This Retro Car Museum in Wyoming Doubles as a Unique Place to Stay

What to know about the Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette, Wyoming

Photo courtesy Frontier Auto Museum

Classic automobiles, restored gas pumps, vintage apparel, retro gadgets, and neon signs galore: the Frontier Auto Museum is a treasure trove of North American nostalgia which started as a hobby between father and son and blossomed into a fully-fledged family business.

After moving to Gillette in the 1960s, Leon Wandler began collecting Hudsons from auctions which his son, Jeff, gradually came to take an interest in. This developed into a shared enthusiasm for restoring classic cars and gas pumps as well as acquiring dealership signs, which continued until Leon’s passing in 2004. After hearing that the compound intended for the Ford dealership in the 1940s was up for sale, Jeff leapt at the opportunity to open a museum in memory of his dad.

Jeff now manages the Frontier Auto Museum alongside his wife, Tammy, their daughter, Briona Brewer, and her husband, BJ Brewer. Spanning 13,000 square feet, the museum is divided into nine showrooms containing artefacts tracing everything from engineering to fashion throughout the 20th century. It all starts “Downtown” with a 1923 Ford Model T parked beside the recreation of a Frontier Gas Station. A 1929 Coupe, a 1947 pickup truck, and a 1949 Commodore convertible are also contained within the collection. Most of Leon’s Hudsons are on display in the Sinclair Room, where the limelight is almost stolen by a dinosaur who has starred in multiple world fairs.

Besides the classic car displays, the Wyoming Motel installation touts lovingly restored neon signage alongside a retired phone booth and coin-operated radio. There’s a department store stacked to the gills with vintage clothing whereas Kerk’s Barbershop recreates a typical cutting salon using items procured from a salon in Nebraska. Despite dating back to the 1930s, this space is still used for styling experiences during special events. Last but not least, there are hundreds, possibly thousands, of neon signs scattered throughout the premises. Among these are 300 original Sinclair globes, Hudson dealership neons, and a drive-in theater sign acquired from Laramie, Wyoming.

The Frontier Auto Museum is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM-05:00 PM. Admission is $14 per person with concessions available to veterans and students. Children under six go for free. The Commodore Cafe, modeled on a soda shop, serves comfort fodder and milkshakes in a themed setting.

Unique Airbnb lodging near the Frontier Auto Museum in Gillette, Wyoming

Photo: Airbnb

Wandler and Brewer manage four Airbnb properties attached to the Frontier Auto Museum. These self-catered vacation units are ideal for couples and families seeking additional space and the creature comforts often lacking in roadside motels.

The Cottage – this is a cozy one-bedroom house with a fenced backyard and spa features. An assortment of 1950s furniture creates a homely charm while the hot tub and sauna add a touch of luxury to an overnighter in Gillette. One additional guest may sleep on the couch in the lounge.

The Carriage House – designed with a Western touch, this studio is another option for couples or small groups of up to three. This studio stands above the garage and has a fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor seating, shared with the Carter House unit. Kids and cowboy enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the horsey decor.

The Carter House – this 100-year-old, castle-inspired rental has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a roomy kitchen and lounge. These three levels are linked by a spiral staircase while a backyard and rooftop with a fire pit provide additional living space. The maximum occupancy is seven guests.

The Ross House – the largest rental available at the museum, this 1930s Craftsman residence has four bedrooms accommodating a total of nine guests. This property is a match made in heaven for travelers who enjoy home comforts from the road. There’s a huge kitchen with a dual oven, granite countertops, and an island plus ample seating indoors and in the backyard. This green oasis is edged by cottonwood trees and has a lawn where the kids can play.

All four lodgings are furnished with antiques, luxury towels and bedding, cookware, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi. Free parking is available for all units.

What to see and do near Gillette, Wyoming

Photo: amadeustx /Shutterstock

As a hub for coal, oil, and natural gas production, Gillette, WY, is considered the Energy Capital of the United States and a gateway to the state’s prairie lands. Main Street is the heart of the community, preserving independent stores and being the center place for seasonal events.

Beyond the Frontier Auto Museum, Gillette, WY, is just an hour’s drive from Devil’s Tower. Designated America’s first national monument by President Roosevelt in 1906, this sacred monument carries a spiritual significance for Indigenous communities. Gentle hiking trails skirt their way through the plains and bring you closer to the natural wonder, and rock climbing is another option. Staying locally means you can catch a sunrise at the monument or stick around for sunset.

The Thunder Basin National Grassland stands 70 miles southeast of Gillette. This “big country” prairie is the habitat of ground squirrels, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, coyotes, swift foxes, and over 100 bird species. Infrastructure is fairly rudimentary, although the U.S. Forest Service does manage a series of hiking and backcountry trails focused on wildlife watching and photography.

One of North America’s largest and most respected family-owned bison operations, the Durham Bison Ranch, is 30 miles south of Gillette. This 55,000-acre working ranch runs summer tours around the corrals and grasslands, offering insights into bison behavior and local biodiversity.