April 27, 2026

Written by: Leyton Furlong

 

Few things are more American than the tradition of enjoying the wide open road (especially when it comes to motorcycles). For nearly 60 years, the St. Joe Harley-Davidson branch has made it its mission to preserve this tradition on a local level. Located at 4020 US-169, Harley-Davidson provides a wide variety of services. Like anything else in St. Joseph, there is more to this place than what meets the eye. In addition to selling bikes, the facility also serves as a museum, parts and services center, and a hub for monthly events.

   

More than a showroom

Even for someone like me who knew absolutely nothing about bikes or Harley-Davidson (sorry, Grandpa), I was mesmerized by just about everything there. The main floor primarily serves as the hub for the ‘show room’, where the latest and most advanced bikes are lined up and displayed. On the balcony above the entrance and throughout the building, there are several artifacts and antique bikes (with some going back to the 1930s and 1950s) that all tell the tale of how St. Joe Harley-Davidson came to be.

   

The local story behind it

St. Joe Harley-Davidson began its journey in 1961 with long-time motorcycle enthusiasts, Dewey and Susie McCreary. The McCrearys initially established their own bike shop before selling it to become managers at the Kansas City Harley-Davidson. Through hard work, they managed to acquire ownership of a new Harley-Davidson dealership in St. Joseph by 1969. Despite numerous obstacles, the McCreary family’s hard efforts led to St. Joe Harley-Davidson flourishing even when the brand as a whole fell on hard times. In 1998, construction began on the current Harley-Davidson dealership on US 169 and finally opened its doors in 2001.

   

Events and community

Today, St. Joe Harley-Davidson provides numerous services for long-time HOG member riders and for those just wanting to buy their dad a Harley T-shirt for Father’s Day. Other services include lending out rental bikes, offering test drives, and providing classes for new motorcyclists eager to hit the open road. St. Joe Harley-Davidson is also proud to host large events dedicated to biking culture, Barbeque, and Rock n’ Roll. For instance, their monthly Smokin’ Tunes events feature live music from local country and rock artists, embroidery services for leather jackets, and barbecue. But that’s not all! From May to August, the center also sponsors their Bike Night events. In addition to live music and Barbeque, these events also feature local vendors, bike washes, and hundreds of bikes lined up for display in their massive parking lot. Overall, while unassuming on its onset, St. Joe Harley-Davidson in town is perfect for anyone looking to get to know the more rough and worn side of true Americana.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

St. Joe Harley-Davidson

4020 S. US Hwy. 169, St. Joseph, MO 64503

(816) 233-9061

Tuesday – Friday; 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM, Sunday & Monday; Closed

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