at the Bicycle Museum of America
There are few things in life that most of us have in common, regardless of our situation, our life style, and even our age. Bicycles may just be one of those. It is a rite of passage for a child to graduate from a tricycle to a bicycle, and the day you left your training wheels behind was likely one of those celebrated, if not now forgotten, triumphs in your early life.
The Bicycle Museum of America houses a rich source of bicycle history with over 250 examples on display. The size of the museum and location hide what is truly a national treasure. Here you will find everything from the very earliest bicycles to the most modern. Examples of the collection include a bicycle outfitted for the U.S. Army infantry in the 1890s and the famed bicycle from the film Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. You will also see a monocycle on display that was used in the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Check out the Bowden fiberglass bicycles, a collection of wooden bicycles, many high wheel bikes and historic racing bicycles. Sting-rays from the 1960s and balloon-tired bicycles from the 1950s fill the historical interior with nostalgia.
For the most serious bicyclist it is a unique look into the history of a beloved hobby and mode of transportation. It can afford the individual, regardless of their age, an opportunity to stroll down memory lane in a way that is not otherwise possible. There are few other places where a grandparent, or even great-grandparent can gain as much from the experience as every other member of the family. Bicycles and memories long forgotten may come back and serve as a springboard for countless new family stories and adventures which may have remained forgotten.
Additional collections of gemstones, inaugural medals and a Company C flag that accompanied a local contingent during the Civil War are also on display. The museum is always changing and evolving making each visitor experience unique.
Make plans to visit this incredible private museum located at 7 West Monroe Street, in historic Downtown New Bremen, Ohio. Fall/winter hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Summer Hours are from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm (Closed Sundays). Admission is $3/adult, $2/senior, $1/student. Guided Group tours are by appointment. For more information, call 419-629-9249 or visit GreaterGrandLakeRegion.com.
