The world famous Pioneer Auto Show has been a staple of South Dakota tourism and automobilia for nearly 60 years. With vintage car exhibits, classic tractor displays, automobile auctions and nostalgic memorabilia of all sorts, this Murdo, South Dakota attraction is unlike any other.

Over the years, the museum has received many kind words about our establishment. Here are a few more recent letters of thanks and review received from visitors. With 2009 coming to an end, it is nice to look back. Thank you all for helping to make it another wonderful year!

Ken from Canada wrote in on August 11, 2009 to say:

“THANK YOU for entrusting me with the grain shocker. It was such a momentous occasion when the Stapely’s from Campbellford Ontario phoned and told me they had located the shocker.

Right up there was when we, with a warm handshake over the phone, were able to make a deal. Dreams do come true.

Your hospitality, wonderful museum and other ventures are a jewel in Murdo’s crown. I will be sure to tell everyone you and your staff are true professionals and a pleasure to deal with.

Fine show and great people you have out there in the west.”

Chris and Michelle wrote in Augus to say “thanks for the great time”:

“We dropped in yesterday on our way to Winnipeg, Manitoba from Rapid City. We had a fantastic time. You have a phenomenal collection of cars, as well as antiques and memorabilia, very well organized and nicely displayed. We were very impressed with the friendly staff and the fact that Dave greeted us personally and made us feel at home. We had lunch in the restaurant which was excellent too! Thanks for a great time and we will be back.”

Ron and Diane of Stillwater, MN wrote in on September 7, 2009:

“We really enjoyed seeing all the cars, trucks, tractors and other assorted machines and displays. It was a real joy to be able to visit your establishment, especially because my first visit was in 1954.

The next morning after breakfast and after checking out of the motel we stopped to look and wonder some more. We had a great time and were wishing we would have had more time to look at all the things.

Also, we found two nice ceramic wall decorations to compliment a new picture we put up in our kitchen area as part of some redecorating.
Best wishes for continuing success with your establishment. I only wish I would have made it out there a few more times between 1954 and this past weekend. Take care and may God Bless you all.”

The Pioneer Auto Show: Classic Cars and Family Fun

Antique farm tractors, cars, trucks, motorcycles, unique rocks and family fun await at the famed Pioneer Auto Show in Murdo, South Dakota. Located at Interstate 90’s exit 192, the Pioneer Auto Show has been entertaining families and thrilling classic car collectors and enthusiasts since 1954.

Originally a successful gas station, the owner, A.J. “Dick” Geisler, found that displaying vintage automobiles brought in more business. After collecting too many vehicles for their small gas station, Dick and his two sons, John and Dave, decided to expand. The result was an attraction that takes visitors back in time.

“My dad had a Chevy dealer, and I had a Ford dealer, and we just started collecting classic cars,” said Dave Geisler, owner, Pioneer Auto Show. “The original General Lee and Elvis’s motorcycle are probably the most popular displays, but the ‘Big Green Car’ always seems to capture the curiosity of travelers on the interstate.”

With more than 300 vintage motorcycles, cars, and trucks, the Pioneer Auto Show is one of the largest, privately-owned auto shows open to the public.They also carry a wide range of classic music boxes and toys, an old prairie town and the famous collection of Zeitner rocks, gems and fossils for all to enjoy.

“We have something for everyone here at Pioneer Auto,” stated the owner of the famed classic car museum and auto show. “We have a kid’s treasure hunt, a hot rod manure spreader and Edsel the Elephant (an elephant who squirts water). These always bring smiles to the faces of children and adults alike.”

The Pioneer Auto Show also annually hosts a classic car auction attracting car enthusiasts and collectors from around the region. The annual antique car auction and swap meet is held every May.

If you are near Murdo and are searching for a few hours of family friendly entertainment, the Pioneer Auto Show is a stop for you. To find it, just look for the “Big Green Car.” You can’t miss it!

For more information about the Pioneer Auto Museum and all it has to offer, visit or call Dave Geisler at (605) 669-2691.

The In Your Own Backyard series is a project of the South Dakota Office of Tourism designed to highlight unique areas and attractions all across South Dakota. Click on the special “In Your Own Backyard” link at www.travelsd.com/Newsroom/ to access the complete list of articles.

The In Your Own Backyard series is part of Goal 1 of the 2010 Initiative to double visitor spending in South Dakota. The Office of Tourism serves under the direction of Richard Benda, Secretary of the Department of Tourism and State Development.