Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline & Petroliana
A private museum showcasing a vast collection of vintage gas pumps, racing artifacts, and roadside Americana, with engaging guided tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Time flies, no matter the hour!
Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline & Petroliana
Best Time
Time flies, no matter the hour!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A private museum showcasing a vast collection of vintage gas pumps, racing artifacts, and roadside Americana, with engaging guided tours.
"This museum is awesome! So much to see, the time absolutely flew by."
📅 Schedule Your Tour
Book ahead via text/email. Walk-ins are not permitted.
⏳ Time Flies When You're Having Fun
The 90-minute tour is surprisingly engaging and goes by quickly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Gas Pumps Galore
Throughout the museum
Hundreds of classic gas pumps from bygone eras, a true feast for the eyes of any automotive enthusiast.
Racing Family History
Exhibits on the Mendenhall family
Discover the fascinating story of the Mendenhall family, pioneers in the gas station and racing world.
Roadway & Automotive Artifacts
Across 15 rooms
Explore a vast collection of signs, memorabilia, and other automotive treasures that tell the story of the open road.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the 90-Minute Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 Schedule Your Tour
Book ahead via text/email. Walk-ins are not permitted.
⏳ Time Flies When You're Having Fun
The 90-minute tour is surprisingly engaging and goes by quickly.
🚗 Perfect for Car Lovers
Teenage boys and adults alike rave about the extensive collection.
💡 Engaging Guides
Guides like Vickie and Misty share great stories and family memories. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Schedule Your Tour
Book ahead via text/email. Walk-ins are not permitted.
⏳ Time Flies When You're Having Fun
The 90-minute tour is surprisingly engaging and goes by quickly.
🚗 Perfect for Car Lovers
Teenage boys and adults alike rave about the extensive collection.
💡 Engaging Guides
Guides like Vickie and Misty share great stories and family memories. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are overwhelmingly impressed by Mendenhall's Museum, calling it 'awesome' and a 'unique visit.' The extensive collection of vintage gas pumps, signs, and racing memorabilia, combined with engaging 90-minute guided tours, makes for a highly memorable experience. Many highlight the knowledgeable and entertaining guides who share fascinating family stories. The only prerequisite is booking your tour in advance, as walk-ins are not permitted.
"Wow, wow,wow this museum is awesome! There are so many classic signs and gas pumps to look at as well as other automotive paraphernalia. There are no walk-ins, you must schedule a tour and the tour will last 1.5 hours. I thought 1.5 hours sounded very long but the time absolutely flew by. There is so much to see you can't really take it all in. I will be back again with my friends some time in the near future. Thank you for such a wonderful tour."
Mark Bartlett
"We visited here on a very hot day in July. Vickie was our wonderful guide for the day. We arranged our visit over text with Mark who was very quick to fit us in. I took two teenage boys along with the husband who all throughly enjoyed looking at all the cars, hundreds of gasoline pumps, with many from days gone by, along with a lot of petroliana. Even though we are British we could admire the massive collection including the history of the racing family. Such a unique visit and worth arranging a visit if you are in the area. You will not be disappointed."
Vibrazione
"90 min tour was so interesting and enjoyable. Thank you, Misty, for the great stories and for sharing your family memories. Took our 8 yr old with us that was his favorite part of our 3 day trip. Ours, too."
julie moreno
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Solvang, California, often visited by those attending local car shows like Wheels n Windmills.
Information on parking is not widely available, but it's recommended to inquire when booking your tour.
While Solvang is a walkable town, having a car is generally recommended for exploring the wider Santa Barbara County area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You must schedule your guided tour in advance, typically via text or email with Mark or other museum contacts. Walk-ins are not accepted. +1
Admission is approximately $15 per person, which is considered well worth the experience by visitors.
The guided tours are approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hours) long and are consistently described as engaging and time-flying. +1
No specific age restrictions are mentioned, and even 8-year-olds have thoroughly enjoyed the visit, calling it a favorite part of their trip.
Yes, visitors have successfully toured the museum on very hot days in July. It's advisable to check if the venue has climate control when booking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to see hundreds of classic gas pumps, vintage signs, racing memorabilia, and other automotive paraphernalia spread across 15 rooms. +1
Absolutely! Teenage boys and adults alike have thoroughly enjoyed the vast collection and historical insights.
The tours are highly engaging, with knowledgeable and entertaining guides who share stories and family memories, making it a rich experience.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally assumed that photography for personal use is allowed in most museums. It's best to confirm with your guide.
Yes, the museum also serves as a venue for events, suggesting it has versatile spaces available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities mentioned within the museum itself. Visitors typically explore dining options in the nearby Solvang area.
It's standard museum etiquette to not consume food or drinks inside exhibits. It's best to check their specific policy when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
The hundreds of vintage gas pumps and colorful old signs offer fantastic photo opportunities for automotive enthusiasts. +1
Museum policies on flash photography vary. It's advisable to ask your guide or look for signage upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Automotive Enthusiasts & Collectors
💡 History Buffs & Story Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mendenhall Legacy: From Gas Station to Museum
Spanning 15 rooms, the museum showcases a vast array of vintage gas pumps, classic signs, and racing artifacts. Each item tells a story, offering a glimpse into the evolution of automotive culture and roadside Americana. The guided tours, led by knowledgeable individuals like Vickie and Misty, bring these stories to life, sharing not just historical facts but also personal family memories. This narrative approach makes the experience deeply engaging, even for those not initially steeped in petroliana.
Visitors consistently praise the depth and breadth of the collection, noting that the 90-minute tours feel far too short. The passion behind the collection is palpable, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in automotive history, vintage advertising, or the nostalgic charm of the American road. The museum's dual role as a private collection and an event venue further highlights its significance in the local community.
Navigating Your Museum Visit: Booking and Experience
The guided tour itself is a significant part of the experience, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Despite the duration, reviewers frequently mention that the time passes quickly due to the engaging content and the sheer volume of items to see. The guides, often family members, are lauded for their knowledge and storytelling abilities, making the tour both informative and entertaining. This personal touch is a recurring theme in positive reviews, with visitors appreciating the sharing of family history and anecdotes.
While the museum is a private collection, it also serves as a venue for events, indicating a capacity for hosting gatherings. For those planning a visit, especially during peak seasons or for specific events, booking well in advance is highly recommended. The admission fee, around $15, is widely considered a worthwhile investment for the unique and memorable experience offered.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit