The Shed

In the small town of Warroad, located in the northern USA, lies a true gem for gearheads—The Shed, a museum of classic and muscle cars. This private collection, housed in a spacious, modern 24,000-square-foot building (about 2,230 square meters), impresses visitors with the quality of its restoration and the rarity of its exhibits.

The exhibition features about 100 cars, including legends like the 1926 Ford Model T and modern supercars like the 2005 Ford GT. The museum takes special pride in its unique items: prototypes, vehicles with serial number one (VIN 000001), and cars previously owned by Hollywood stars like Nicolas Cage. Every vehicle here is not just a mode of transport but a carefully preserved piece of American history.

One of the most pleasant things about The Shed is its accessibility. Admission to the museum is free, though visitors are encouraged to leave donations. All proceeds go to charitable causes, including veteran support and medical research, making a visit here both educational and socially meaningful.

To clarify visit details or organize a group tour, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit The Shed is the opportunity to see legends of the American auto industry up close. There are no strict barriers or pretentiousness here: you can walk freely between rows of gleaming hoods, admiring the vibrant colors of the 1950s and the futuristic shapes of muscle cars. Be sure to bring a camera, as every car here is a perfect subject for a photo shoot.

If you get the chance, be sure to chat with the owner, Bob Marvin, or his assistant, Rick. Their personal tours turn a simple walk-through into a fascinating journey. You'll learn how these "iron horses" were restored, what secrets lie beneath their hoods, and why that particular white 1960 Corvette is considered priceless. Such vivid stories allow you to see the true soul of the era in metal and chrome.

Visiting the museum is also a way to show kindness. Since admission is free, it’s a nice tradition to leave a donation in one of the special boxes. This is your contribution to local charitable projects supported by the Marvin family. It's best to plan your visit for the afternoon, when the atmosphere in "The Shed" becomes especially cozy and the owners are more likely to have time for a friendly chat with guests.

The Shed is located at 1099 State Ave in the town of Warroad. It is situated right on Highway 11 West (Hwy. 11), next to the Lake Country Chevrolet Buick dealership. Finding the museum is easy—the bright signs and distinctive building are visible from a distance, and GPS navigators accurately guide you to this "automotive mecca."

Since Warroad is a small northern town, public transport is limited, so the best way to get around is by car. If you are coming from nearby towns like Roseau or International Falls, follow US-71 or MN-11. There is ample free parking for visitors next to the building.

For those traveling from afar, the nearest regional airports are in Fargo or International Falls. From there, it is most convenient to rent a car. A taxi ride from downtown Warroad itself will only take a few minutes, as the town is very compact.

The history of The Shed began in 1981 with a personal triumph for its founder, Bob Marvin. A resident of Warroad and a member of the well-known dynasty that owns Marvin Windows, Bob purchased a classic 1965 Buick Riviera as a reward for a year of sobriety. This car still holds a place of honor in the collection, serving as the starting point for his life's work.

Over time, his passion for collecting rare cars grew, and by 2014, the collection numbered nearly a hundred vehicles. The challenge was that the cars were stored in different locations, often without proper climate control. To keep the heritage in mint condition, construction of a dedicated building spanning over 24,000 square feet (2,200 square meters) began in 2008. Initially, Bob planned to use it as a private storage facility, but the immense interest from locals turned the project into a public museum.

The Marvin family is inextricably linked to the history of the region. Their company, Marvin Lumber and Cedar Company, founded back in 1912, once gave a massive boost to Minnesota's timber industry. Today, The Shed is more than just a museum; it’s a symbol of generational continuity and a love for American engineering that Bob Marvin—also the city's mayor—gifted to the community.

For a quick look at the exhibits in The Shed, 45–60 minutes might be enough. However, to truly soak in the atmosphere and examine the details of the rarest models, we recommend setting aside at least an hour and a half to two hours.

The museum's primary value isn't just the rows of cars, but the stories behind each one. If you’re lucky enough to catch the owner or his assistants, a conversation about technical specs and legendary owners can stretch out, turning the visit into a full-scale historical exploration. Given that about 10,000 people visit the museum annually, it can be a bit livelier on weekends than on weekdays.

The Shed museum typically welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The facility is closed to visitors on Mondays and Sundays. Please note that the schedule may change depending on the season or private events.

Since this is a private collection, we strongly recommend calling ahead at +1 218-386-2211 or checking the official website for the latest information before your trip to ensure the museum's doors will be open on the day of your visit.

After diving into the world of classic cars, it’s worth spending time at other interesting spots in town. Warroad, known as "Hockeytown USA," offers cozy eateries and cultural centers to make your trip even more rewarding.