National Hobo Museum — Attraction in Britt

I spent a couple years back in the 70s traveling and working wherever I could. According to the sign in the museum that makes me a hobo of sorts. I hitchhiked rather than rode trains but the end result was about the same. Along the way I met a guy that knew just about every rail line in the western part of the country. We made plans to jump some trains from LA to Chicago but he ended up arrested before we got on our way.

I enjoyed the museum. It reminded me of my wandering days. I still travel a lot but these days it happens on a Harley-Davidson; that means gasoline and repairs and insurance. I also have a wife now, she travels with me so that means regular meals and motel rooms. That’s all good from a comfort standpoint but sometimes I still miss the feeling of standing by the side of the road with a small pack and a guitar, wondering who I’ll meet when the next ride stops.

I recommend a visit to the museum but only if you can spare a few minutes to put yourself in the shoes of the men and women who spent their days working when they could and traveling on when the work ran out. Daydream yourself into a hobo jungle with a warm fire and some laughs and stories. Imagine waking up in the morning cold and stiff from sleeping with the earth for your bed and the stars for your blanket. Then use your mind’s eye to watch the countryside roll by as you head toward the next town.

I think next year I’ll wander into town to be a part of the annual...

The artist that has made these paintings for years .... .is magnificent. Last year one of the past kings painted a picture of her. It was nice to be able to meet the reigning king and queens and the ones of past that were there . It was a delight. I so enjoyed hearing the stories. It made me want to hop a train. What a life they have lived. Nonetheless, not anything most of us have experienced or ever will but, what an adventure. Most people think those hobos were bums. They were not. They worked. They just went from place to place. Gypsy spirits. That is what you will find displayed at the Hobo Museum. She captures them well in her paintings. If you get a chance to go, I would highly recommend the museum. Meet the artist. See the talent and meet the hobos. There is no charge but please, make a donation. It is the heart of Britt and The Hobo Convention.. Hope to see you there in...

My wife and I found this place to be very very interesting. We got there, and they were to close at 40 minutes. The man there said he would stay as long as we would like. Which we thought was very nice of him. We found the movie very interesting we just watched part of it, as so it would be too late to get home after a shift. So we bought this DVD and we'll watch it at home. A lot of interesting stuff a lot to look at. We also took in the hobo Cemetery which is interesting as well. Definitely someplace one should check out, we're sure glad that we did but thank you again for the gentleman that was so courteous to us we very much appreciate it. D&D Yankton...