Things To Do In Pennsylvania: Lincoln Highway Experience Museum (Latrobe, PA)

I’ve driven past the Lincoln Highway Experience on Route 30 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania without even knowing it was a history museum. In fact, it wasn’t until I started searching for things to do in the Laurel Highlands that I realized what it actually was. The Lincoln Highway Experience. A history museum about the first coast to coast road in America.

After learning about it I went to visit within days and have gone back a couple times. This is one of the best museums in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands.

The Lincoln Highway Experience is part two of my one hundred things to do in Pennsylvania list.

What is the Lincoln Highway?

The Lincoln Highway is America’s first transcontinental highway that opened in 1913, and was not fully completed until 1935. It spans over 3,000 miles across 13 states connecting New York, New York with San Francisco, California.

The Lincoln Highway really changed how Americans got from one place to another. Cars were starting to become popular during this time period. However, before the highway was established, most of the roads in the United States were dirt or gravel. This was great for horses, not cars. This road had a significant role in the interstate systems that we have today.

Today, the Lincoln Highway is not as popular as it once was. Modern day turnpikes and roads make it easier for Americans to drive around. It is still popular however for road trips and tourist attractions.

What is the Lincoln Highway Experience?

The Lincoln Highway Experience is a history museum about the Lincoln Highway, focusing mostly on the Lincoln Highway in Pennsylvania. The 5,000 sq ft museum covers over 100 years of the highway's history with exhibits and artifacts from the time period. It is the largest museum about the highway.

It may not look like it, but there is a lot to do at this museum. Here is what you can expect during your visit to the Lincoln Highway Experience:

• Audio Tour: A 16-stop audio tour will guide you through the history of the Lincoln Highway at your own pace.

• Orientation Film: At the beginning of the tour there is a short orientation video that will give you a better understanding of the Lincoln Highway’s importance and history.

• Interactive Exhibits: There are interactive exhibits throughout the audio tour such as the License To Drive exhibit that shares the history of license plates, and the Wish You Were Here postcard exhibit.

• Free Postcard: At the start of the tour you are given a complimentary postcard. Fill it out at the postcard exhibit and drop it in the mailbox. The museum will stamp and mail it anywhere for free.

• Vintage Automobiles and Restored Structures: The final stop on your tour includes vintage vehicles such as a restored 1937 Packard car and a replica tourist cabin.

• Slice of pie and coffee: At the end of the tour you get a free slice of pie and coffee at a restored 1930s diner. It’s a lot of fun enjoying the pie and talking with the volunteers.

My Favorite Things To Do At The Lincoln Highway Experience.

I’ve been to this museum a few times and keep going back. There is a reason for that. This museum is awesome. One of my highlights is the tour. The tour is very informative, and you definitely learn a lot. For example I had no idea that businesses along the highway built giant everyday objects to catch the attention of drivers. My favorite stop on the tour is the Wish You Were Here postcard exhibit. It was really cool seeing the postcards blown up hanging from the ceiling. I also enjoyed the cars and replica buildings at the end of the tour. The 1937 Packard car is definitely a head-turner.

Who is the Lincoln Highway Experience for?

This museum is great for history buffs and car enthusiasts. If you are driving along the Lincoln Highway east towards Philadelphia you should definitely consider checking it out.

How much time do you need to budget for the Lincoln Highway Experience?

I would definitely plan on spending at least 1.5 to 2 hours at this museum. This will give you enough time to complete the audio tour, look at the exhibits, and enjoy your slice of pie at the end.

Where is the Lincoln Highway Experience?

The Lincoln Highway Experience is located on Route 30 East between Latrobe and Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Just look for the giant gas pump on the side of the road. The address is 3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650. There is plenty of parking onsite with chargers for electric vehicles.

When is the Lincoln Highway Experience open?

From April through November the Lincoln Highway Experience is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. From December through March the Lincoln Highway Experience is open from Thursday through Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.

How much does the Lincoln Highway Experience cost?

The Lincoln Highway Experience is really affordable, especially for the value that you get. For adults, admission is $15. For seniors, admission is $12. For veterans or active military admission is $12. For youth between the ages of 6-17 admission is $7. It is free for children under 5. Tickets can be purchased when you arrive or on the Lincoln Highway Experience’s website.

Final Thoughts On The Lincoln Highway Experience

It is crazy to think that I’ve driven past this place several times without going in. Now, it is one of the museums I can’t stop talking about. If you are already heading east on the Lincoln Highway (Route 30) or are spending a few days in the Laurel Highlands, definitely consider checking out the Lincoln Highway Experience. What other museums give you a free slice of pie at the end of a tour?

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Information is accurate as of August 8, 2026. Please email billduffieldtravels@gmail.com for any changes or corrections.

Note: Everything I put on my website or social media is a place that I have been to and recommend other people go to. All photos and videos are taken by me and not generated by using AI. I only use AI to assist with spelling, grammar and researching official sources.

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