Saab Heritage Car Museum USA - Sturgis Car Museum

Have you ever wondered where the soul of the Swedish automotive industry is kept? In the small town of Sturgis, located in the USA, you'll find the Saab Heritage USA Automobile Museum — a unique non-profit organization dedicated entirely to preserving the legacy of the legendary Saab brand.

Founded in 2015 by Tom and Patti Donney, this museum has become home to one of the most significant private collections in the world. It features over 150 cars spanning the period from 1950 to 2011, including rare prototypes that once belonged to the General Motors corporation itself.

The main highlight of this place is that it isn't just a static exhibition. Almost all cars in the collection are maintained in working order, making the museum a living monument to engineering and Scandinavian design, inspiring new generations of car enthusiasts.

To plan your visit to this unique technical center, please use the following contact information. The museum is always happy to welcome guests and share the history of the Swedish automotive industry.

A walk through the museum offers visitors a unique chance to witness the evolution of engineering: from early models with two-stroke engines to modern turbocharged beasts. A brief history of each exhibit is displayed on the windshield, allowing you to explore the collection at your own pace, moving from one rare rally car to another.

Of particular interest are "stars" of the collection like the original 1978 Saab 99 Turbo and the powerful Saab 97X Aero with its 6.0-liter engine. Pop culture fans will surely recognize the very Saab that appeared in Jerry Seinfeld's popular internet show.

For families with children, there are interactive activities. Young guests can climb into the cab of a convertible fire truck, turn on the sirens and lights, or even step into the shoes of a race car pilot. The museum offers a fully immersive atmosphere: you can not only see but also hear the sound of a running engine and catch the distinct scent of legendary Swedish machinery.

Finding the museum is easy: it is located right off Exit 32 on Junction Avenue, which leads directly into the northern part of town. For those traveling by car, it is conveniently accessible via the main highways running through the scenic Black Hills region.

For those arriving in the state by plane, the nearest commercial airport is in Rapid City, approximately 50 kilometers from the destination. At the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to comfortably reach the museum in about 30-40 minutes.

Within Sturgis itself, local taxi services can quickly get you to Dickson Drive from central hotels or the station. Keep in mind that during the famous motorcycle rally, traffic in the city becomes very heavy, so plan extra time for your journey.

The history of this unique collection began in 2012 when enthusiasts Tom Donney and Bill Jacobson purchased 10 iconic cars from the General Motors Heritage Collection. This happened following the corporation's bankruptcy, and this step saved these rare specimens from potentially disappearing forever.

The first-ever Saab car, the 92, was introduced by the aircraft manufacturing company as early as June 1947, which left a massive impact on the brand's aerodynamics and engineering solutions. In the museum, you can trace the brand's entire developmental path, from early "two-strokers" to the last models that rolled off the assembly line in 2011.

Sturgis was chosen as the museum's headquarters due to climatic factors. The high elevation above sea level and low humidity create an ideal environment for preserving the metal and trim of vintage cars. Additionally, the huge influx of tourists to the region ensures the museum receives constant attention from travelers worldwide.

Among the exhibits are true legends, such as the Talladega Long Run 900 and a fully restored 900 SPG. More than $125,000 was spent on the restoration of the latter, highlighting the museum's serious mission to preserve automotive heritage for future generations.

To fully enjoy the exposition and study the history of the most interesting models, an average visitor will need about 2–3 hours. This is enough time to examine the engineering details and read the annotations for key vehicles.

If you are a true fan of the Swedish brand or plan to browse the Saab literature library in detail, we recommend setting aside 3–4 hours. The interactive zones for children and conversations with the guides can easily extend your stay in this welcoming place.

The museum is typically open to visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and welcomes guests on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This makes it easy to fit a visit into your South Dakota travel itinerary.

However, be sure to check the official website or contact the staff by phone before your trip. Given its status as a non-profit organization, the museum may be temporarily closed or operating on a modified schedule, so confirming current information will help avoid any travel disruptions.

Exploring the museum's surroundings can significantly enrich your South Dakota trip. Sturgis is a city with a rich historical past, where the spirit of the Wild West meets modern road trip culture.

Within a few kilometers of the museum, you'll find interesting memorials, historic buildings, and iconic spots for motorcycle enthusiasts. Below is a list of nearby attractions: