There are more than 35,000 museums in the United States, and these attractions showcase everything from art and history to science, engineering and more. Car museums are popular with automotive lovers because it gives us a chance to experience the history of our favorite topic.
Ready to cruise to one of the best automotive museums in the USA? Discover the eight top picks below.
1. Blackhawk Auto Museum in Danville, CA
The Blackhawk Museum offers one of the best collections of classic cars on the Pacific coast. From a beautifully restored 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III to an 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, the museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves learning about antique cars and where the industry started.
2. The Revs Institute in Naples, FL
If you’re ever in Naples, make a point to stop at the Revs Institute. It’s home to one of the largest archives of automotive history in the country, and available for both professionals and casual car lovers to peruse. Check out the 1938 BMW Type 328, complete with a six-cylinder in-line engine. In addition to automobiles, the Revs Institute is home to rare books, photographs and other documents that showcase the history of the industry.
3. Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA
You’ll see the Peterson Automotive Museum from a distance. Its unique flowing steel exterior resembles flames, one of the most distinctive designs on the list. Once you’re inside, you’ll want to spend the entire day exploring the 25 galleries with more than 100 cars, including gems like a 1939 Porsche 64 — one of two ever made.
4. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, MI
If you ever stop in Dearborn, Michigan, don’t forget to visit the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. In addition to their permanent displays, they have a series of ever-changing exhibits that focus on everything from model trains to visions of the future. Learn how Henry Ford’s innovations are still influencing the world today.
5. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL
Ocala, Florida, is a tiny town known for its horses. However, it’s also home to one of the best drag racing museums in the country. If you like the sport, Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing should be on your bucket list. They’ve got more than 300 vehicles spread between two buildings. The average tour takes around three hours, but you’ll want to spend all day exploring history.
6. Antique Automobile Club of America Museum in Hershey, PA
Most people associate Hershey, Pennsylvania with chocolate. However, it’s also home to one of the greatest collections of antique cars in the country. Get a glimpse into how manufacturers make cars with the Assembly Line Experience. You can also try a Disney Cars-themed scavenger hunt with the kiddos. When done, pop over to Hershey’s factory for some chocolate!
7. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in Indianapolis, IN
If you’re a car-lover, make a pit stop at the Racing Capital of the World — the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s collection focuses primarily on the history of the Indianapolis 500, but it also features all sorts of different vehicles, including NASCAR, Formula 1, and motorcycle racing.
8. America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA
America’s Car Museum is located next to the iconic Tacoma Dome in Washington and contains an impressive collection of cars. Most of the collection in the facility, more than 350 vehicles, was donated by the family of Harold LeMay. After his death, the City of Tacoma donated the museum’s land.
Did We Forget Your Favorite?
There you have it — our eight favorite car museums in the US. Did we forget your favorite? Let us know in the comments below. We’re always on the lookout for new locations to add for our next road trip.