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The Nuss Collection Preserves Vintage Truck History in Rochester
The non-profit museum showcases rare construction vehicles that helped build America and win world wars.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 3:54am
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The Nuss Collection in Rochester, Minnesota is a non-profit vintage truck museum that houses an impressive array of historic construction vehicles dating back to the early 1900s. The museum was started by Bob Nuss, whose truck equipment business led to a passion for collecting and restoring these rare rigs that played pivotal roles in America's development and wartime efforts. The Nuss Collection features trucks from brands like Mack, Sternberg, and more, many of which are one-of-a-kind. The museum offers free public tours and open houses to share this unique piece of history with the community.
Why it matters
The Nuss Collection preserves an important part of America's industrial and transportation history that is often overlooked. These vintage trucks were instrumental in building the country's infrastructure and supporting its military, but their stories are at risk of being forgotten. By maintaining this museum, the Nuss family is ensuring these historic vehicles and the role they played live on for future generations.
The details
The Nuss Collection started with just a couple of vintage trucks when the Nuss Truck and Equipment business first opened in the 1970s. Over time, the collection grew to include some of the rarest construction trucks in the world, including a 1914 Sternberg that is the only one of its kind. Many of the trucks on display helped build landmarks like the Hoover Dam or played key roles in World War I and II. The museum also features unique vehicles like a 1926 fire truck that was converted into a touring coach. To restore these century-old trucks, the Nuss team has had to get creative, often having to fabricate custom parts that are no longer manufactured.
- The Nuss Truck and Equipment business opened in Rochester, Minnesota in the early 1970s.
- The Nuss Collection museum started with just a couple of vintage trucks a few years after the business opened.
The players
Bob Nuss
The founder of Nuss Truck and Equipment and the Nuss Collection vintage truck museum.
Melissa Schuch
The director of marketing for the Nuss Collection.
What they’re saying
“When you are having fun and working, there is nothing more pleasurable.”
— Bob Nuss
“These are yesterday's trucks. We never want to forget the past.”
— Bob Nuss
“These will live on for future generations. Otherwise, they'll die off and no one will know what happened. So, we are happy to open this up to the public.”
— Melissa Schuch, Director of Marketing
What’s next
The Nuss Collection plans to continue hosting free public open house events to share their vintage truck museum with the community.
The takeaway
The Nuss Collection's dedication to preserving these historic construction vehicles not only honors the past but also ensures that the important role these trucks played in building America and winning wars will be remembered for generations to come.
