- Address:
- 24 Zaca St.
Buellton CA, 93427 - Phone:
- 805-689-2402
- Hours:
- Museum Tours are by appointment only.
Please call (805) 689-2402 to schedule your tour.
There is a $15 donation per person for tours.
- Website:
- www.mendenhallmuseum.com
- Connect:
Gas Pumps & Petroliana Collection
~ Welcome to the Mendenhall Museum ~
Get ready to dive into the bold, high-octane world of the Mendenhall Museum, located in the rugged beauty of Buellton, California, located in the iconic Santa Ynez Valley. Housing one of the West Coast’s most powerful collections of petroliana, this museum, packed with gasoline pumps, globes, and vintage gas, oil, and road signs tells the story of America’s love affair with the road. You’ll also find race cars, adrenaline-pumping racing memorabilia, license plates, and a treasure trove of gas and oil relics alongside other bold antiques.
A Legacy of Collecting
It all started more than 50 years ago with Jack Mendenhall, a man who didn’t just run a service station—he lived and breathed the automotive world. Today, his son Mark and daughter-in-law Vickie keep the engine roaring, continuing to grow this mighty collection.
Jack Mendenhall: The Original American Picker
Jack Mendenhall wasn’t just any collector. In the fifties, he owned and operated a Richfield Service Station, cutting deals with AAA and hitting the open road after selling the station. While traveling the U.S., Jack wasn’t just selling signs—he was building a legacy, one vintage piece at a time.
The Museum Grounds
The museum stands on the very ground where Jack ran his wrecking yard, displaying a lifetime of finds. Mark and Vickie, no strangers to the allure of classic automobiles, spent 25 years running their own Chevron Station, eventually catching the collecting fever themselves.
Speed, Racing, and Hall of Fame Glory
Jack and Mark made their mark on Land Speed Racing. Jack became a Lifetime Member of the exclusive 200 MPH Club, while Mark hit an incredible 210.114 mph. This passion fueled the Mendenhall’s role as the heart of racing history.
Book Your Private Tour
Ready for a private tour or special event? Call (805) 689-2402 to book your visit. Tours are by appointment only with a $15 per person donation.
Schedule your private tour for individuals and clubs. We host special events, such as weddings, birthday parties, class reunions, family reunions, anniversary’s, etc. We also have car and motorcycle club gatherings.
Mendenhall Museum
24 Zaca St, Buellton, CA 93427
(805) 689-2402