On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Diana Klein, executive director of the Wheels O’ Time Museum, about the museum’s 2026 season opening and a lineup of events celebrating transportation history and hands-on learning.
The season kicks off May 1 with Opening Day, followed by a full weekend of programming, including a special appearance by Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, on May 2. Visitors can expect antique car rides, food trucks, and opportunities to hear firsthand insights on the past and future of transportation.
Klein, who recently stepped into the role of executive director, describes the museum as a place of constant discovery.
“It’s surprising just how big the campus is and how eclectic the mix of exhibits are,” she said. “You just never know what’s going to come around the corner.”
Throughout the season, the museum emphasizes interactive experiences, from blacksmithing and quilting demonstrations to train tours and storytelling during National Train Day on May 9. A major highlight this year is the announcement that all student field trips will be free, thanks to a generous donor, expanding access for schools across the region.
The Wheels O’ Time Museum opens for the 2026 season on May 1, with events scheduled throughout the month.
