributions
Couples
Great museum. Marvelous small collection of early Olds and REO vehicles. Auto buffs will appreciate the attention to detail. General history buffs will enjoy the period correct displays. The museum store is reasonably priced.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darin H
Waterford, MI233 contributions
Couples
The museum has a lot of cars which is interesting. Seeing the Olds company move from the beginnings forward and all the things they did was good. But it really isn’t worth the $10 admission price. I feel $5-6 would be a better value. It only took us about 30 minutes to go through it all.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are happy that you did find our museum interesting, at least to some degree. Most people spend well over the half hour that you spent here. Some have even spent the entire day. Each person will get different things from our exhibits, so we understand that not everyone will spend that much time.
As for our admission price... where else will be get any level of entertainment for $10? We have not raised our price for more than 5 years and we are one of the the lowest cost Automobile Museums in the country. We are really sorry that you did not feel you received your monies worth.
If at any time you would like to revisit us we would like to give that opportunity at no cost to you. Just remind us of this review.
Written May 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carmen r
Bologna, Italy23 contributions
Amazing, astounding, outrageous place for anyone interesting in history, cars, or any type of technology. R.E. Olds started out making little STEAM ENGINES and they are all here. They have maybe 20 restored steam engines (which would probably work), from something that would fit in a wheelbarrow to giant ones for factories and sawmills. Speaking of factories, they have drawings and replicas showing the first auto factories, with the actual belt drives that transferred the power from the engines to the machines. There is an electric automobile from 1899, with pictures of women driving it--making me wonder if gas cars were considered more "manly." (I'm a woman who drives an electric car today). Also an EV1 from 1999. Meticulously-restored Oldsmobiles from all eras. I can't imagine the Vista Cruiser station wagon or the Toronado on the road today. These are priceless autos that you won't see anywhere else. Just the group of curved dash Oldsmobiles, made from 1901-1907, is worth the price of admission. There is room for kids to circulate, and you can touch some of the exhibits.
Written October 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie C
Indianapolis, IN215 contributions
Couples
My husband and I visited the museum today and loved it!
The collection is stunning and cover the entire history of RE OLDS and his company with videos, oral history, family heirlooms and of course pretty much every car ever owned and built by RE OLDS
If you are in anyway a fan of cars, appreciate their art and design or curious about cars this is your museum. You won’t be sorry!
The museum was recently featured on AMERICAN PICKERS
We will bring our 7 year old next time!
The collection is stunning and cover the entire history of RE OLDS and his company with videos, oral history, family heirlooms and of course pretty much every car ever owned and built by RE OLDS
If you are in anyway a fan of cars, appreciate their art and design or curious about cars this is your museum. You won’t be sorry!
The museum was recently featured on AMERICAN PICKERS
We will bring our 7 year old next time!
Written August 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much for visiting and for the review! We change our exhibits often so we look forward to you returning with your 7 year old.
Written August 29, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
indydiscountdiva
40 contributions
Family
Our son is into cars (12yrs old). He likes the place but didn’t want to read the information on the cars. The place is neat to see all the history but I’ll be warn you daughters and moms will not be very happy. They have a family price, $15 for up to 5 people made this very affordable.
Written October 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessie B
Owosso, MI29 contributions
Family
First of all, I must admit I'm not much of a car/mechanical person other than to admire how "pretty" some of them are. I visited this museum as a venue for a wedding reception. (which was such an AMAZING idea)
When I arrived down the winding one way street, my first thought was how tiny this place was. But upon entering I discovered it has hidden depths. There are multiple rooms and as you explore it will take you back in time from front to back. You will find more than cars here: early lawnmowers, engines and other transportation paraphernalia.
The largest impression I left the museum with, is the idea that once the car was so much more a work of art. Today's modern vehicle has discarded much of the beauty for functionality, and I would suppose for frugalities sake. As I am admittedly not a car person, I'm sure there are expensive modern cars that would impress me with their curves and shininess, but I still do not believe they can match what once was.
The attention to detail, with the hood ornaments, decals and other sparkling additions I have no name for, made me fall a little bit in love with them and wish to violate the 'Do Not Touch' signs attached to each vehicle.
I would highly recommend this museum to anyone who loves history, art and of course cars. It is well organized with a great flow. There is a nice little gift shop and restrooms.
I would mention that there are a few places where the concrete is uneven. Beware if you are brining older visitors who have uneven gaits. And small children will definitely want to ignore the no touch signs even more than I did.
When I arrived down the winding one way street, my first thought was how tiny this place was. But upon entering I discovered it has hidden depths. There are multiple rooms and as you explore it will take you back in time from front to back. You will find more than cars here: early lawnmowers, engines and other transportation paraphernalia.
The largest impression I left the museum with, is the idea that once the car was so much more a work of art. Today's modern vehicle has discarded much of the beauty for functionality, and I would suppose for frugalities sake. As I am admittedly not a car person, I'm sure there are expensive modern cars that would impress me with their curves and shininess, but I still do not believe they can match what once was.
The attention to detail, with the hood ornaments, decals and other sparkling additions I have no name for, made me fall a little bit in love with them and wish to violate the 'Do Not Touch' signs attached to each vehicle.
I would highly recommend this museum to anyone who loves history, art and of course cars. It is well organized with a great flow. There is a nice little gift shop and restrooms.
I would mention that there are a few places where the concrete is uneven. Beware if you are brining older visitors who have uneven gaits. And small children will definitely want to ignore the no touch signs even more than I did.
Written May 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DinkinsGrange
Jacksonville, FL49 contributions
I found the museum, while small, is very good. It has REO machines from the 1800s through the life of the last manufactured Oldsmobile engines, including a V-8, V-6 and double overhead cam engines.
Written December 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Paul L
Columbus, OH93 contributions
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is a hidden gem hidden in downtown Lansing up against the children's museum that will give anyone who visits a complete & compelling history of the car company. The collection of cars & memorabilia makes the museum worth the trouble to stop at as well as the mural that is across the street from the museum on the building across from it. This museum is a must visit for anyone with a love of the auto industry as well as the Oldsmobile brand.
Written August 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
do they accept AAA discount?
jubilee4
West Long Branch, NJ105 contributions
I believe they do. You can call them to make sure.
livytwo
San Antonio, TX26 contributions
Is there a fee?
LansingAutos
Lansing, MI1 contribution
Hi, thanks for the question. It is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 65+ and students under 18 or with a college ID. Families, (two parents and up to three children under 18) $15. Hope to see you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions about R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near R.E. Olds Transportation Museum:
- (0.25 mi) Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol
- (0.25 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Lansing Downtown
- (0.80 mi) Cozy Koi Bed and Breakfast
- (3.23 mi) Graduate East Lansing
- (3.58 mi) Wild Goose Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near R.E. Olds Transportation Museum:
- (0.15 mi) Bowdie's
- (0.15 mi) The Exchange
- (0.16 mi) Nuthouse Sports Grill
- (0.15 mi) Aldaco's Taco 911
- (0.15 mi) Harem