Must-See Museums For Car Buffs
Car enthusiasts, this one's for you! It does not matter if you are obsessed with sleek designs or fascinated by the evolution of cars; exploring car museums can feel like stepping into a time machine. Across the U.S., there are incredible museums filled with iconic models and the legends behind them. If you're looking to rev up your next trip, these 20 must-see car museums in America will definitely get your engine going.
1. Petersen Automotive Museum: Los Angeles, California
Visualize walking through 25 galleries showcasing over 300 stunning cars—including the legendary Batmobile! In addition, the Petersen is known for its sheer variety and jaw-dropping vehicles, but things get even more exclusive in The Vault, where 250 rare cars are showcased.
Steve Ginn from Western Washington, United States on Wikimedia
2. National Automobile Museum: Reno, Nevada
With over 200 vehicles from Bill Harrah's personal collection, the museum spans automotive history from the 1890s to the 1960s. Famous celebrity-owned cars like Elvis Presley's 1973 Cadillac Eldorado and Frank Sinatra's 1961 Ghia L6.4 add an extra layer of star power to the collection.
Tobias Haase from Hanover, Germany on Wikimedia
3. Henry Ford Museum Of American Innovation: Dearborn, Michigan
If you're fascinated by how cars shaped America, this one delivers with style. It's not just about the first Ford Mustang and Kennedy's limo—you'll also see Rosa Parks' bus and even Thomas Edison's laboratory. Moreover, the interactive exhibits highlight all-American ingenuity and the spirit of invention.
4. National Corvette Museum: Bowling Green, Kentucky
It showcases Corvettes spanning 1953 to the present, celebrating the car's evolution over the decades. But the museum's story goes beyond cars—a sinkhole once swallowed eight cars, an event that became part of the ongoing exhibit.
5. Gilmore Car Museum: Hickory Corners, Michigan
The Gilmore Car Museum is the largest auto museum in North America, with an impressive collection of 435 unique vehicles. Covering everything, from classic cars and muscle cars to vintage motorcycles, it spans the full spectrum of automotive history.
6. Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Get a glimpse of competitive driving at its finest through about 75 extraordinary race cars, including Ferraris and Le Mans winners. Along with displaying vehicles, the Simeone Museum also hosts live demos of historic cars. The founder's passion really shines in every exhibit here.
7. Classic Car Club Of America Museum: Hickory Corners, Michigan
This one’s a treasure trove for fans of Full Classic cars, like Packard, Duesenberg, and Pierce-Arrow from 1915–1948. The museum organizes annual Grand Classic events that bring together enthusiasts from around the world, all while honoring the finest vintage artistry in car history.
F. D. Richards from Clinton, MI on Wikimedia
8. Museum Of American Speed: Lincoln, Nebraska
Founded by Bill Smith of Speedway Motors, the Museum of American Speed celebrates the history and innovation of racing with one of the world's largest displays of engines. It also features pedal cars and vintage toys that highlight automotive playfulness.
Charles G. Haacker on Wikimedia
9. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: Indianapolis, Indiana
Among the treasures on display are Mario Andretti's race suit and his trophies, showcasing the legacy of one of racing's greatest legends. Visitors can also take track tours or experience the thrill of racing through simulators.
10. Savoy Automobile Museum: Cartersville, Georgia
Art, history, and car design unite at this dynamic museum, which features diverse exhibitions that run the gamut from muscle to exotic models. Standout cars include a quirky 1974 VW Thing and a 1965 Mustang convertible.
11. Midwest Dream Car Collection: Manhattan, Kansas
This museum features a rotating lineup of over 65 vehicles, ranging from a 1907 Ford Model R to a 2019 Tesla Model X. Visitors can admire rare finds like the Tucker and Peerless, explore the Mechanic's Bay where restoration happens in real time, and let kids loose in the interactive Kids' Zone.
Midwest Dream Car Collection by Miles Through Time Automotive Museum
12. Owls Head Transportation Museum: Owls Head, Maine
Alongside an impressive collection of cars, the Owls Head Transportation Museum showcases aircraft and motorcycles that ultimately create an exciting experience for visitors of all ages. The museum is home to the stunning 1913 Rolls-Royce and vintage biplanes, which offer a rare glimpse into transportation history.
1916 Scripps Booth Model C by Owls Head Transportation Museum
13. Kansas City Automotive Museum: Olathe, Kansas
With rotating classic cars and interactive exhibits, it's the perfect spot for car history enthusiasts. Plus, if you time your visit right, you might even catch a Cars & Coffee event, where car owners bring out their prized rides for a casual meetup.
Things To Do In Kansas City - Kansas City Automotive Museum by McPeek Adventures
14. Lane Motor Museum: Nashville, Tennessee
Think you've seen it all? Lane Motor Museum surprises with 150+ European oddballs and microcars daily on display. Founded by Jeff Lane as a non-profit back in October 2002, this spot even lets you peek behind the curtain with exclusive vault tours.
15. Blackhawk Museum: Danville, California
The Blackhawk Museum is known for its collection of coach-built classics and exhibits that explore the rich history of the automobile. Among its offerings is the "Spirit of the Old West" exhibit, mixing the rugged past and the elegance of antique cars.
Jay Cross from Berkeley, California, US on Wikimedia
16. Kansas Auto Racing Museum: Chapman, Kansas
The Kansas Auto Racing Museum in Chapman showcases sprint cars and memorabilia honoring Kansas racing legends. For just $10 for ages six and up, it's a budget-friendly way to explore the high-speed racing history of this state.
17. Auto World Museum: Fulton, Missouri
Flexing rides across every decade of the 20th century, Auto World doubles as an event spot for up to 200 people. Beyond the cars, you'll spot vintage gas pumps, signage, and—if you're up for it—informative tours featuring interactive exhibits.
18. Celebrity Car Museum: Branson, Missouri
Hollywood meets horsepower at this immersive museum, home to over 100 iconic vehicles featured in movies and TV shows. From Knight Rider's K.I.T.T. and the Jurassic Park Explorer to Lightning McQueen and the Flintstones car, the lineup is pure nostalgia. Many of the cars are available for purchase, so the collection is always evolving.
SCREEN USED Film Cars at the Celebrity Car Museum in Branson, MO! by Travels with Nick
19. LeMay-America's Car Museum: Tacoma, Washington
With over 350 cars in its gallery, this museum isn't just about vintage rides; it's also about the culture and innovation that cars have sparked over the years. From rare Packards to Studebakers, every corner of the museum tells a unique story.
20. The Revs Institute: Naples, Florida
Dedicated to the preservation and study of automotive history, it houses a rare collection of Ferraris, Bugattis, and Porsches that any car lover would appreciate. The museum is also home to the Miles Collier Collections, one of the most significant automotive archives in the world.
