The expansion is underway now and is scheduled to be completed in the fall.

What is being added to the museum

The added space will hold more trucks and memorabilia tied to the history of the industry. The museum already features a large collection, and this expansion allows additional equipment to be put on display instead of kept in storage.

New additions include Sterling trucks from the 1920s through the 1940s, along with a 1948 armored Mack truck restored by the Iowa 80 team.

For drivers who have been through it before, this is not the same quick walk-through. There will be more to see once the expansion is complete.

The museum stays open during construction.

The museum remains open while construction is underway, so drivers can still stop in without waiting for the project to finish.

Through Memorial Day, hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, hours shift to Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free, which makes it an easy stop without having to plan around cost.

Why this stop still matters for drivers

Most breaks on the road are the same. Fuel, food, then back in the truck.

This place is different. The museum gives drivers a chance to step away and see how the job looked decades ago, from early trucks to restored equipment that helped shape how freight moves today.

It is not about filling time. It is about seeing how the industry got to where it is now.

What changes for drivers passing through Walcott

The expansion does not change how you park or fuel, but it does change what you can do with your time once you are there.

More space means less crowding inside and more equipment on display. That makes it easier to walk through without rushing and actually take it in.

For drivers who run through Iowa regularly, this adds something new to a stop they already know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum located?
It is located at the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott, Iowa.

How large will the museum be after the expansion?
It will have 121,000 square feet of exhibit space after the addition is complete.

Is the museum open during construction?
Yes, it remains open while the expansion is being built.

How much does it cost to visit the museum?
Admission is free.

What new trucks will be added?
Sterling trucks from the 1920s through the 1940s, and a restored 1948 armored Mack truck will be part of the expanded display.

The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum has always been a stop drivers recognize. This expansion gives it more depth and makes it worth stepping inside instead of just passing through.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 24, 2026

Source: Land Line Media

The post Iowa 80 Trucking Museum Expansion Adds More Space and New Historic Trucks appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Closer Look at the 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton

“This 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton is a very early Kenworth model,” remarked the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in a statement. “Most trucks at that time, aside from Macks, Packards and Whites were assembled trucks. This one is no exception.”

At the heart of this vintage marvel is a Buda 4-Cylinder engine, paired with a Cotta 4-Speed transmission and a Timken-manufactured rear axle. While its top speed of 25 mph may sound modest by today’s standards, during its heyday, this truck exemplified cutting-edge engineering.

“Kenworths are still assembled trucks today,” the museum further explained, emphasizing the brand’s enduring commitment to its foundational approach to manufacturing.

Kenworth’s Origin Story

The story of Kenworth began in 1912 in Portland, Oregon, with the establishment of Gerlinger Motor Car Works by brothers George and Louis Gerlinger. Initially a retailer of both automobiles and trucks, the company released its first heavy-duty truck, the Gersix, in 1915. The business eventually moved to Tacoma, Washington, before being acquired by Edgar Worthington and Frederick Kent, who renamed it the Gersix Motor Company.

Kenworth Motor Truck Company came to life in 1923 when Frederick Kent’s son, Harry Kent, and Edgar Worthington officially incorporated the company by combining their surnames. While Kenworth became synonymous with trucks, it also ventured into bus manufacturing early on and began incorporating diesel engines into its vehicles by 1933. The 1925 KS model on display gained popularity among heavy industries like logging in the Northwest.

Unearthing a Rare Treasure

The 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton currently featured in the exhibit comes with an incredible backstory. Found not far from Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, this truck—with serial number 2012—was used by a construction firm to haul dynamite. With its unique combination of hard rubber tires on the rear and pneumatic tires up front, it is believed to be the oldest surviving KS model to date.

The Legacy of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Bill Moon, the founder of the Iowa 80 Truckstop, envisioned preserving trucking history, which led to the establishment of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. Moon’s passion for antique trucks and collectibles fuelled this one-of-a-kind collection, which now showcases rare and significant vehicles.

“We are pleased to be able to share this collection with the general public,” the museum said. “Every truck has a story to tell and can provide a unique glimpse back in time. Many rare and one-of-a-kind trucks are on display. View short films about trucking history in our REO theater which is a great way to learn even more about the trucks of yesteryear.”

More Stars of the “100 Years of Trucking” Exhibit

While the 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton is the highlight, the exhibit also features other industry-shaping vehicles from the same era, such as:

• 1925 International Water Tanker – Boasting a 4-Cylinder, 283-cubic inch engine with a 4¼-inch bore and 5-inch stroke, this tanker reflects the early industrial ingenuity of its time.

Source: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

• 1925 Douglas Well Drilling Rig – A fascinating example of well-drilling equipment mounted on a truck, showcasing the period’s dedication to functional design.

Source: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

Both vehicles provide an additional layer of insight into the engineering marvels that laid the groundwork for modern trucking.

Experience the Exhibit

Whether you’re a passionate trucking enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring historical innovations, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum’s “100 Years of Trucking” exhibit offers an immersive glimpse into the industry’s origins. Visit to admire the iconic 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton and learn about the pioneering machines that shaped the road ahead.

Source: The Trucker

Image: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum

The post Historic 1925 Kenworth Takes the Spotlight at Iowa 80 Trucking Museum appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.