Nestled along Route 11, midway between the charming towns of Bloomsburg and Berwick in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, lies an extraordinary testament to personal passion and historical preservation: Bill’s Old Bike Barn. More than just a motorcycle museum, Bill’s Old Bike Barn is a sprawling, 50,000-square-foot journey through time, showcasing an astounding collection of vintage motorcycles, nostalgic Americana, and eclectic artifacts that will captivate visitors of all interests.
Bill’s Old Bike Barn is the brainchild and lifelong endeavor of William Morris. Evolving from his custom cycle shop located at the front of the premises, the museum began modestly in 1998 with a single room. Today, it has expanded into a vast complex, housing a collection that truly defies categorization. While the name suggests a focus solely on bikes, stepping inside Bill’s Old Bike Barn reveals a treasure trove of history and nostalgia that extends far beyond two-wheeled machines. It’s an experience that resonates with anyone who appreciates historical artifacts and the tangible echoes of bygone eras, often evoking the charm and curated displays found in local historical society museums, but on a much grander scale.
Upon entering Bill’s Old Bike Barn and completing the cash-only admission, visitors are equipped with an audio wand, their key to unlocking the stories within this self-guided tour. This audio tour, featuring over 100 distinct stops, is narrated by Bill himself, providing personal insights and historical context to the myriad items on display. While the sheer volume of content means you likely won’t absorb every detail, the audio guide ensures that in every corner of the museum that piques your interest, Bill’s voice will be there to illuminate the significance of the artifacts before you.
Motorcycle Majesty: A Vintage Collection to Rival the East Coast
The initial room of Bill’s Old Bike Barn immediately establishes its reputation with an overwhelming display of motorcycles and motorcycle-related memorabilia. Boasting what it claims to be the largest collection of vintage motorcycles on the east coast, Bill’s Old Bike Barn is a veritable paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts. While verifying such a claim is a feat in itself, it’s undeniable that any visitor with a passion for motorcycles will be thoroughly impressed. The sheer density and variety of bikes, ranging from early models to iconic classics, create an immersive experience in motorcycle history.
A vintage Indian motorcycle proudly displayed at Bill's Old Bike Barn, showcasing its classic design and historical significance.
The main hall is a spectacle of vintage motorcycles and associated artifacts at Bill’s Old Bike Barn.
In total, the collection features approximately 200 motorcycles, including rare gems distinguished by their age, unique designs, and fascinating engineering – have you ever encountered a tank motorcycle? The audio narration delves into the specifics of many of these exceptional pieces, enriching the visitor experience and providing deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and history embodied in each machine.
Beyond Bikes: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time
However, to pigeonhole Bill’s Old Bike Barn as solely a motorcycle museum would be a significant misrepresentation. In fact, roughly half of the museum’s extensive space is dedicated to an incredibly diverse array of items completely unrelated to motorcycles. This is where the true breadth of Bill’s collecting passion becomes strikingly apparent.
A diverse military collection exhibit at Bill's Old Bike Barn, featuring uniforms, weaponry, and war trophies from various eras.
An area within Bill’s Old Bike Barn showcasing a portion of the comprehensive military history collection.
Venturing into the other rooms of Bill’s Old Bike Barn, visitors will encounter a vast assortment of artifacts. One room notably emphasizes military history, presenting a compelling array of World War II battlefield trophies, uniforms, weaponry, and numerous other military-related items. For those with an interest in military history, the proximity of the Stuart Tank Museum in Berwick offers a complementary experience. Yet, even within this military-themed space at Bill’s Old Bike Barn, antique bicycles and the occasional motorcycle are interspersed, hinting at the overarching eclectic nature of the collection.
Beyond military and wheeled transport, the museum truly celebrates the spectrum of collectables. It becomes clear that Bill’s collecting ethos is remarkably inclusive – if it can be collected, chances are Bill’s Old Bike Barn houses examples related to it. This diverse presentation style cultivates a sense of exploration and discovery. Wandering through the museum evokes the feeling of a treasure hunt, prompting visitors to meticulously examine the numerous display areas, each promising to reveal items that spark personal interest and nostalgia.
Step Back in Time at Billville: A Miniature Town of Memories
Perhaps the most captivating section of Bill’s Old Bike Barn is “Billville,” the museum’s largest space. Billville is an immersive recreation of a miniature town, complete with an array of charming storefronts that transport visitors to a bygone era.
Charming storefront facades within Billville at Bill's Old Bike Barn, recreating a nostalgic small-town atmosphere.
Billville inside Bill’s Old Bike Barn, featuring numerous meticulously recreated vintage storefronts.
Each of these quaint buildings houses collections specifically curated to reflect the theme of the store. For instance, the motorcycle shop is not merely a facade, but a meticulously reconstructed autobody shop salvaged from a Harley Davidson dealership of the past. Billville’s other recreated establishments include a cigar store, a vintage music shop, a police station, and many more, each brimming with authentic artifacts.
Some of Billville’s storefronts invite visitors to step inside and explore, while others are enjoyed from the exterior, their windows acting as portals to nostalgic scenes. Adding another layer of local history, some storefronts are actual structures rescued from the Bloomsburg area, like the preserved dentist’s office, now re-erected within Billville.
Vintage dentist equipment display inside Billville at Bill's Old Bike Barn, showcasing artifacts saved from local businesses.
Antique dentist tools and equipment on display at Bill’s Old Bike Barn in Columbia County, PA, preserved from a local practice.
As you navigate Bill’s Old Bike Barn, particularly within Billville, you’ll notice displays extending to the second-story walkways. The upper level of Billville is particularly rich with items, lining the second stories of the storefronts and offering a different vantage point. A unique highlight on this upper level is a small covered bridge integrated into the museum’s structure. Visible from below, it’s even more engaging to walk through from the second floor.
It’s important to note that the second story of Bill’s Old Bike Barn, to the best of current knowledge, is not fully handicapped accessible. While the ground floor offers an extensive and fulfilling experience, this accessibility limitation is worth considering for visitors with mobility concerns.
A Treasure Trove of Americana: More Than Just a Museum
Ultimately, Bill’s Old Bike Barn is an exceptionally compelling destination. While vintage motorcycles and related memorabilia form a core part of the collection, its broader appeal lies in the sheer volume and diversity of historical and nostalgic items. Anyone with an appreciation for history, Americana, and the tangible remnants of the past will find themselves utterly captivated.
One minor critique might be the limited signage providing detailed explanations of individual items. However, the comprehensive audio narration largely mitigates this, offering rich context to many of the displays. Similarly, the organization of display cases may appear somewhat thematic rather than strictly systematic. Yet, again, the audio guide provides valuable insights into the curated narratives within these areas.
Vintage dentist equipment display inside Billville at Bill's Old Bike Barn, showcasing artifacts saved from local businesses.
Looking down from the second floor at the extensive and varied displays within Bill’s Old Bike Barn.
However, this seemingly “hodgepodge” arrangement is intrinsic to the charm of Bill’s Old Bike Barn. Beyond simply viewing countless fascinating objects, there’s an element of adventure in exploring the thousands upon thousands of artifacts. One could easily spend an entire day within its walls and still not fully absorb everything it has to offer.
For these reasons, Bill’s Old Bike Barn is enthusiastically recommended as a truly unique and memorable attraction within the Susquehanna Region of Pennsylvania. It’s an ideal destination for anyone seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with history, nostalgia, and the thrill of discovery.
Looking to explore more in the vicinity? Consider visiting Knoebel’s Amusement Park, the natural beauty of Little Shickshinny Falls, and the intriguing Hooded Grave Cemetery.
For enthusiasts of personal collections and unique museums in PA, explore the American Treasure Tour, the Mercer Museum, the Isett Heritage Museum, the Boal Museum, and the Maridon Museum.
Bill’s Old Bike Barn – Plan Your Visit
| Hours: Thursday – Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM | Cost: $5 (Cash Only) |
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| Website: BillsBikeBarn.com | Address: 7145 Columbia Blvd Bloomsburg, PA 17815 |
Refer to the map below for additional attractions in the area.
