Hall of Heroes: Epic Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Indiana
If planning out a trip to see the largest collection of superheroes in the world, you would likely start thinking about a trip to New York, maybe Los Angeles or Las Vegas. Chances are a visit to Elkhart, Indiana would not be on your radar. But if you a fan of Marvel, DC Comics and the superhero genre, it should be.
The Hall of Heroes Elkhart Indiana, a superhero museum located in this Northern Indiana community lays claim to the largest selection of superhero memorabilia in the world. Allen Stewart is the leader of the organization, and it is his collection that is the basis of the museum.
What to See at Hall of Heroes Elkhart Indiana
Their superhero collection is just not a few comic books and some worn displays. The Hall of Heroes collection is quite large and growing. Stewart estimated that the collection is valued over $20M, ranging from 70,000 comic books, over 10,000 toys and animation cells from Marvel, DC Comics and independent projects.
They have plenty of items to see and interact with at the museum. The centerpiece has to be volume one, number one for the Captain America comic books. This particular comic book is valued at over $1M dollars. That particular comic has made national news in the past couple years, having been stolen from the museum, only to be recently returned and once again is on display.
Touring the Hall of Heroes for us did not focus on comic books. This place is so much more than a comic book museum. We spent the bulk of our time looking at toys, collectibles and authentic movie props which are throughout the museum. This is a great place to get tons of photos of your favorites like Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and more with the displays that allow you to get up close. Plus on the day we were there, they also had volunteers in costume where you could get photos with Deadpool, Wonder Woman and more.
More Than Just Comic Books
No matter your preferred superhero, you’ll find an exhibit for you at the Hall of Heroes. The curators do a good job of mixing in comics, toys, collectibles and movie memorabilia to help tell the story of your favorite character. Exhibits are regularly changing, and their collection of superhero collectibles is still expanding so there is plenty to see. Regular Marvel exhibits pay tribute to various including the Golden, Silver and Bronze Ages of Marvel Comics and movie vehicles. They also have plenty for DC Comic fans, with special emphasis on Superman and Batman. They even some of your favorites from Saturday morning cartoons.
For a small museum, they back a lot in including some larger space exhibits like some movie vehicles. The coolest for us was the 1965 Shelby Cobra used in the original Iron Man movie. Also on display was the Hellcycle from Ghost Rider movie and a Batgirl’s motorcyle from Batman TV show.
You’ll be in ‘nerd-vana’ if you are fans of comic books and superheroes. It would be the perfect place for a reunion of the TV show Big Bang Theory given the size of this collection. In fact, that TV show is represented in some of the memorabilia at the Hall of Heroes. Fans of the show and Sheldon Cooper will no doubt recognize Sheldon’s Green Lantern shirt from the show displayed next to an autograph by actor Jim Parsons.
Free Arcade Games
The Hall of Heroes even has superhero themed arcade games, including some rare games. Once you’re done walking around the museum, relive your days of pinball. The arcade games are free and included in the price of admission.
Periodically throughout the year, they host special events. Check out their calendar and plan accordingly. Though not held at the museum because of how big the event has grown, the Hall of Heroes has an annual Comic Con. This event is held around Memorial Day, and is at the Northern Indiana Event Center in Elkhart.
Planning Your Visit
Admission to the museum is very reasonable, currently around $10 for adults, less for children. We visited on a Saturday morning, and did not feel rushed or crowded. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get that perfect photo with you and your favorite superhero. The Hall of Heroes is open daily from 11AM – 5PM, Saturday from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday 12PM – 5PM.
Elkhart is located a few hours east of Chicago along the Indiana Toll Road. The museum is located at 1915 Cassopolis Street, which is just a couple minutes south of the interstate and easy to get to.
The Hall of Heroes is a great place to spend an hour and geek out about all things superhero. Fans of Marvel and DC Comics alike will find plenty to be entertained, easily worth the small admission fee.
Planning a visit to the Hoosier state? Check out some of our favorite Indiana restaurants to help plan your stay.
