Amazing American Automotive Museums to Explore the History of Cars and Transportation

Mar 22, 2025

Planning your summer vacation destinations? We’ve got a great list for you! These amazing automotive museums are sure to be a hit with your whole family. From classic cars to showroom stars, you’ll find a big mix of historic vehicles on display. Taking your family to an automotive exhibit is an incredible way to appreciate the artistry and engineering behind some of the world’s most iconic vehicles.

Not only will you learn about the design and function of these vehicles, but the museums will also elaborate on the cultural and social impact of the rise of modern cars. It’s really fascinating to see how far we’ve come from the early days of horseless carriages all the way to modern vehicle designs like hydrogen fuel cell and electric vehicles. You’ll learn how these vehicles shaped society from industry and business to daily home life! A perfect blend for the history buff, science geek, and engineering enthusiast. Take a look at how these groundbreaking technologies shaped our past and continue to grow our futures at these wonderful automotive museums across the country.

Wisconsin Automotive Museum in Hartford, WI –
This museum displays the largest collection of antique cars and trucks in the whole of Wisconsin! The Kenosha built Nash Automobile is a highlight feature of the museum’s display, as well as a rare KISSEL Automobile built in Hartford from 1906-1931! There are more than 70 vehicles on site to peruse while you learn about local and national automotive history. There’s also a bonus exhibit featuring industrial and farm engines and outboards, too.
Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners , MI–
Just a short trip from our dealership is this gem of a car museum, chronicling the history of the American Automobile. The facility hopes that by sharing the history and heritage of the automotive industry, visitors of all ages will be able to connect with the past and improve the future of transportation! What started in the early 1960s as the personal collection of Donald Gilmore was eventually grown into an incredible museum thanks to the ingenuity of his wife Genevieve. The non-profit foundation and museum have collected more than 400 vehicles and established a 90-acre historic campus including a vintage restored diner, working Shell Gas station, and additional smaller museums!
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL –
This incredible time capsule of transportation history showcases more than 1,500 motorcycles and cars including more than 50 Lotus Racecars! It’s also home to the Annual Barber Vintage Festival, one of the most renowned motorcycle events in the world! And if that’s not enough, the facilities also include an on-site racing track. If you prefer the more educational side of things, a trip to the on-site Museum Research Library and archives is in order; you can take a gander at some iconic trophies, awards, toys, models, artwork, and so much more.
Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA –
Located on a portion of the grounds in Larz Anderson Park, the facilities are home to America’s Oldest Motorcar Collection! Visitors can get an up close look at historic vehicles and the evolution of the automobile since its inception, and can attend a series of workshops, lectures, and also observe memorabilia and literature on the subject. With the advent of warmer weather, the museum has also rekindled its series of outdoor driving events and car shows, so be sure to check out the calendar of events for updates!
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, FL –
This incredible automotive museum is truly one-of-a-kind and covers the history of the exhilarating sport of Drag Racing. Since 1976, the facility has been home to 300 cars on display in multiple galleries in 2 buildings. In addition, the facilities also house a collection of memorabilia and history presentations in racing sports history. It also houses the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, where you’ll learn about top competitors across the globe!
National Automobile Museum in Reno, NV – With an impressive permanent collection of more than 200 of America’s most iconic cars from celebrity vehicles to champion race cars and limited edition collectibles, this is a Gearhead’s Dream venue. There’s truly a car on site to impress just about everyone of any stage! Enjoy the life-like scenery and authentic recreations like a hardware store, vintage movie theatre, and more, each of which houses their own collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
LeMay: America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, WA –
With a 9-acre campus, 4-story tall building, and 165,000 feet of exhibition space, there’s no shortage of things to see at the LeMay car museum. You’ll enjoy a rotating and permanent collection of exhibitions and at least 350 cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA – Consisting of five different galleries exploring different eras and topics in history, the Blackhawk Museum includes an extensive collection of automobiles. Covering everything from luxury performance cars to rare classics and contemporary collectibles, you’ll explore some of the world’s finest, most luxurious vehicles in a magnificent setting. The collection features a rotating selection of more than 40 iconic classic cars from movies to sports to racing.