If you’ve never been to AMA Motorcycle Days Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, helmet up—because this event is equal parts swap meet, race day, camping trip, and pure delightful chaos. And I mean that in the best possible way.
This isn’t just any motorcycle event. It’s a full-blown sensory overload of bikes, food, music, and mud (depending on the weather), and it’s an absolute must-do if you love two-wheeled adventures or just want to spend a weekend soaking up the culture.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days trip—from tickets and parking to the best food and where to stay if you’re not a “happy camper.”
Tickets run about $70 per person per day if you buy ahead of time. Procrastinate, and you’ll pay around $10 more at the gate. Just grab them online before you go so you can save money and guarantee your spot.
Parking is free, which is a nice bonus. If you don’t arrive early, you’ll likely end up in the far parking lot—and honestly, that’s my preferred spot because it’s easy to get in and out of. Just know it’s about a half-mile walk to the swap meet.
Walking is actually part of the fun because you can really take your time and look at everything, but you do need to be very aware of your surroundings. There are bikes everywhere and they’re constantly moving.
The second year we went, we brought a small bike and rode it to the swap meet and it was much easier. If you have a mini bike or something similar, bring it. Just leave room in your truck because you will probably be tempted to buy a few more from the swap meet.
A Small Osprey Backpack is also useful for carrying water, sunscreen, and anything small you pick up throughout the day.
The swap meet is enormous—think rows and rows of vendors selling bikes, parts, gear, and things you didn’t even know existed. Even if you’re not there to buy, it’s worth walking through just for the atmosphere. You’ll find an auction tent, a bike show, and vendors selling tools, T-shirts, and accessories.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
Most of the food vendors serve typical fair food—fried everything, lemonade shake-ups, and so on—but if you walk toward the far parking lot, you’ll find a great BBQ stand and even boba tea. It feels unexpectedly trendy for a motorcycle event, but it hits the spot.
There’s more to AMA Motorcycle Days than just shopping. You’ll find off-road racing near the front of the park, road track racing on the main course, and even an open hilly field just past the far parking lot where you can test out the limits of your new bike or the dirt bike you brought with you.
Bring comfortable walking shoes because the grounds are large, and you may end up covering far more distance than expected.
You’ll also spend a lot of time outside, so pack a Brita Water Bottle, Coola Spray Sunscreen, and a Danvek Mini Umbrella for sun or surprise rain.
A Clutch Powerbank is another useful addition, especially if you plan to take photos, record races, or spend the entire day at the track.
There are multiple fields throughout the facility for both RV and tent camping, but they sell out fast, so grab your spot early if that’s your plan. As for me, I am not a happy camper, so I prefer to stay in a hotel.
The closest towns are Mount Gilead and Mansfield, or you can stay in Columbus, which is my favorite because it gives me a chance to explore downtown after a day at the track.
Another option is to stay in the Amish village about an hour away from the park, which is a peaceful contrast to all the motorcycle energy. If camping isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hotels near Mid-Ohio, and my guide breaks down the best options.
AMA Motorcycle Days Mid-Ohio is chaotic in the best possible way—a mix of adrenaline, exhaust fumes, and friendly bike enthusiasts all in one place.
Whether you’re there to score a rare find, watch racing, or just wander the rows of bikes with a lemonade in hand, it’s a weekend that will leave you grinning and maybe a little sunburned. Plan ahead, bring good walking shoes or a bike, and make sure you have room in the truck for whatever treasures you pick up.
If you want something peaceful and scenic, consider an Amish Country getaway just an hour from the track.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
Compare hotel availability through Booking.com.
Turn the event into a city getaway with my Spend a Weekend in Sugarcreek, Ohio itinerary.
Carry your essentials in a Small Osprey Backpack.
Protect your skin during a full day outside with Coola Spray Sunscreen.
Keep water cold and filtered in a Brita Water Bottle.
Explore Amish Country with my Top 5 Things to Do in Sugarcreek, Ohio guide.
Plan meals after the event with Where to Eat in Columbus, Ohio.
Build a longer Ohio itinerary with Spend a Week in Columbus, Ohio.
Find more local attractions in Top 5 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
