Newburgh, NY - if you'd assumed that Orange County Choppers hailed from Orange County, CA (as I…read moredid), it might surprise you to learn they were actually founded in Orange County, NY, and formerly headquartered in Newburgh. So there's a pleasing logic to Motorcyclepedia setting up shop in this city, which turned out to have a surprising motorcycle pedigree associated with its industrial-era manufacturing past.
The core of the collection is American iron: Harley-Davidson, custom choppers (including works by Arlen Ness and a tribute to Indian Larry), rarities like the short lived Excelsior-Henderson, and antique pioneer motorcycles, as well as police & military bikes (including one that was part of the motorcade when JFK was assassinated), and more that are part of specialty and thematic exhibits. A smattering of British, Japanese, and European brands are represented as well.
The crown jewel is the massive gallery dedicated to Indian motorcycles - I believe one of the largest Indian collections in the world - displaying every model made (originals and replicas) between 1901-1953 during active production.
Even if you're not a moto enthusiast, this museum is super cool and interesting, and is very family/kids-friendly! (Free admission for ages 16 and under.)
There's an awesome exhibit of iconic motorcycles from Hollywood TV & movie classics such as The Terminator, Ghost Rider, Easy Rider, Tron, Batman, Happy Days, etc. And as a fan of 60s-70s B movies, I also dug the groovy retro music & movie memorabilia spread out across the museum.
Kids are more than welcome. My preschooler (who's more of a car guy) loves the play corner with toys, rides, coloring, and cartoons, or just wandering around the sprawling complex looking at stuff, which is an adventure in itself (and exercise for me!). There are many unique vehicles, not just old bikes and whatnot, though yes, plenty of those too.
Founded by Gerald "Jerry" Doering and joined by his son Ted, the father-son duo opened Motorcyclepedia in 2011 (incidentally right after the conclusion of the American Chopper series which propelled OCC to fame) in this massive 85,000 sqft space, starting with their own collection and growing it to the 750+ bikes on display today over two warehouse-sized levels. Wear walking shoes! I was surprised by how much bigger the space kept revealing itself to be.
Motorcyclepedia is an absolute treasure, and a must-do attraction in the Hudson Valley IMO. Whether you're a casual visitor or a die-hard motorhead and history buff, there's a lot to explore and be entertained by, with plenty of photo ops and props. We've shared this experience with many out-of-town visitors and everyone has loved it.