America’s Most Dynamic Motorcycle Museum

Nestled in the picturesque valley town of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, Dale’s Wheels Through Time stands as both a museum and a living testament to the passion and perseverance of American motorcycling. Revered among enthusiasts and travelers alike, this unique institution is more than a mere repository of mechanical artifacts; it is a vibrant celebration of ingenuity, adventure, and the unbreakable American spirit that has always ridden on two wheels.

The Origins of Wheels Through Time

The story of Dale’s Wheels Through Time begins with Dale Walksler, a visionary whose fascination with motorcycles blossomed at a young age. Born in 1952, Walksler built his first motorcycle at just 15, igniting a lifelong love affair with the machines that would one day define his legacy. In 1967, he opened his first motorcycle shop in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and began to amass a collection of rare and classic motorcycles. This passion reached new heights in 2002, when Walksler moved his extensive collection from Illinois to Maggie Valley, founding what would become Wheels Through Time Museum. His dream was simple yet profound: to share the story of American motorcycling with the world in a way that was engaging, authentic, and alive.

An Unparalleled Collection

Step inside Wheels Through Time, and you are transported through more than a century of innovation, competition, and craftsmanship. The museum houses over 350 rare machines, spanning from the earliest days of motorized travel to the golden age of American manufacturing. Motorcycles, memorabilia, and vintage automobiles fill every corner, each with its own remarkable story.

• Early American Motorcycles: The collection boasts some of the earliest examples of motorcycles ever produced in the United States, including rare models from Harley-Davidson, Indian, Excelsior, Henderson, and Crocker. Visitors can marvel at machines dating back to the early 1900s, each lovingly restored to working order.
• The Art of Restoration: What sets Wheels Through Time apart is not just the rarity of its collection, but the fact that almost every machine on display is in running condition. Dale Walksler’s philosophy was that motorcycles are meant to live and breathe, not gather dust. Frequent live demonstrations and the legendary “start-ups” are core to the museum’s appeal, with engines roaring to life in the hands of passionate staff.
• Race Bikes and Legends: The museum is home to legendary racing motorcycles, including board track racers, hill climb machines, and bikes that conquered the flats at Daytona and Bonneville. Each tells a story of daring riders and dramatic contests, connecting the visitor to a time when speed and innovation were pursued at all costs.
• Automotive Artifacts: In addition to motorcycles, the museum features a select array of vintage automobiles, including rare American cars and unique prototypes. These vehicles add a broader dimension to the museum’s narrative, highlighting the interplay of technology and culture in the 20th century.

Wheels That Tell Stories

Every machine at Wheels Through Time has a story, meticulously researched and lovingly preserved. Some of the most notable pieces include:

• “The Traub” – Often called the “world’s rarest motorcycle,” this 1916 machine was discovered bricked up in a Chicago wall in the 1960s. Its unique engineering and mysterious origins have baffled experts for decades, and it remains a star attraction.
• Harley-Davidson prototype models – From Flathead to Knucklehead, the museum displays pivotal motorcycles that shaped the American industry, including prototypes and limited-production runs that exist nowhere else.
• Military Motorcycles – The collection includes significant military motorcycles from both World Wars, highlighting their role in history and the evolution of rugged design.
• Custom and Experimental Bikes – Custom builds and innovative prototypes reflect the ingenuity of American mechanics and their relentless pursuit of performance and style.

The essence of Dale’s Wheels Through Time is not only the machines but the spirit they represent. Each motorcycle is a symbol of freedom, exploration, and the pursuit of dreams. Visitors leave with more than memories; they depart inspired by the living legacy of inventors, racers, and everyday riders who helped shape the American landscape.

A Museum in Motion

Unlike traditional museums where artifacts are confined behind velvet ropes, Wheels Through Time lives up to its promise as “The Museum That Runs.” On any given day, visitors might witness rare bikes started up, their engines growling and sputtering as they did decades ago. Staff and volunteers, often clad in period attire, share stories and technical details, bridging the gap between eras.

Dale Walksler was known for personally engaging with visitors, sharing his encyclopedic knowledge, and, most importantly, firing up the museum’s treasures. Since Dale Walksler’s passing in 2021, this dedication to living history has been carried on by his son, Matt Walksler.  Matt continues to uphold his father’s mission of keeping the history not just preserved but alive. Under Matt’s stewardship, Wheels Through Time continues to expand its collection, enhance its educational outreach, and foster connections with enthusiasts around the globe. New acquisitions and ongoing restoration projects promise that the story will continue for generations to come.

Engaging the Community and Beyond

Wheels Through Time is not just a museum, but a vibrant community hub. Throughout the year, it hosts events, motorcycle rallies, and charity rides that draw visitors from around the world. Educational programs, both onsite and virtual, invite young and old to explore the mechanics, history, and cultural significance of motorcycles in America.

For many, a visit becomes a pilgrimage—a chance to step into the annals of history and feel the heartbeat of American innovation. The museum’s presence in Maggie Valley has also revitalized the local economy, drawing tourism and fostering a deep sense of pride in the region’s heritage.

Dale’s Wheels Through Time stands as a testament to the enduring allure of American motorcycles and the people who brought them to life. Through its remarkable collection, passionate staff, and commitment to living history, the museum invites everyone to experience the magic of wheels in motion. In the words of Dale Walksler himself, “It’s not just about the bikes—it’s about the stories, the people, and the spirit that keeps them running.” For anyone seeking a journey through the mechanical soul of America, there is simply no place like Wheels Through Time.

Plan Your Visit

Dale’s Wheels Through Time operates seasonally, typically opening from spring through late fall.  The museum is easily accessible from Asheville and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, making it an essential stop for riders exploring the region. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s official website for exact dates, special events, and admission details. 

Dale’s comes alive online!  Be sure to visit DWTT’s Facebook and website for more information on the museum, the bikes, and all they have going on!  Matt and his crew do an amazing job of  sharing their passion for bikes online – often through the use of frequent, short videos.  It’s a GREAT way to get a taste for everything they have to offer!

Find them on Facebook or through the website – WheelsThroughTime.com

Dale’s Wheels Through Time

62 Vintage Lane

Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751

GPS: Latitude: 35.513718 // Longitude: -83.076945

Win a piece of history – a 1939 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead restored by Dale’s WheelThrough Time!

On Saturday, November 22^nd, 2025 – a raffle will be held LIVE at the Museum for this amazing bike, along with secondary prizes totalling $15,000!  This annual raffle supports the museum, the collection, and DWTT’s mission of not only preserving but SHARING the culture and history of American motorcycles!  Reasons to Ride is proud to support this campaign by offering our riders the chance to win the motorcycle by purchasing raffle tickets and then awarding them to participants in our Ride & Win Challenge!  

You can also support the Museum and increase your odd’s of winning the bike by purchasing tickets directly through their website – WheelsThroughTime.com

Photos courtesy of Shelly Cheatham, Reasons To Ride Contributor; and Dale’s Wheels Through Time.