Tribute Set for Wheels Through Time Founder Dale Walksler

Many motorcyclists develop an enduring relationship with both riding and the machinery itself.

Dale Walksler was a living symbol of this sentiment. In 1993, his unique and apparently boundless energy inspired him to launch one of the world’s most revered motorcycling destinations, Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum. The museum institution began in Illinois behind Walksler’s Harley-Davidson dealership and migrated in 2002 to Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Just 5 miles from one of the East Coast’s most beloved riding routes, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wheels Through Time is dedicated to telling the story of the American Motorcycle and showcasing one-off vintage automobiles.

But this wasn’t just any museum. Under Walksler’s leadership, everything on display had to run, earning the WTT the title of “The Museum That Runs.”

Tragically, Walksler passed away on February 3, 2021, following a four-year battle with cancer. The WTT family remained strong and kept its doors open, knowing Walksler would want it no other way.

And now, during WTT’s 20th anniversary and just over a year since Walksler’s passing, museum staff have planned a tribute that will celebrate his life. The event is slated for noon to 4 p.m. EST, April 2 at the WTT museum. Pastor and museum staff member Kris Estep will speak at 2 p.m., and many of Walksler’s closest friends and family will share some stories.

“We wanted to set aside a special day to celebrate the life and the vision of my dad,” said Matt Walksler, WTT museum curator and Dale’s son. “This day will be all about sharing the stories of his impact on people’s lives and his impact on the antique motorcycle world.”

WTT will also debut “a comprehensive exhibit detailing Dale’s passion and vision.” This exhibit will showcase Walksler’s life, from opening his first Harley-Davidson dealership in Illinois to building and growing the internationally acclaimed collection that resides behind WTT’s doors.

“This all-new exhibit gives museum guests an inside glimpse into the events and drive that shaped Dale and made Wheels Through Time what it is today,” Matt Walksler said.

Walksler began collecting motorcycles in 1969 while residing in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. He moved the collection in 1977 to his Harley-Davidson dealership in Mount Vernon, Illinois. As the collection grew, Walksler turned his attention to opening a museum. He settled on Maggie Valley, just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a popular touring destination.

The 38,000-square-foot museum, just under an acre in size, showcases more than 350 rare and running motorcycles, including models from Harley-Davidson, Indian, Crocker, Flying Merkel, Pope, Yale, Excelsior, and Henderson. In addition, the bikes are surrounded by vintage American motorcycle photography and memorabilia, helping further expand Walksler’s vision of preserving moto history.

“Dale had a passion that was contagious,” said Estep. “From the very first time you met him, you knew he was a man driven by an all-consuming vision.”

WTT expands more on Walksler’s life in its latest press release: “Through his passion, vision, and dedication coupled with contagious enthusiasm and generosity, he created not just a destination but an experience. His influence and reach extended through public appearances at antique motorcycle events and auctions, guest television appearances, and his network television shows. His impact and legacy continue through the Wheels Through Time Museum today.”

Walksler kept the bills paid by raffling off bikes. Since opening in 2022, WTT has awarded 20 bikes this way, including two bikes in 2014 (1935 and 1936 VL Flathead Bobbers). This year’s prize is for a 1937 Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead finished in the one-year-only color of Delphine Blue. The Knucklehead will be raffled on Saturday, November 19, 2022.

The museum will offer free admission during the April 2 event. For additional information, visit Wheels Through Time.