Museums in Amarillo are substantial and each seems to be dedicated to its own thing. The Don Harrington Discovery Center is focused on scientific exploration and discovery whereas the Amarillo Railroad Museum’s focal point is trains and railroad history. One of the more unexpected kinds of museums Amarillo is home to is the Jack Sisemore RV Museum. Jack Sisemore is widely known for his hugely successful RV dealership, but he actually started out as a gas station owner.
After running his business for sometime, Jack began renting out motorhomes through the station more and more as the years passed. Eventually, he grew his empire into the massive RV dealership Jack Sisemore Traveland. Jack took an interest in travel vehicles early and began collecting different types and models of RVs and motorhomes with his son Trent in the 1980s. The father-son pair came into ownership of their first two vehicles with as1962 Bambi Airstream and a teardrop camper. The two repaired and restored the travel automobiles and continued on with their journey. By the year of 1998, they decided it was time to share their enormous collection with the public.
The museum has relocated to a spot between Amarillo and Canyon at 14501 I-27, Amarillo, TX 79119, so make sure to visit the correct one if you are interested in going. Jack Sisemore’s Traveland underwent a name change in recent years to Gander RV & Outdoors, but the museum remained, it just relocated. Upon entering the new location, you will be able to see a vertical three-tiered Harley Davidson motorcycle display that is part of the Sisemore’s personal collection. The Amarillo Motorsports Museum also relocated alongside the Jack Sisemore RV Museum and into the same location combining collections, so you will be able to view additional vehicles dedicated to racing.
The Sisemore’s collection is considerably significant and contains a few rare pieces such as the original motorhome Robin Williams drove for the movie ‘RV’ as well as the very first built Itasca and Fleetwood motorhomes. Most of the motorhomes were restored upon arrival but there were a few that came in good condition and required no maintenance like the 1936 Alma Trailer Company’s Silvermoon. The trailer was kept locked away and “safeguarded” for 20 years in Michigan at the manufacturing plant it was produced at before being obtained by the Sisemores. The collection also features a Winnebago that underwent a complete restoration by the Sisemores with parts he obtained from Maine and Arizona.
Through the generosity of the Sisemores, the museum is free to all who dream of paying a visit. If you are traveling into or exiting out of the city from the south, the museum is a one-of-a-kind must-see attraction. The hours of operation are somewhat flexible so make sure you call ahead if you plan on visiting. On normal weeks, you can expect the museum to be open Thursday through Saturday from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. With so many positive reviews from past visitors, you will understand why this museum is so unique.
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Map from Jack Sisemore RV Museum to WilsonHaag:
Map from Jack Sisemore RV Museum to Amarillo Museum of Art: