American Automotive Heritage: 14 Must-Visit Historic Car Sites

For car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the United States offers a treasure trove of historic car sites. From birthplaces of iconic brands to museums showcasing the evolution of the automobile, here are 14 must-visit locations that celebrate America’s rich automotive heritage.

1. Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan

This museum is not just about Ford cars but the entire journey of American innovation. Highlights include the Rosa Parks bus and a vast collection of historic vehicles from the Model T to modern classics.

2. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana

Located within the iconic Indianapolis 500 track, this museum displays cars, trophies, and memorabilia related to the famous race. The track tours are a unique opportunity to feel the racing history up close.

3. National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green, Kentucky

Dedicated to America’s sports car, this museum features over 80 Corvettes in periodic settings, including the one-of-a-kind sinkhole exhibit where nature dramatically claimed part of the collection in 2014.

4. Peterson Automotive Museum, Los Angeles, California

Renowned for its striking architecture and impressive exhibits, the Peterson Museum showcases over 100 vehicles, from Hollywood star cars to rare prototypes, and offers dynamic educational programs.

5. The Revs Institute, Naples, Florida

This institute houses one of the greatest collections of automotive history, focusing on the preservation and study of significant cars. The meticulously curated collection spans over 100 years of automotive innovation.

6. America On Wheels Museum, Allentown, Pennsylvania

This museum celebrates the motor vehicle’s impact on American life through interactive exhibits, including trucks, motorcycles, and bicycles, with a special focus on Pennsylvania’s automotive history.

7. Lane Motor Museum, Nashville, Tennessee

Featuring one of the most eclectic collections in the U.S., Lane Motor Museum specializes in European models but also has a significant array of American microcars, military vehicles, and prototypes.

8. Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, Auburn, Indiana

Housed in the original Art Deco factory headquarters, this museum showcases the elegance of the Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg models—luxury cars that defined American automotive style in the early 20th century.

9. Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

While primarily a motorcycle venue, this museum is crucial for understanding American motoring culture, highlighting the history of Harley-Davidson and its pivotal role in motorcycling worldwide.

10. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas

An iconic public art installation featuring ten Cadillac cars buried nose-down in a field. This quirky site reflects the evolution of the Cadillac tailfin and is a popular stop for Route 66 travelers.

11. Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This museum’s collection emphasizes sports racing cars and includes many Le Mans and Sebring winners. Its “Demonstration Days” let visitors see and hear these historic cars in action.

12. Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, Michigan

Set on a 90-acre historic campus, this museum boasts over 400 vehicles, a recreated 1930s service station, and a classic diner. It’s a comprehensive view of automotive history in a picturesque setting.

13. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing, Michigan

Dedicated to the founder of Oldsmobile, this museum features a wide range of Oldsmobile models from the earliest days to the final cars, alongside other transportation-related exhibits.

14. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, Ocala, Florida

This museum honors the “King of Dragsters,” Don Garlits, and includes more than 300 cars, focusing on the history of drag racing with a vast collection of memorabilia and vehicles.

Road Trip?

These sites offer more than just historic cars; they provide an insight into the innovations, culture, and people who have driven America’s automotive industry forward. Each visit promises a unique blend of education and entertainment, making them essential destinations for every car lover.

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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Victoria Lipov.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.