Came today to see their Tractor Show with my son. He is 1.5 years old and obsessed with tractors. A lot of old machinery outdoors. A bit of a steep price of $10 to get in. We went to the farmhouse and saw cookies being offered but I seemed to have offended these ladies when I asked if any of their items had peanuts because of my son having a peanut allergy. It was a simple question but they were so mean about it. Not too sure if I'll come visit again. It was quite a drive and the volunteers at the farmhouse definitely rubbed me the wrong way about my food allergy question. read more

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum - Walking around - Museums Near Me - Vista, California

Located on the outskirts of Vista, on a giant piece of land you will find the AGSEM. There is a huge parking lot, and after a rain storm it will be muddy and have potholes, so go slow, be careful. Park and make your way over to the visitor center / gift shop (across from the barn) and pay your entry free or buy the membership pass which comes with 1 year membership, 4 guest passes, etc. The place is pretty large, and if you move quickly, don't talk to anyone, and breeze through the exhibits, and items you can get through in 60-90 minutes. If you have time, and are there on a Saturday, there are lectures and exhibits that are open, like the model train, blacksmith, weavers, etc. Sometimes the place is rented out for special events, and sometimes they have special days like the Antique Engine and Tractor Show. The place is huge and run by many volunteers, and not many docents walking around so grab a map and go explore. Definitely plenty of old, vintage, rusted items including steam engines, tractors, cars, signs, gas pumps, etc. The model train exhibit has been a work in progress for over 15 years, but is 1/164 scale of the donner pass area and they just started building a new section that will be a work in progress for many years. read more

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This is a really fun place to take antique and engine fans and kids of all ages. There is a ton of space to run around if you have little ones. There's even a little train kids can ride, a mini playground, and a kid-friendly model train museum. Tons of exhibits in general. I'd recommend planning at least 2 hours and bring walking shoes you're OK with getting dirty. You'll be walking on dirt paths much of the time. read more

Creepy, ghost town vibes. I arrived and there wasn't a single person here. There's a huge lot to park in. After seeing other reviews I thought I had to pay to visit, but there was no one at the ticket booth so I just walked right in LOL. So this museum is all outdoors, so be prepared with your shoes. It was very large, spread out all over. There was a lot of stuff to look at, nothing really exciting though. Everything is very dirty and rusty. Besides the fact of feeling like I was on the set of "hills have eyes" not seeing a single soul really freaked me out. There was a few indoor garages with old vehicles that were cool to see. They even had a blacksmiths shop, and finally I saw people! I guess they offer blacksmith classes here, definitely a cool activity to try out. The gift shop was small and underwhelming. I'm not sure what I make of this place, but it was definitely cool to check out if you haven't. read more

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This place is fantastic! We went during the fall and they had a vintage tractor parade. Well worth the price of admission. It's all outdoors with a beautiful grassy areas to picnic and relax. Wear comfortable shoes or boots because it is mainly dirt roads. there is a small train that you can take a quick ride in and some concession stands with hotdogs and burgers, drinks and snacks. It's a half day excursion. It's a good way to get the kids out into the fresh air and learn about the machinery read more

It's a tractor farm!! Recommend bringing cash, this place does take cards but they are solely run by the donations so they really benefit from the cash donations. Support this gem! We've been coming here for a few years and just wonderful seeing every year gets better and better. It's been slowly coming back to life and really is just every little kid dreams come true. Today's Father's day so it's a special event and great for more affordable family gatherings. You just can't beat it. Bathrooms clean, and there was food. But we brought our own snacks and food. Definitely recommend bringing snacks and water. Wear hats, or umbrellas and shoes, gets dusty! Tractor rides and demonstrations, and you can drive a tractor! Our kiddos 2 and 4 got to drive a tractor! Come visit this place, you can see what they have and learn about the farming life, history and the old days how they did it. You can go on many of the tractors just to play on and run around. The black Smith shop is really nice up close encounter to see the blacksmithing at work and can purchase goodies if and when they are available made in shop. They also do repairs as well! The working sawmill is definitely a treat to see! The spindle museum is very interesting and amazing work done at hand. The train station is underway going through remodeling projects. However, it is still really awesome set up, and the volunteers are extremely nice. The watches and clocks is really pretty to see and the history fun. There's an entire property just to walk around and appreciate all the cool construction vehicles, tractors equipment. Just can't beat it. Great way to get outside, walk around and see your kids just beaming with excitement. Sometimes they have the petting zoo and horse rides. We didn't get that far this time with all the added stuff this year. But definitely fun thing to do. We come here about 4 times a year, Father's day and then more in the fall time with the Halloween and Christmas. It can get toasty so take that in account. Come in the mornings and spend a couple of hours. There's even more! So come see for yourself for the next event which is on the website...or even just in a week day to hang out burn some energy. Special events are definitely worth it especially for a lower crowded area and more connections with the folks that run this place. Great family outing! read more

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Very interesting museum for antiques and art enthusiasts. My husband and I loved seeing the vintage cars and trailers; bummed we didn't get to see any blacksmith demos, but thankfully Jill and the ladies in the weaving barn were available. I loved seeing all the vintage looms and weavers in action! Will have to stop by again sometime to checkout the Fiber Fiesta or holiday lights. read more

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Awesome place. Everyone is welcoming and there is so much to see. There are actual blacksmiths working with metal and fire in the forge. Mini train museum is fun. The entire grounds are calming and full of wildlife, just a picture perfect place to spend the day. read more

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Volunteer at the Museum for 8 years. Admission is free! A great place to and visit on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Friendly people--all the folks keeping it together are volunteers. Come out and enjoy. We can only stay open if we get donations. And, if you like to tinker, become a volunteer! read more

I have no idea why people don't like this place, but then again this sort of thing appeals to my husband and I and we went for the first time looking for family friendly places to take our son. He's a machinist and grew up around heavy machinery, so while some would say this place looks like a "metal graveyard" we think it's a great monument to the past and preserves industrial heritage well! We can't wait to go when the machines are running, just walking around in the quiet was fun for us though, as well as stopping by the blacksmith areas. Those guys are great to talk to! I even brought my family from out of town to visit and my dad and husband had a great time looking around while my mom enjoyed having a sunny spot to walk around with the grandbaby. Gonna keep my eye out for events and make it a point to continue to bring my boy as he grows up in the area read more

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum - Got to check out the power shovel up close! - Museums Near Me - Vista, California

A day really spent well. There is a multitude of activities going on and a great deal to see and reminisce about. Everyone goes out of there way to engage with you about any of the hundreds of interesting displays and historic actions that encompass the area. Great fire children to learn how difficult life could be and how people found ways to compensate for the needs they had. Truly a one of a kind activity filled with so much hands on activities that you won't be disappointed I'm sure. Lucky to have visited while here from Georgia. read more

When I tell you that I hate this place with every single fiber of my being, I truly hope that everyone else has a better experience here than I did. Because nobody deserves to be treated the way I was here. The women who volunteer are unfriendly in the best of times, and downright spiteful in their worst. The men who volunteer are vulgar when they're on their best behavior, and I hope you never catch their eyeline when they're in a bad mood. The events and classes here are not worth your time, money, or sanity. read more

Was able to attend the second annual Memorial Day Celebration here. Single plane tribute for all who have lost their lives in the service of our country Performed by Retired Air Force Veteran B1 Pilot Colonel Vincent Lostetter What an awesome place Five Stars read more

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum - Museums Near Me - Vista, California

Relaxing, so many things to look at if you are a historical buff on vintage tractors, vehicles, equipment and shops. I walked around, took my time enjoyed the piece, the employees treated me with respect, the Black Smith Shop was very interesting to see how they actually worked! read more

This is a one of a kind museum. It is mainly run by volunteers. It has lots of learning experiences with each group that volunteers. It has unique events to go to that you will not find anywhere else. Go to web page to find about what happens there read more

Cool place to visit with little kids! Lots of antique engines and equipment, history to read about. There's also a small playground with a slide in the middle of the property near the old lawnmowers. Also lots of space to walk around and keep a good distance from others. The bathrooms are clean too! Planning to return when they have days they bring the engines out to run them. read more

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This review is specifically for the Holiday Lights at the Museum. It was their last night (December 18th) and it was really cute! $5 admission for adults, and kids under 12 are free. My son is obsessed with tractors and steam engines. Lots of cute kids activities like letters to Santa, some arts and crafts, model railroad, pictures with Santa, and a tractor ride. We had been looking for something low key to do and this was great! read more

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum - Museums Near Me - Vista, California

Industrial. I will have my cigar/food/travel/book blog up showcasing details of this fascinating museum after spring tax season and my spring adventure. Still debating where to go but its most likely SE Zona/SW New Mexico depending on snow. Lmk if you have a worthwhile spot to hit up!! Links will added when available. Location: C Between Hwy 76 and 78 off of Santa Fe. Both highways are often congested at all times. Its annoying. Vista and adjacent towns have outgrown city planning. Roads/Parking: A Free. Unpaved/rough road when you turn in from Santa Fe Blvd. Cost: A $5.00 you can be a jerk and wander around without paying. The museum is huge with many artifacts, stations, buildings and what appears to be private businesses. Overall: A Great place to learn about trains, farm equipment, heavy industrial machines from the past. Notable nearbys: Traffic! DT Los Angeles and DT San Diego are about 1.5-2 hrs. Temecula and Pechanga casino is less than one hour. Pala casino is appx 30 min. The general are has nothing but homes. Safe traveling. Shameless IG plugs to check out: Cigar IG @cigarcpa. Food IG @cleeshyun. Travel IG @travelingtaxman read more

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Little hidden gem. Personally, not for me, but my toddler is obsessed with anything trucks and cars. Every vehicle we passed that he could get on, he did. I love that they allow this. It was a little tricky on where to pay. We paid the entry fee inside the store, not the booth where you drive in. My son is 16 months and he was so into this place. Definitely have to hit it once or twice a year. For sure we'll be going to their pumpkin patch event. The nice clock worker gentleman let us know all about it. read more

I have no clue what to make of this place..which makes me chuckle. My friend invited my boys and I here for a simple morning outing with her kids. Sure, I'll go. The name says it all...'antique gas and steam engine museum'...but it's not a typical museum. It's all outdoors, spread out...and everything is antique in the truest sense of the word. I was sort of waiting for one of my kids to need a tetanus shot from all the rusted stuff here. It was empty...like ghost town empty when I arrived. I had no clue where to park since...here a tip. The big empty lot by the unmanned ticket booth...that's parking. So, why did I give 3 stars instead of 2? Well, it's outdoors- always a bonus. My friend told me (and showed me) where the train is that operates on the weekend. there's also a cool little park with picnic benches. She told me there's more going on over the weekend..but it's doubtful I'll return to find out. read more

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Located on 55 acres, numerous buildings to explore and open area's filled with all sorts of working machinery from 1849 through 1960. This museum had it's 40th anniversary this year, 2016. Classes are available for Adults and children. They include; Blacksmith, clock making, spinning, quilting, weaving and steam engines. If you love making something with your hands, then this is the place for you! The working Gristmill grinds wheat and corn into flour, which is available for sale during the twice-yearly shows. During the summer months, the museum grows sorghum cane, which is made into molasses for the fall show. The Museum Weavers are housed in a 4,000-square-foot barn, featuring more than 50 working looms for Weaving. Members of this club meet weekly to learn and practice weaving, rug-making and rope-making. The two bi-annual shows, on the 3rd and 4th weekends of June and October. Only reason for the four star is you don't get a ride on any of the moving antique engines, bummer! Be prepared for walking, walking and more walking! read more

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Hidden museum located in Vista. Plenty of parking and nice staff to talk to. Parking area is filled with gravel so it can be difficult to park and drive around. Just go slow. Variety of old engines and parts to look at. List of history here. Came here during Vista BBQ event. Got to enjoy BBQ and learn. There's not a lot of trees around so it can be very hot standing in the sun. I recommend going during core temperatures. read more

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Amazing place to visit with a family. We went during Christmas time and the care and attention that each station was prepared with was incredible. We loved Santa, the train ride, the paint can games, the tractor ride, the homemade cookies. Everything was awesome. I wish it was Christmas every day. read more

Came here for Fathers Day 2022 with my family and I never wanna come here again. Sereiously it smells so bad no matter where you go its just like if you wanna smell exhaust and gas just sit at the gas station its cheaper. And don't expect answers about some tractors with some of these memebers they are rude and act like your stupid if you don't know what your looking at. Sorry I wasn't born at a farm in 1920 I'm not a hillbilly I actually have a life in this century. What even is the point of this place? Went to the Farmhouse (real subtle name there) and you'd think older women would be nice but nope the grandmas in there are so mean and snappy. I asked if they baked cookies and they snapped saying that I was an 'entitled snowflake' if I just expected cookies. I just ASKED I didnt DEMAND I'm not 4 I'm 31 and yes I would've liked a cokie but now I'm glad I didn't get one because it might've turned me into a sad old hag like those witches. My daughter wanted to go see the weavers barn, I took her inside and she walked up to a loom and this old witch ran forward and practically yelled at her to get away and to not touch her project. I told her she needed to be respectful to children and that she wasn't doing anything wrong, she was just LOOKING and this woman acted like she was drooling and ripping out the threads. I asked her to apologize to my daughter and she refused saying she didn't need to apologize to a child. I am disgusted. My husband has planned the day for us but after two hours of us wandering around and getting nothing but anger from everyone, we decided to go to the movies instead. My kids were so excited to come here and they left practically in tears. Maybe if these people were so angry at customers they shouldn't have events. It seemed like every where we went there was some old person sneering and glaring and ready to start screaming at you. Never. Ever. EVER. AGAIN. Feels like every last Trump supporter in the country is fleeing to this little place and it should be voided at all costs. read more

A cultural treasure, there is so much to see and do here. Don't miss the steam engines, working black smith shop, and weavers barn.

Avoid at all cost!! Don't Waste your time or energy unless you want to be surrounded by chauvinistic, drunk, drug addicts. Homeless people constantly loitering the premises leaving their trash. The place is unsafe for children as there are open gas cans, oil trays and hydraulic fluid readily accessible for them to touch. The farm equipment can be unsafe and one cement mixer actually fell on my son, thankfully he wasn't seriously injured. Dogs of the workers there are unleashed and one of the people there actually got bit. The bathrooms are dirty with fecal matter and menses stains on the bathroom stall walls. Rat infestations and mold are also present in various buildings. The mini railroad has volunteers who wreak of hard alcohol constantly and empty beer cans can be seen throughout the property. Trash cans are overflowing to the point that the animals tip them over in the evening and strew the trash everywhere coupled with rotting food just siting around. Over grown weeds near the buildings pose a serious fire threat along with trees that are overgrown with giant limbs falling down which could fall on someone and cause serious injury or even death. The city and county definitely need to get in there and clean it up or shut it down. And let's not forget the hypodermic needless found on site, just waiting for a child to pick up and contract who knows what!! If you must go, do yourself a favor and go after 4/5 pm when the office closes as the main gates still stays open late into the evening and you can save yourself the cost/fees, and bring closed toed shoes and stay on the roads to avoid any possible syringes that may have been improperly disposed of. Hope this helps anyone who is thinking of a nice day out with their family. Go elsewhere!!! read more

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This venue beyond exceeded my expectations. I came here as a vendor for the Fiber Arts Fiesta and was so pleasantly surprised. The grounds are beautiful with so much to see. I had amazing communication and availability with the organizers who answered all of my questions. The vendor fee was very reasonable and my booth was profitable. All you can want and more from a venue. I would without a doubt come again next year!!! I wish there were more than 5 stars! Loved it. read more

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I did not appreciate this 'museum'. All I saw was a bunch of rusted stuff on a huge dirt lot. I spent maybe a half hour looking at things. It was mostly farm type equipment. I secretly imagined they were Autobots and Decepticons about to transform... other than that, I was bored. I came with a date who is country-ish, and he was super enthusiastic. He ogled the tractors and was able to shout out the name brands of the equipment and vehicles. He loved getting his boots dusty running around the place. Needless to say, that relationship didn't work out. ;) Overall, I recommend you come check things out. You might find charm in something I overlooked. Plus it's nice to support local museums. Pros: - location - historical significance Cons: - model train section not open everyday - looks like junk read more

Just visited with my 4 and 6 year old and we absolutely loved the place. They hosted an event for our school. Every single person who worked there treated us like a welcomed guest. Genuine authentic smiles. The kids loved it!! I did too. They got to climb inside a vehicle that was 110 years old and had a stove/fire to power it (does steam engine sound correct?). I can't remember what it's called. But it was so cool. We also felt like we were on a farm. My 6 year old said she wanted to live there. Haha. Yah!! It was a hit. I was shocked I'd never heard of the place and will be telling my sister in law who lives in the area. She has a little boy who will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for a wonderful visit!! read more

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Wow. Umm... wow. Its huge. And cool. Okay... I should elaborate. Its not so much a museum as a hoarders wetdream/ treasure trove of amazing mechanical devices (mostly farm or early industry related) from the 19th and early 20th century, many of which are actually still working. We are talking everything from anvils and awls to massive logging and farm steam and diesel whatchamacallits from a bygone era. On weekends, they even run demos... bring earplugs. Only a handful have descriptions; most simply lay in the sun or gather dust in any of the numerous barns... but there is loving organization of sorts to the place reminiscent of your grandfathers barn or a rustic swapmeet, enough irganization that one can easily extrapolate what even the unmarked items do, simply based on what they are near. ... did I mention this place is HUGE??? I mean amazingly huge! If you have any interest in old mechanical stuff, are a steampunk, dieselpunk, farmpunk, or just have a solid day to kill doing something nostalgic and cobwebby... come here. Bring your dad, uncle, or otherwise mechanically-inclined pal and wander and wonder at relics of the precomputer days, you will not be diappointed. read more

Its nice and open and like a great junk yard - outside the many exhibit halls you can visit if you go while they are open. You can meet some cool people there ... but sometimes people come up and hassle you with no identification of who they are, and one time some drunken dude kicked my dog. So it's very hap hazard whether i enjoy going or not. Last time some guy 'Ben' followed me inappropriately, and delayed me, hassled me making no sense at all ... and then wandering off talking over his shoulder. Weird, read more

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We have been coming here since the late 80's. This is a little slice of MOTORHEAD PARADISE! That being said, there was a few year lapse in time since we have been here. A friend has been visiting from out of town and we took him here yesterday (Sat Oct 17th) for the Antique Engine & Tractor Show. He loved it. $5 for the event parking and a $10 admission for most adults, less for Seniors and kiddos. Two little girls put our wristbands on our wrists and they were so helpful and cute. And we noticed the many improvements that have been made; including new bathrooms that are nice and clean. The food building now has a back area with more and upgraded picnic tables with umbrellas, and also more food choices. Much better. One of us had the Cheeseburger and the other two had the Pulled Pork Plate (comes with coleslaw and a drink). Very good, not skimpy at all with the meat. They also have roasted Jalapenos you can help yourself to, along with the usual condiment bar where one can tailor their food to their liking. There is pie and soft-serve ice cream for sale at one of the other buildings, and in the quilting building you can snag a small sweet treat (and leave a donation). We visited all the buildings that were open and I especially loved the Fiber Arts one. The Parade at 1:00 pm was fun to watch. All the bleacher seats are shaded now. They had trucked in a military tank for the show! A shout out to the lady who played the school marm and witch in the parade. She was great! We also took the wagon ride and it is interesting to see the outer edges of the park. Also gives one a rest from all the walking. The wagon does go over to the Rancho Guajome Adobe at certain times. There were not as many outdoor vendors as we had experienced before (we normally go to the first weekend of this event). We had experienced the second weekend in the past but we found the offerings at the vendor booths had been pretty picked through by the second weekend. The show is also on next weekend and I think that second weekend is the BIG weekend now because there is a Dia de los Muertos event on Sat the 24th being held at the Rancho Guajome Adobe (basically next door). I am sure visitors to that event will flood into the AGSEM. So vendors may be holding out for next Saturday. The Dia de los Muertos event at the Mission San Luis Rey on Sun the 25th is just down the road and visitors to that event may visit the AGSEM show as well. We may also try to catch one of those days. There was only wheat and corn to purchase at the Grist Mill, and in the past I remember Sorghum flour and other offerings. The corn has to be nonGMO Organic for me to be willing to purchase a bag, and Sorghum is gluten free so I am not interested in the wheat. Would like to see a cookbook with recipes specifically using the Grist Mill products, and jars of the molasses made from the Sorghum offered at the Grist Mill (there may be such items in the Gift Shop but I did not see them). A demo of hand made tortillas from the corn would be cool also. I had purchased a Deluxe Dual Membership (online) a week and a half before, and I really should have done it sooner to give it a bit more time for the packet to come in the mail. Before we left the park, we stopped into the Gift Shop/Office. After a quick check on their computer, one of the nice ladies at the office promptly reimbursed me for the admissions we paid (it was "free" with the membership) without any hassle. I was impressed! On a sadder note... this is an era gone by. The fact that the talents and abilities (like Blacksmithing) are being kept alive is wonderful. It is an Art. ANYTHING handmade and handcrafted here is an Art! I hope the Museum remains in place for a long time to come and doesn't turn their 55 acres into yet another huge shopping center. We need more displays of American ingenuity, invention, and history to inspire the newer generations. One could stand in the middle of the park grounds and view open rolling hills and fields all around not that long ago. Now there are new large houses right up to the borders of the AGSEM. Kinda disheartening. We didn't see the Broom Making exhibit. We must have overlooked it? I have a broom from a previous visit that I watched being made and since I did not want the straws to be clipped, I have it hanging in our entryway at home. One of the things we also noticed missing from the event was any teenage visitors. There were many families attending but the only kids were relatively small children. So not sure if that was due to us coming on the "lesser" weekend or if this is the norm now. Apparently we need to get a better feel for the Museum as it is now. This is still an excellent event and Museum and we plan on visiting more often on event days and quieter days. We love this place. read more

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At first glance you'd think this is Sanford and Sons junkyard. Dig deeper and find a slice of Americana. I'm still not sure what to make of this place. I came here on a Saturday afternoon and it was a ghost town. Nobody was at the ticket booth, the main store was closed and while there were people tinkering away in some of the buildings, it all appeared to be closed. Hmm, I drove here from Escondido so I might as well check it out, closed or not. Without a map or guide I walked around from building to building, field to field. My first stop was the blacksmith shop. It appeared that there was a members group hammering away, not a particularly friendly bunch. I then walked through a field of old rusted tractors, steam engines, a model train building, a pavilion ( where a band was brushing up on some bluegrass), through a parade corridor with abandoned food stalls back up through locked historical buildings. Whew... This place is bigger than I thought. It takes a while, but if you look past the rust and flat tires and see really cool machines of the past. I just wish there was someone around to ask questions. It appears that twice a year they have a tractor show. I think I'll come back then and get a better feel for the place when there are people/ volunteers around to ask questions. If you get there early enough on Saturday ( before 1) there is a model train building. Check it out if the rest of the park is dead. read more

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This place is basically a collection of antique equipment with engines. Their pamplet says they specialize in antique farming and rural equipment. It may be more interesting for someone who already knows a lot about engines, but I myself wished there were more informative signs explaining what it was and the history behind it. A lot of it has a storage garage type feel, with old cars and tractors packed in under a shade structure. It was pretty empty the weekday we went, there was no one else there. Large place, but some areas it was unclear whether it was part of the museum or a junkyard. I also saw what looked like a trailer park, too. My kid was disappointed that the playground was closed and the kiddie train wasn't running. I would be interested in seeing the Vista history exhibit, if it were open. All the buildings were closed, so they only charged $2. The good thing about it is you feel like you're somewhere far away when you're here. Open during Covid, but outside areas only. Check it out if you're close by, but I don't think I would drive far to go there. I will go back when more exhibits are open, and update my review. read more

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Went here on 10/3/15 for the gem, precious rock, and mineral show. Booths were set up like a farmer's market where vendors sell their goodies. They had some gorgeous looking items. Bit expensive for our taste, but we were just there to look anyway. There was also a "fiber fiesta" taking place. Had to do with yarn, knitting, and weaving. Couldn't care less about that. The giant gas and steam engines on display were historical sights to behold. There's plenty to peruse. Would be more eventful if we went on a day when they take them out and run them. I think the general admission is $10 for that. But since we went during some other happening occasion, it was only $5 for parking. It's bigger than you'd think, a few acres, and a lot of walking is be done from building to building. But they had a shuttle service to help people get around. However, I think they only provide that, along with having the snack booth open, when there's gatherings like the one they had. All in all, it's certainly worth a one time peek for bored locals to consider who are looking for a cheap activity to do. read more

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If you're into stuff like old steam and gas engines, obviously you're going to like this place. It's all on a big area in large barns, and they have some really interesting pieces, including industrial engines and enormous old steam engine- like tractors. HOWEVER... even if that's not your thing, you'd be making a serious mistake if you wrote this place off. It's not just a museum, it is an incredible learning resource for locals. They have lots of amazing classes in everything from blacksmithing to loom weaving to furniture restoration, taught by passionate, skillful people, and very inexpensive to boot. Where else could you possibly find stuff like that?? read more

OMG I have lived in vista for 20 years and I've never been to this museum! If you haven't been here you need to come and check it out. read more

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum - Summergrass!!! - Museums Near Me - Vista, California

This is a living museum that gives visitors a window to an amazing point in history. I have been to similar museums around the country and this one is by far my favorite. What makes the Steam Engine museum such a special place are the events that they offer and the people who work there. The museum hosts everything from Boy scout camp outs to bluegrass festivals - my favorite is their annual tractor / truck event that draws in folks from all points on the map. They also offer classes like blacksmithing and weaving, along with restoration projects - it is these type of offerings that make they museum such a dynamic resource for the community. The museum has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 20 years that I've lived in the area and I'm looking forward to see how they continue to grow over the next 20 years. read more

This place is amazing! It's a dream! At first glance, its hard to tell all that you'll discover, but around every corner there is something new & fascinating to explore. If you have toddlers, bring a stroller. It's a lot of ground to cover. The people are sooooo nice, and there is TONS of history here! It's certainly a "Don't Miss!" We are definitely going back- membership is worth it! read more

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I have been a member of AGSEM for over three years, and a regular exhibitor at the weekend shows for the same amount of time. AGSEM is a great place to get away from the drone of society and step in to a simpler, easier time. Being there takes you back to a time when honest folks worked long, hard hours, and things were made in the USA. Before everything was outsourced. If you are a tractor lover, this is the place for you. I'm more of a small engine type, and I have a fondness for Hit & Miss engines, which AGSEM has plenty of. Be sure to stop in the Museum Building if these kinds of things are your forte. AGSEM is a very hands-on place for it's members. If you enjoy the place and live in San Diego, and want to participate, I'd highly recommend a membership, and getting to know some of the regular folks there. It won't be long until you're just as involved as the rest of us! I only wish I had more time... Long story short, this is a wonderful experience for people of all ages. You can not possibly see everything there is to see at the Museum in just one visit - it takes several visits to see just a fraction of what's there. Be sure to come to the shows in June and October, when everything is operating. Great food, great friends, great fun and great experiences! I've made some lasting, true friendships as as result of the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. read more