Iowa 80 Trucking Museum to Expand With New Exhibit Space

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum has started construction on a major expansion project, adding new exhibit space to one of the most well-known trucking museums in the United States. The expansion is expected to bring more historic trucks and industry artifacts into public view.

According to details released by the museum and supporting reports, the project will add 25,000 square feet to the existing facility. Once completed, the place will offer a total of about 121,000 square feet of exhibit space. Construction is expected to wrap up later this fall.

Trucking Museum to Display Rare and Historic Equipment

The expansion will allow the trucking museum to showcase vehicles that have not been displayed before. These additions highlight different periods in trucking history and give a closer look at how equipment has evolved over time.

Among the new exhibits are four Sterling brand trucks from the 1920s through the 1940s. These vehicles represent early commercial trucking operations, when truck design and performance were still developing.

The trucking museum also plans to feature a restored 1948 Mack EWSQ armored truck. This vehicle was once used to transport coins for Wells Fargo and has been restored by the museum’s in-house team. The addition of this truck reflects the role of specialized freight within the industry.

Trucking Museum Remains Open During Construction

Officials confirmed that the museum will stay open throughout the construction process. Visitors can continue to access the exhibits while work is underway.

Current hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. These hours will remain in place until Memorial Day. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday hours unchanged.

Admission remains free, which continues to make the place a common stop for drivers traveling along Interstate 80.

Location Continues to Serve Truck Drivers on I-80

The trucking museum sits next to the Iowa 80 Truckstop, a location widely known among truck drivers. This makes it easy for drivers to stop, take a break, and visit the exhibits during long trips.

Over the years, the museum has become a destination that reflects the industry’s past. Drivers can see how trucks have changed, from early models to more specialized equipment used in different types of freight operations.

The new expansion is expected to increase the number of displays and give visitors more space to explore the history of trucking.

Trucking Museum Expansion Supports Industry History

The expansion highlights ongoing efforts to preserve trucking history and make it accessible to the public. Facilities like this trucking museum provide a record of how the industry has developed over time.

Historic trucks from the early 20th century show the challenges faced by drivers in earlier decades. Meanwhile, restored vehicles like the Mack armored truck demonstrate the variety of roles trucks have played, including secure transport.

Once completed, the expanded trucking museum will offer a broader look at the equipment, technology, and stories that have shaped the industry.