Walking through the Old American Bike Barn, located in Ortonville, MN, is like reliving the history of the motorcycle. The Old American Bike Barn features Kevin Backstrand’s personal collection of dozens of historic motorcycles. Backstrand houses these bikes in an ancient barn he rebuilt in 2017, and today, motorcycle enthusiasts come from all over the country to see the collection for themselves.
Old American Bike Barn: The History
Kevin Backstrand opened the Old American Bike Barn in 2017 after collecting motorcycles and parts for nearly four decades.
Backstrand has had a passion for motorcycles since age 9, when he sat on a bike for the first time. He’s always had a heart for collecting and has built impressive collections of license plates, signs, car parts, and countless other items.
But Backstrand’s true passion is for the motorcycle, and he’s been building his collection of bikes practically his entire life. His first bike was a 1948 Indian, and he’s since added dozens to his garage.
Backstrand’s long-time friend and fellow bike enthusiast Tina Richards helped him build the Old American Bike Barn to house his collection. Today, the Old American Bike Barn is a destination for motorcyclists to browse vintage and antique bikes, buy motorcycles and parts, and participate in Ortonville’s unique segment of motorcycle culture.
What To Expect at the Old American Bike Barn
Expect to be blown away when you first step foot in Ortonville’s Old American Bike Barn. Being inside this restored barn will feel like going back in time; the atmosphere boasts a rustic charm, and many of the bikes date back over half a century.
You’ll have a chance to peruse the bikes in Backstrand’s personal collection and browse vintage bikes and parts currently for sale. For instance, Backstrand has sold these models in the past:
- 1953 Indian
- 1948 Harley-Davidson FL
- 1969 Bridgestone 100 TMX
- 1965 Harley-Davidson Panhead
- 1973 HD Shovelhead Custom
Backstrand also sells antique cars, such as:
- 1947 Nash 600
- 1958 Cadillac Coupe deVille
- 2001 Prowler
- 1964 Cadillac
- 1932 Studebaker Rockne
You can also check out the Barn’s vintage parts for sale. Backstrand visits swap meets throughout the year to gather parts to add to his collection, making the Barn a great one-stop shop for finding difficult-to-get bike parts.
Finally, as a collector at heart, Backstrand sells some non-bike-related antiques out of the Barn as well. Antique gas pumps, jukeboxes, and barber chairs line the perimeter of the Old American Bike Barn, adding to the building’s old-timey atmosphere.
Before you leave, you’ll want to browse the Old American Bike Barn t-shirts and other apparel for sale.
Planning Your Visit
Ortonville’s Old American Bike Barn is the perfect stop to add to your next Minnesota motorcycle tour. The Barn is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, so plan your visit accordingly. If you’re visiting on a national holiday, check out the Barn’s Facebook page for updated hours.
The Old American Bike Barn is located at 547 US Hwy, Ortonville, MN, 56278. If you have any questions, call 320-487-0160. You can also call to learn whether Backstrand has a certain bike or part in stock before your visit.
We recommend setting aside at least an hour or two to spend at Ortonville’s Old American Bike Barn. It’s a slice of Americana, motorcycle-style.
Contact Law Tigers Motorcycle Accident Attorneys
As a motorcycle enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the dangers of riding a motorcycle on the open road. If you ever find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident, Law Tigers attorneys can help you seek compensation. Contact us today at 1-888-863-7216 to schedule your free consultation.