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The Wheels Through Time museum, in Maggie Valley, holds what’s generally considered one of the top collections of historic bikes in North America. We’re looking at roughly 300 antique motorcycles – some fully restored, some with “original dirt” – and most ready to start.
The Hayward County facility is well-known among riders: Heavy coverage in hobbyist magazines and websites, and word-of-mouth recommendations, bring most to the museum. Haywood County has long attracted cyclists: The famous “Dragon’s Tail,” an 11-mile stretch of U.S. 129 with 318 hairpin turns, is 40 minutes west. Motorcycles are a common area sight, spring through fall.
But the bikes in the 38,000-square-foot building tend to be American-made classic rarities from the pre-World War II “Golden Age.” The first motor vehicle to cross America was a 1905 Yale motorcycle. Only a handful were built. One is here. The 1912 Excelsior looks like a modified pedal-bike – as do many of its contemporaries here, like the 1909 Pierce that once belonged to movie star and cycle fan Steve McQueen.
More modern bikes, vintage special-use two-wheelers and classic autos are on display, too.
Admission: $12; $6 for kids. Details: www.wheelsthroughtime.com.
