The Bicycle Museum of America

By Heather Rader

Posted On: Jun 2, 2023

The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen is one of the most unique museums in Ohio! With one of the largest and most interesting collections in the country (nearly 800 bikes in the collection and with 150+ currently on display) the museum covers over two centuries of bicycle history. Whether you’re a bicycle enthusiast, history buff, or enjoy exploring unique museums, the Bicycle Museum of America is worth a visit!

Early bikes and their containers for shipping

With three floors of exhibits, visitors can learn about the evolution of this popular mode of transportation, gain a deeper appreciation for its impact on society and discover the cultural and social significance of bicycles throughout history. Boasting an impressive collection of bicycles and related memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries, visitors will view bicycles ranging from the earliest 1800's models to modern-day bikes. In addition to bicycles, the museum also has a collection of bicycle-related memorabilia, including posters, advertisements, and photographs.

Highwheel bicycles, aka penny-farthings

The first floor is organized by chronological order and features the oldest models in the collection, including a replica of what many consider the world's first bicycle, the German 1816 Draisine. One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of high-wheel bicycles, also known as penny-farthings, which were popular in the late 1800s. These unique bicycles feature a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel, making them instantly recognizable. In addition to the high-wheelers, the museum also has an extensive collection of safety bicycles, which were introduced in the late 1800s and quickly became the standard design for bicycles.

Shwinn bicycles

The second and third floors feature various exhibits including cycling history, military bicycles, a Schwinn collection, motorbikes, bicycles popular in pop culture, and movies and one-of-a-kind bicycles. The Schwinn collection includes one of the first 4 original models in the first year of production of the World Roadster, a 1897 Schwinn Family Tandem (the only model known to exist), a 1896 Schwinn World Quintuplet, the most popular Schwinn model - the Sting Ray with its banana-shaped seat and vivid colors and numerous other unique bicycles manufactured by the Schwinn company.

Visitors can also learn about the history of race cycling, as well as the science behind bicycle design and engineering and view rare cycling jerseys and medals.

1953 Schwinn DX from Pee-wee's Big Adventure

Pop culture icons like the famous red and white 1953 Schwinn DX featured in the 1985 classic movie, Pee-wee's Big Adventure, "Hop-A-Long Cassidy" western-themed children's bicycle and a 1949 Donald Duck bicycle complete with a quacking horn are just a few of the flashy cycles that are on display.

Civil War era flag

While bicycles are the stars of the museum, there are a few non-cycle related exhibits to view. The Neil Armstrong collection includes two of the astronaut's flight suits, a leather jacket, his Air force Training Certificate and other memorabilia (the famous astronaut grew up in nearby Wapakoneta). A small collection of local Auglaize County history can also be viewed, including a restored Civil War Flag carried by Company C of Auglaize County Volunteer Infantry.

Huffy bicycles

I was thrilled to see so many interesting and unique bicycles, many I had never heard of or seen in person before! The fascinating museum is self-guided, and I would suggest planning at least an hour to view the collection. The museum is open Monday-Saturday and admission is $3 for adults, $2 for Seniors, $1 for Students and children under 5 are free.

Streetview of The Bicycle Museum of America in New Bremen

The Bicycle Museum of America offers an intriguing look at the history and evolution of bicycles. With its extensive collection of bicycles and cycling-related memorabilia, the museum is a must-visit destination for cycling enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

For more museums and cycling in Ohio, check out #OhioTheHeartofitAll at Ohio.org.