One of the first places I visited in Topeka, Kansas, was the Evel Knievel Museum. I grew up knowing of Evel Knievel. I knew that he rode a motorcycle & was a daredevil, but not much more.
Ever wonder how he got the name Evel Knievel? Here is the story.
Evel Knievel joined US Army & after being discharged, he tried his hand at several jobs including:
- Security service owner
- Member & promoter of semi-pro hockey team
- Hunting & fishing guide
- Insurance sales
Then, he opened a Honda motorcycle dealership & began promoting motorcycle racing. Soon after, he started his own motorcycle stunt show & called it “Evel Knievel & His Motorcycle Daredevils.”
In this show, he performed wheelies, crashed through plywood firewalls and jumped over two pick-up trucks.
This first show was a huge success. More shows were scheduled and the jumps got bigger.
These pictures are of his motorcycles and the truck he used to haul all of his equipment.
In his 11-year motorcycle-jumping career in the 1960s and ’70s, Knievel attempted more than 75 jumps, becoming just as famous for the stunts he landed as those he didn’t. Knievel died in 2007 at the age of 69 from pulmonary fibrosis.
I enjoyed the museum but I still had one more thing to do before I left. They offer a 4D jump where you can experience one of Evel Knievel’s jumps. I wore a virtual reality headset & earphones while riding the motorcycle. The motorcycle leans into the turns and you feel butterflies when you “jump.” If you visit the museum, be sure to include a jump!
Camping with Christi 
One wild and crazy guy!!!… Where are we off to now??? 😁
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Currently, I am in South Dakota! I have more posts from Kansas & Nebraska, so get ready, Miss Kim.
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So cool!!! So did you land it!?!?
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I did! The guy working there has to stand beside you because it is so real. He said he was impressed by my riding skills!
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Would love to have seen you on this ride – lol He was one crazy guy !
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I remember Evel Knievel, too! I seem to recall many times he had broken bones, etc. While I don’t remember the specifics, I do remember some crazy stunts. I also think he wanted to jump across the Grand Canyon, but I don’t think he did it. Fun post!
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Betty, he did break lots of bones and there were displaysat the museum for each jump with a diagram telling what was broken!
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As always reading your blog is a learning experience. I enjoy reading every word. You have a wonderful Easter Sunday and a great dinner. I know you will never lack for company.
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I hope you have a great day, too, Judy. Take care and tell everyone I said hello.
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