Engines, Heritage and Bonding: Why Utah’s Antique Power Show Keeps Men Coming Back

Three generations stand around a 1940s John Deere tractor in the June heat, the grandfather pointing to the exposed pistons while his son explains compression ratios to an eight-year-old who’s more interested in the gleaming chrome exhaust. Nearby, a cluster of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts debate the merits of a 1936 Knucklehead versus a 1957 Sportster, their voices carrying across the grounds of the Richard W. Erickson Antique Power Show in Wallsburg, Utah.

This scene plays out every summer across America, but few places capture the intergenerational appeal of vintage machinery quite like this collection nestled in the Wasatch Mountains. The show launched its 2025 season last month, drawing families from across the Intermountain West to experience America’s mechanical heritage together.

Machines as Family Glue

The museum has evolved into something more than a collection of vintage vehicles – it’s become a summer tradition that bridges generations. ‘Seeing grandparents return for a second tour with young people is very satisfying,’ says Robert Muir, co-chairman of the Richard W. Erickson Foundation.

Recent improvements to the museum’s infrastructure have enhanced this multigenerational appeal. Paved pathways among the 24 buildings now make the collection wheelchair accessible, ensuring that older visitors can fully participate in the experience alongside younger family members.

Why Engines Still Matter

The museum houses hundreds of classic motorcycles, automobiles and farm equipment. The collection spans the evolution from horse-powered to steam-powered to piston-powered machinery, documenting America’s industrial transformation through tangible artifacts.

The appeal of these machines to American men runs deeper than mere nostalgia. Each engine represents an era when mechanical systems were comprehensible, repairable and built to last. American car culture of the 1950s and 60s was built on the premise that any man could understand and maintain his vehicle, creating a mechanical literacy that formed bonds between generations.

The museum’s collection includes authentic period buildings that contextualise the machinery: an early era filling station, the original Shoe Shop from Salt Lake City’s North Temple and vintage domestic buildings displaying household goods from the era.

Making Power Personal

The foundation organises three major summer events that turn the museum into an active celebration of mechanical heritage. The Antique Power Show in June kicks off the season, followed by TedFest in July and the Wasatch Boomerfest in August.

Boomerfest deserves particular attention for its unique approach to combining vintage vehicles with cultural celebration. ‘Among the Museum’s most popular events is our classic Boomerfest rock festival,’ explains David Chappuies, the event’s coordinator. ‘With plenty of space for cars and RVs, we keep our two stages rocking with people movers shuttling back and forth from the museum to our field of rock. More than 100 RVs made a weekend of it last year with thousands of fans.’

Families camp on-site, creating temporary neighbourhoods where automotive enthusiasts can share stories and knowledge. The museum also features hands-on elements that encourage active participation. A round circle track accommodates cyclekarts, tractor pulls and minibikes, while a paved air strip serves RCA hobbyists.

Passing It Down

Educational tours form a significant part of the museum’s mission, drawing both public and private groups seeking to understand America’s mechanical heritage. These tours create opportunities for fathers and sons to experience history outside traditional classroom settings.

The tactile nature of the exhibits – seeing actual pistons, touching worn steering wheels, hearing engines run – provides sensory learning that textbooks cannot match. The pioneer village and domestic buildings add context that helps younger visitors understand how mechanical development changed American life.

Private educational tours have shown particular success in engaging families. The foundation reports positive feedback from groups who appreciate the hands-on nature of the exhibits and the opportunity to explore topics that might not receive attention in standard curricula.

If You Go

The museum sits 30 minutes from both Heber and Orem, making it accessible for families throughout the Wasatch Front. Heber Valley offers additional family attractions for those planning extended visits, including outdoor recreation and scenic train rides that complement the museum experience.

Tickets for summer events and information about private tours are available through the foundation’s website. The museum’s summer calendar typically includes the Antique Power Show weekend after Father’s Day, making it a natural extension of family celebrations. Utah’s network of classic car shows provides additional opportunities for families to explore vintage automotive culture throughout the state.

The museum’s location in Wallsburg provides a quieter alternative to urban attractions, allowing families to focus on the exhibits without typical city distractions. The rural setting enhances the historical context of the collection, particularly the farm equipment and pioneer village components.