Historic Harley-Davidson Topeka wanted more than a motorcycle museum. They wanted an experience that authentically honored Evel Knievel's daring legacy while creating a destination-worthy attraction that could sustain repeat visitation, operate reliably, and serve audiences ranging from lifelong fans to curious families.
I led the planning and delivery of the full 13,000 sq ft experience — working closely with ownership and key stakeholders to define experiential objectives while ensuring alignment with operational, safety, and long-term sustainability requirements. The centerpiece is a featured 4D VR attraction that recreates one of Knievel's most iconic motorcycle jumps, placing guests on the ramp with environmental effects including wind, sound, and motion.
Beyond the VR experience, the installation integrates physical motorcycles, performance gear, and large-scale vehicles alongside digital interactive exhibits — including a Jump Planner where guests design their own stunt, and a "Bad to the Bones" anatomical interactive tracking Knievel's legendary injuries. I managed cross-functional teams across exhibit design, technology, and artifact integration to ensure every element contributed to a coherent narrative arc through the space.
The museum delivers a high-engagement experience that balances storytelling, technical performance, and day-to-day operational needs. Guest flow improved 25% through simplified instructional content and re-sequenced engagement — a change driven by live user testing conducted during development rather than assumptions. The attraction has become a genuine destination for Knievel fans and a draw for visitors to the Topeka region.
