Ken Kesey's Original "Furthur" Bus on Its Latest Trek
October 4, 2026 / 9:35 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- The "Furthur" bus, a 1939 International Harvester, is featured in a San Francisco exhibit called "Forever Grateful."
- The bus was central to Ken Kesey's 1964 cross-country trip with "The Merry Pranksters," documenting their experiences with LSD and alcohol.
- Despite causing emotional and psychological damage to some participants, the bus became an emblem of liberation and cultural shift.
- The bus's journey inspired the band known as the Grateful Dead.
- After years of neglect, the bus is being preserved through public exhibits and fundraising efforts led by Kesey's son, Zane.
- The exhibit aims to inspire creativity, exploration, and the creation of personal paths forward.