THE MUSEUM
A STEP BACK IN TIME
Whether you’re a lifelong truck enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique day trip, we’d love to welcome you to Yesterday’s Memories Museum in Sanborn, Iowa.
MUSEUM HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturdays: We are open the Third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to Noon. All other Saturdays by appointment only.
Sundays: Closed
ADMISSION:
Adults – $10
Children (12 & under) – Free
School Groups – Free
Care Facilities & Resident Groups – Free
GROUP TOURS WELCOME
Yesterday’s Memories is a popular destination for a day trip with a group of friends, school field trips, motorcoach tours, senior groups, car clubs and community organizations.
PLANNING A VISIT? We encourage you to contact us in advance so we can ensure someone is available to welcome you and help make your visit the best it can be. Please complete the contact form or give us a call at 712-729-3268. If you are traveling from a distance, there are many food and lodging options within 10-30 minutes of the museum. We are a proud RV host through Harvest Hosts.
We look forward to sharing our collection with you!
GET IN TOUCH!
VISIT US
MAKE A DAY (OR WEEKEND) OF YOUR VISIT
🚐 Staying Overnight?
- We are a proud Harvest Host Partner Host
- Camp at Miller Park Cabin or Campground
- Find a nearby Hotel
🍽️ Grab a Bite to Eat
🚗 More Things to See
- Freedom Rock
- Okoboji Classic Cars
- Sheldon Prairie Museum
- Take a Hike at Prairie Heritage Center
🎾 Looking for Activities?
- Sanborn Pickleball
- Fish, Swim or Kayak at Douma Park
- Sanborn Golf & Country Club
🌽 Explore Iowa
QUESTIONS? SEND US A MESSAGE
We look forward to sharing our collection with you!
HISTORY
150,000 SQ. FT. UNDER ONE ROOF
Step back in time at Yesterday’s Memories Museum, where history comes to life through one of the Midwest’s most unique collections of vintage trucks, automobiles, transportation memorabilia and Americana.
Located in Sanborn, Iowa, the museum is home to thousands of artifacts that celebrate the ingenuity, craftsmanship and everyday life of generations past. From beautifully restored trucks and classic vehicles to antique gas pumps, toys, signs, farm equipment and mechanical treasures, every exhibit has a story to tell.
The museum’s roots stretch back to 1939, when John Vander Haag Sr. founded South Side Junkyard – a small recycling business specializing in used automotive and truck parts. As the business grew into what is now Vander Haag’s, Inc., the family’s passion for preserving history grew alongside it.
Over the decades, the family began rescuing and restoring vintage trucks, automobiles, advertising pieces, fuel pumps, children’s toys and countless other artifacts that might otherwise been lost to time.
Today, Yesterday’s Memories Museum showcases that lifelong passion for preservation. With more than 150,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, visitors can explore an incredible collection spanning more than eight decades of transportation history and American innovation.
MUSEUM HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturdays: We are open the Third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to Noon. Otherwise by appointment only on Saturdays.
Sundays: Closed
EVENT CENTER
5,000 SQ. FT. EVENT ROOM
Looking for an event venue that’s a little different? The Yesterday’s Memories Event Center offers a unique setting where friends, families, coworkers and organizations can gather surrounded by history.
Our 5,000 square foot event center is perfect for corporate meetings, employee appreciation events, graduation parties, birthday celebrations, anniversary parties, family reunions, club meetings, political events, fundraisers, car clubs, wedding receptions and other community gatherings.
Located on the beautiful Yesterday’s Memories campus in Sanborn, Iowa, guests can enjoy peaceful surroundings, a walking trail, pickleball courts, and the option to add museum admission to their event for an unforgettable experience!
Whether you’re hosting a business meeting for 25 people or a family reunion with hundreds of guests, Yesterday’s Memories offers a comfortable, memorable venue your guests won’t soon forget.
Contact us today to schedule a tour, check availability or learn more about hosting your next event!
AMENITIES
- 5,000 sq. ft. climate controlled facility
- Seating for up to 250 people
- Free Wi-Fi
- Handicap Accessible
- Audio/visual available for additional fee
- Portable bar/cabinet for beverage service
- Ample parking for cars, RV, buses and motorcoaches
- Museum admission as optional add-on
LET’S CHAT!
IN THE NEWS
EXTRA, EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Over the years, Yesterday’s Memories Museum has been featured in newspapers, magazines and online publications that have shared the story of our growing collection and the Vander Haag’s passion for preserving transportation history.
Explore these articles to learn more about our history, our collections, and the stories that make Yesterday’s Memories in Northwest Iowa a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
This is the story of John C. Vander Haag, a talented Christian businessman with a passion for auto/truck recycling.
Pick up your copy at the museum today!
LET’S CHAT
Drop Us A Message
ADDRESS:
106 Eastern Street
Sanborn, Iowa 51248
MUSEUM HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturdays: We are open the Third Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to Noon. All other Saturdays by appointment only.
Sundays: Closed
CALL US: 712-729-3268
EMAIL US: info@yesterdaysmemories.us