There is something inherently cool about roadside attractions and the culture that surrounds them. The fact that something so unique is often located in the middle of nowhere, or at least, somewhere somewhat forgotten. The fact that seeing those curiosities often requires a pilgrimage or journey. And the fact that, in most cases, seeing them involves either a love of cars or, at the very least, a joy of the freedom and adventure provided by cars. With that in mind, Seward, Nebraska’s giant time capsule, home to a virtually new 1975 Chevrolet Vega, could be the ultimate roadside attraction!

In 1975, Harold Davisson, a local furniture store owner, wanted to pass a little bit of his world to his grandchildren. However, Harold was of the mindset that reading about something simply isn’t as good as experiencing it. To leave his family a tangible experience of life in the 1970s, Harold decided to construct a 45-ton concrete time capsule that would hold over 5,000 artifacts. The vault, certified by Guinness as the world’s largest time capsule in 1977, was filled with items donated by family, the Seward community, and curious spectators from around the country. This weekend, 50 years after its construction, Davisson’s contribution to roadside Americana is set to be officially opened to the public.

For car enthusiasts, the most interesting thing in Davisson’s vault is a virtually new 1975 Chevrolet Vega, but there are also many other significant items. There’s a virtually new Kawasaki motorcycle, a requisite pet rock, and a 1975-themed Barbie doll. Residents and merchants from both Seward and across America added letters, memorabilia, everyday items like a cutting-edge Teflon skillet, and even a sack of corn. Perhaps in addition to seeing how things age, folks just wanted to add something to the project’s mystique.

While city officials have been working behind the scenes to ensure the time capsule’s contents are ready for the town’s big celebration, the vault will be officially opened on July 4, 2025. According to those officials, the contents of the structure survived surprisingly well after five decades underground. As for the Vega: aside from a bit of rust, the car was in great condition, and the city plans to have it driveable for a debut in the town parade.

Naturally, the Seward capsule hasn’t been without its share of controversy through the years. In 1983, when its status as world’s largest was disputed, Davisson constructed a second component. Positioned directly over the first vault, this pyramid section was opened in 2024, revealing, among other things, letters, murals, and historic telephone books.

Harold Davisson’s time capsule is more than just a quirky roadside attraction—it’s a full-scale tribute to American life in 1975. With its grand unveiling set for July 4, 2025, this concrete vault of memories offers a rare and tangible glimpse into the past, anchored by a nearly untouched Chevy Vega and thousands of artifacts that reflect the spirit, humor, and culture of the era. Whether you’re drawn by the car, the nostalgia, or the sheer curiosity of it all, this might just be the most unforgettable stop on the map!