I lived in California for years and thought that I visited every corner of the state. I drove a lot of miles in that time. Somehow, I missed a little piece of the state just north of Yuma, Arizona. Bard, California, has date farms and there was a ripe crop of lettuce growing yesterday. It was a long field of green. There's not really a town center but, if there is, it's most assuredly the Cloud Museum. It sits across from one of the lettuce fields, too. I'm not a car geek but all I can say is wow. Wow! I'm not the only one, either. I watched some folks exclaim the same word after entering. Johnny Cloud is 82 years old and has been collecting for half his life. The museum looks more like a junk yard from outside the fence where a large sign says: 'Probably the largest collection of Model T's in the world.' I don't know if that's true but if there is a larger collection, someone is keeping it a secret. Pulling up in the dirt parking area in front, I was immediately greeted by a bevy of older dogs that were eager to say hello and ask for pets before they all rolled around playing with each other. The admission price is $10. It's an honor system so place your bill in the metal box. At that point, you'll hear a loud motion sensor buzzer sound. It's a bit jarring at first but there is not a staff here. It's Johnny, his dogs, and some friends who may be there as they all tinker with whatever they may be working on. Indeed, they asked me if I wanted to watch them turn on a jerry-rigged Model T that now served as a large saw. Yes. Yes, I did. (For those who find it odd, I remember seeing old family photos of folks doing the same with their Model Ts back in the day.) The engine puttered to life, smoke bellowed into the air, and a large rusty saw blade began to whirl. One of Johnny's friends looked for a large chunk of wood to test out. Safety be damned. Johnny and his friends are obviously having fun among the hundreds of cars here. Most are rusted to a beautiful patina. Some have original faded paint, while others look almost new and seem ready for a country drive. All are neatly organized in long rows. This is an overwhelming display and I probably said wow a hundred times before leaving. There are also other car brands, toy cars, boat motors, car parts, wheels -- lots of wheels -- old electric pole glass transistors, a few period rooms, tools, and more assorted bric-a-brac. Again, it's all organized well and easy to view and appreciate. Although there is a website, Johnny doesn't maintain it. He doesn't use the internet and seems happily ensconced in an older time aside from the little golf cart that he uses to roam the property in his cowboy hat so he can chat with visitors. I don't know how many more years this will museum will be open even though Johnny doesn't look 82 and acts like a kid around his collection. California has always amazed me with its diversity. There are always surprises and this is one of the most memorable. P.S. The website says the museum is open at 9am. Johnny said he's usually tinkering by 7:30am so try your luck and offer your respects. read more

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Johnny Cloud is an amazing, local treasure! Not only is his collection remarkable, his grasp of the areas history is second to none. read more

Cloud Museum - The man himself, Johnny Cloud! - Museums Near Me - Bard, California

Very interesting place. A lot of items collected over his 33 years all with historical value. Cool place to check out. Please note there is a $10 per person entry fee. read more

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A true hidden gem near Yuma! The Cloud Museum is an incredible place full of history and charm. You can spend hours exploring vintage cars, old farm equipment, and unique antiques that tell the story of another time. Every item feels personal and authentic, and the collection is absolutely massive. The owner is friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about preserving the past. If you love classic cars or history, this stop is a must-see! read more

Owner/operator is friendly, accommodating, informative. Lots to see! Worth the price of admission if you like collections of historic vehicles, tools, furnishings and more. read more

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Great collection of bygone era tools & vehicles. Mr Cloud will answer your questions for hours. Dog greeting a bonus.

I don't even know what to say besides WOW. Super extensive collection of model T's and other antiques, flat ground easy walking and clean. There is a sale fee to get in of $10 bucks, but let me tell you there is a lot to see, and owner/collector is on site to answer any questions... read more

Cloud Museum - Museums Near Me - Bard, California

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Great place, don't miss this one. Over 200 FORD model Ts. So many old collectibles. Really old RV

Lots of Model T's, antiques, and knick knacks. Ten dollar admission fee per person, cash only, but is worth it.

There is an alarm that you should not find alarming as it lets the staff know you're there. You are greeted by Johnny with a smile, The staff is made up of Johnny and three good doggos as your tour guides. They do ask for pets as you tour the different buildings (Johnny does not) there is much more to see than just the vehicles we were pleasantly surprised. Worth every penny! Our oldest said it was the best homeschool field trip thus far, he loved getting into almost every vehicle. read more

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Another hidden gem near Yuma. My girlfriend and I came to the Cloud Museum after passing it on a Jeepin' trip to the Valley of Names. A local had pointed out the museum so we gave it a shot. My girlfriend had lived in the area twice in her life but had never visited Cloud. $5 to get in and I'd say it's a no-brainer. But maybe that's just me.. coming from the most expensive County in New Jersey where tourist attractions abound. Inside you'll find tons of vintage vehicles including model T-s, old farming rigs, tons of vintage tires, an old mobile home, vintage gas tanks, vintage signs, vintage kitchen apparatuses, all different types of engines, old toys, cute dogs, and a ton of rust. Everything is laid out very much like your standard museum. If you're worried that it's just a guy's backyard collection with big piles of rusted metal, no flow, and no thought, you'd be pleasantly surprised. He put some time into this. As other reviews have said, this attraction is comprised of the owner's collection over the past 30 or so years. He's a really great guy and made us feel incredibly comfortable.. like we were just a few friends paying a visit. He did comment on how he rarely sees people as young as us (late 20s) come in and that's a shame. If you're into carpentry - as I am - there's some extra treats for you. I wasn't expecting hand cranked drill presses or belt driven reciprocating saws but there they are. Really, really amazing stuff. There are some milling rigs that'll make you grateful for how far technology has come! Give it a try if you're looking for something to do. It's only 5 bucks! read more

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What an amazing museum. We have been to the Cloud Museum several times over the years when we are in Yuma for the yearly Midnight at the Oasis car show. If you love vehicles, tools, mining, farming, blacksmithing equipment, and other pieces salvaged from businesses and farms... from the early 1900's (and some things from the late 1800's), you will love this place. Many pieces on display belonged to Cloud's Father and Grandfather. I love the Ford Model T's. Some of the vehicles are parked in barns and are in good condition. Others are lined up in rows outside; unrestored. Everything is thoughtfully arranged and displayed... and the owner, Johnny Cloud (assisted by his pups), is nearby to answer any questions you may have. He started collecting more than 25 years ago. The first time we visited this museum, we were on our way to the Imperial Date Gardens for a date shake (same road). We saw the Museum and stopped in and spent a couple of hours looking at everything. Each time we come, we see items we did not see the first time and he keeps adding to his collection. The museum is about 10 miles north of the historic district/downtown Yuma. Admission is $5 per person and well worth it. Taking photos is encouraged. Don't miss the opportunity to see Johnny's collection. read more

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The cars are beautiful. I've seen several of them running but my favorite will always be the solid oak motor home on a model A chassis. Headed back to visit tomorrow read more

Hey, this place is the real deal. Owned by a man, an old farmer who could probably kick anybody's butt, but is kind and nice and wants to show you his collection of Americana. Over 170 Model A's and some T's. He claims they all run. Some equipment that at one time sustained farm living, you may never see again on this side of Armageddon. Amazing! American Pickers need to check this one out. read more

We were probably there during a slow time of the year, but the owner was frequently there to answer all our questions. It was so much more than just Model T's. If you like history, you will love this place. The family of dogs were such sweethearts. read more

I am a bit bias he's my uncle Johnny Cloud. That matters not this is one of the the coolest, interesting, fun, outdoor places I've been too. It's in Bard, CA/Yuma AZ. http://cloudmuseum.dynamitedave.com/ Uncle Johnny is a farmer generations of his family have been farming in Yuma. The man is a great story teller especially his life stories. I am very thankful for him and my aunt Chris for another reason. He has two border collies Jack and Jill on the Museum grounds they kept having puppies. Six years ago I lost my Saint Bernard and my husband and I were down for Thanksgiving Jill had just had a litter of pups pure border collies. Uncle Johnny gives his pups away to family and friends. She had one pup that is pure light brown with white paws I took her Matilda. Two years later Matilda was turning into a bit of a princess. Jill had another litter of pups and only one brown and white I took her. Her name's Mercedes and they are great dogs.Healthy happy pups. Now back to the museum. This place is so bountiful and full of barns of Model T's and A's. One of first Motor Homes made it is trip to see. There is so much he keeps adding to it. It's got little houses, post office with wanted dead or alive posters Dillinger all the public enemies, a mercantile, buildings full of everything one can think of. I love one of the little houses I believe everything modern from the 1930's Victrola, small pipe organ, old time fridge, furniture. He has old firetrucks, farming equipment, if there's a vehicle I haven't thought of he's got it. Engines upon engines. Advertisement for the 1800's and early 1900's. The man can work Ebay better than I can. He's traveled all over the country to amass his collection. He's been building it for close to thirty years. He's even got an ATV that Jack and Jill race beside him on the grounds when he's on the grounds. It's outdoors and in Yuma it's best in the winter and fall spring is tricky and summer if it's to hot I believe he closes up. It's an honor system donation of only $5.00 to see this place. It's worth it. I took my parents a few years ago and my dad is addicted now. Uncle Johnny is a sweetheart and his wife my Aunt Chris who occasionally is at the museum. They did keep one pup from the litter Mercedes was born in her name is Poppy and she's always running in the museum. It's a wonderful place just give yourself a lot of time and it's fun. I am surprised American Pickers has not checked his place out. I am pretty sure it's only a matter of time. He really loves it and it shows with all the hard work he's put into it. One of the biggest highlights for me is when Uncle Johnny, Aunt Chris(love that woman) my husband and sometime his cousin Berry(she's awesome and works in Vegas) load up uncle Johnny's truck go passed Yuma Proving Grounds into the mountain with bags of carrots find and feed wild Donkeys. Wild Burros are all over the state of Nevada as north in Denio, NV(Oregon border near the Opal mines) down into extreme southern Yuma AZ. I know a lot of people are not fond of wild burros and horses. I am, always have and always will be. read more

The wife and I visited the Cloud museum in April last year . It is an amazing museum and we enjoyed our visit immensely . Just a warning though, it was breezy the day we visited and the dust was in the air. The wife and I got very ill from the dust the day after visiting. The symptoms were like that of Hantavirus. We were sick and coughing terribly for 10 days after our visit. I was coughing so hard I started a hernia and think I cracked ribs . Wear a dust mask, the place is very dirty and It's most surely inhabited by mice and rats. read more