Ever wanted to step back in time and peek into history? Ever wanted to relive the past? Remember those cool cars from your past? Would you want to see them again? You remember that one classic car from that movie right? If you said yes to any of this, then you must go to the Pioneer Auto Show.
Growing up one of my favorite shows was “The Dukes Of Hazard”. And as a kid this was my first introduction to cars. “The General Lee” could leap rivers, speed down dirt roads, and out run any car made. At least that’s what I thought. It wasn’t until later in my life I found out there were 16 “General Lee’s”. Since they broke the cars during filming on an almost constant basis. One of these cars happens to be in Murdo, South Dakota at the Pioneer Auto Show. If I would have just gotten to see that one car, it would have been worth it. But there is so much more.
In the past they have had some truly legendary cars. I have seen the car from the movie “Smokey And The Bandit“. I seen the Shelby GT “Eleanor” from “Gone in Sixty Seconds”. And I got to see one of the original 51 “Tuckers” there. Keep in mind these cars change. And they are always bringing in new and different cars. So every visit can be a new experience. Even if you’ve been there before.
They seem to have cars from every generation to see. From 90’s cars. To early “Model T’s”. And a ton in between. With some truly rare and vintage automobiles to show off. On top of that, they have a ton of very strange and odd cars. That almost seem to go against logic.
Maybe cars aren’t your “thing”? They also have motorcycles and bikes. And some amazing tractors and machinery. With some behemoth steam engine tractors that will get you to take a second look.
Not into all that motorized stuff? There are collectables galore. From “Star Wars” to Elvis. With antique games, Jukeboxes, and so much more. It’s very hard to imagine there isn’t something that won’t catch your curiosity.
The whole area has the feel of an old town as you walk around it. That most people from the Midwest can relate to. And a charm that’s very hard to describe. With true pieces from the past that have been placed there. Including a recreated old style gas station. The “WNAX Gas Station”. Originally owned by Gurney’s Seed out of Yankton, SD, located in Vivian, SD. Every part of this tour seemed to be calling from the past.
Kids getting out of hand? They have real jail cells you can keep them in.(Don’t worry. The cells don’t lock. But the kids don’t have to know that.) And a ton of great picture opportunities.
After you’re done wandering, you can get yourself some food and some souvenirs. In the the gift shop and Restaurant.
Overall, you can get lost here in no time. And should allow yourself at least a few hours or more to explore. Because about the time you think you seen everything, there is another building you didn’t see yet. And you know full well, you missed some things. Once again, making another visit worth your while.
Looking into our past can be fun. And it should be explored and learned from. The “Pioneer Auto Show” is an incredible glimpse into our history. And a South Dakota gem that has no equal. So make plans to visit. And take a look into the past, that you won’t forget.
Until next time.
