Oh, the Places you’ll Go!
2024-05-20 14:47:59
SUMMER ROAD TRIP DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN YOUR ROD, CUSTOM, OR CLASSIC
Part of the joy of having a classic car or truck is getting behind the wheel and hitting the road. Whether it be to the local cruise night or to a big show a few hours away, the drive is what it’s all about. You get waves and head-nod approvals, meet people at rest areas and gas stops that want to take a closer look, and you simply get to enjoy the pride and fun times provided by owning a hot rod or vintage vehicle.
The next step in really getting to know your car is to plot a course that might be a little more ambitious – someplace farther away where you can truly hit the road and experience a bit of America! Scratch off a destination from the bucket list, or just head somewhere new to see some sights, take in a museum, or head toward a more distant Goodguys event you haven’t attended before. Remember, it’s been said that “it’s not the destination, but the journey,” but why not make it both and choose a fun destination!
With the summer months pretty much upon us, now is the perfect time to hit the road and experience someplace new in your old ride. Pack the kids in the back seat and give them a taste of old-school cruising with a fun destination at the end!
We’ve pooled together some of our favorite road trip destinations for you to consider, starting with a list of ten amazing automotive-based museums. Then we sprinkled in a few national parks, along with some roadside oddities and even a list of non-car museums to keep everyone involved happy. We hope you can take in a few of these fun destinations – let us know where you’re headed and where we should go.
LINCOLN, NE
MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SPEED
The Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, should be on every hot rodder’s destination list. In fact, the museum was recognized last year as the number one attraction for car lovers according to USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice awards. The facility is currently home to more than 240,000 square feet of display space spanning three levels, presenting a continuous chronology of racing engines and speed equipment through automotive history.
The Museum’s collection is the result of “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith’s personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their family’s lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing and automotive history. For custom car fans, the museum recently merged with the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame, so you can bet on more customs to rotate through the active displays, as well. The expansive facility includes many unique displays including the largest collection of vintage pedal cars, gas-powered miniature race cars, automobile-themed toys, an automotive art gallery, lunchboxes, and more.
DEARBORN, MI
THE HENRY FORD
You may think that you have an idea of what to expect from the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation, and you will certainly see plenty of cars and trucks, but there is so much more. The facility is packed with interesting artifacts and examples of America’s most innovative thinkers, and it explores many aspects of industrialization, train travel, aviation, and automotive technology. There are also plenty of important historical artifacts such as Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the bus where Rosa Parks seated herself while taking a stand, Lincoln’s chair, and loads more.
From steam trains to the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 1967 Mark IV, the Henry Ford delivers something for everyone. There is even a pop history collection along with the only surviving Dymaxion house (you have to see it to believe it) that you get to circle through. The museum campus also allows you to step back in time at Greenfield Village, a sprawling 80 acres of classic Americana and history.
NON-CAR MUSEUMS AND COLLECTIONS
Every now and then, you need to take a step out of your garage-focused mind to take a look at something that doesn’t roll on four wheels. This goes a long way in keeping everyone in the car or family in good spirits. Here’s a list of 10 non-automotive places, big and small, to check out.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – Cleveland, OH What goes better than hot rods and rock and roll? You’ll walk out with a new playlist for the drive home.
Evergreen Air and Space Museum – McMinnville, OR From Kitty Hawk to the Spruce Goose, Sputnik to an SR-71 Blackhawk, plan a full day.
Meteor Crater – Winslow, AZ When traveling across I40 through Arizona, stretch your legs and take in this amazing landmark.
North American Bigfoot Museum – Boring, OR Believe what you want, but this little museum covers a big subject with lots of information.
International UFO Museum and Research Center – Roswell, NM Explore the 1947 incident in detail for yourself in the museum that is dedicated to the study of UFOs.
International Spy Museum – Washington, D.C. From code-breakers to tradecraft and espionage, this collection covers covert completely.
The Mob Museum – Las Vegas, NV What better place than Las Vegas to have a museum dedicated to organized crime – with its collection housed in a former courthouse!
Oklahoma National Memorial – Oklahoma City, OK A moving exhibit and memorial about the 1995 devastation that rocked the nation.
Hoover Dam – Las Vegas, NV Take the time to cruise across the Hoover Dam and if you have more time, schedule the tour to get up close and even go inside.
Pro Football Hall of Fame – Canton, OH Need a football fix? The history, the players and the game are celebrated right where the NFL was founded – in Canton, Ohio.
LOS ANGELES, CA
THE PETERSEN
A car enthusiast family can spend a lot of time in Southern California checking out different sights, but one of the most important on that list is to plan a day for the Petersen Automotive Museum. The namesake is of course the same Robert E. Petersen who launched Hot Rod Magazine, with the museum being officially founded in 1994 with the help of his wife, Margie.
The Petersen is much more than just hot rods, as it houses one of the most diverse and renowned vehicle collections ever assembled. The museum explores the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example, while the vehicles in the Petersen collection highlight key technological developments, important styling innovations, and iconic cultural moments in automotive history. And if you have time, spring for a tour of the Vault, where more than 250 vehicles are stashed awaiting their time to rotate through museum displays.
RANDLEMAN, NC
RICHARD PETTY MUSEUM / GARAGE
Planning a trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains or over the Appalachians? It’s great to take in the beautiful scenery, but you should also plan some time to get schooled in NASCAR history with one of the founding families of stock car racing at the Richard Petty Museum and Petty’s Garage. This museum is dedicated to the Petty family’s NASCAR legacy and the history of the sport.
The museum was established in 1998 as a look into the life and career of King Richard and includes items from the family’s own collections including a kids’ “pit stop,” where the young ones can design their own race cars. As one would expect there are vintage Petty race cars on display and the very grounds of the museum are actually at the home and garage where Lee Petty started it all (and where Richard was born). Race cars were built right here – his initials are even in the concrete floor from 1949.
STATE AND NATIONAL PARKS
We are incredibly lucky to have so many State and National Parks in the United States! Especially with the variety of landscapes and environments to experience and take in. Do yourself a favor and put a plan together for a state or national park. Here’s just a few favorites to consider.
Bonneville Salt Flats
– Wendover, Utah
Check off one of the most important sights for hot rodding and racing. Mark your calendar for the SCTA Bonneville Speedweek, August 3-9.
Arches National Park
– Grand County, Utah
Rock formations and arches galore in this vast, open area.
Yellowstone National Park
– Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Drive the Grand Loop and take in the natural splendor of the World’s First National Park.
Mount Rushmore National Monument
– Black Hills of South Dakota
Take in the four giant presidential heads and explore the surrounding Black Hills and Badlands.
Garden of the Gods
– Colorado Springs
Trade in your hot rod for a Jeep for an afternoon to take in the sights on the beaten paths.
POMONA, CA
NHRA MUSEUM
A trip to southern California pretty much requires a stop at the NHRA Museum, right by the famous Pomona Raceway (today it’s called the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip) of the LA County Fairplex. When the museum was conceived, Wally Parks, the father of the NHRA, envisioned it as the place to learn and enjoy the history of hot rodding, race cars, and the people behind the wheel and in the pits.
The museum’s collection includes dragsters, land speed vehicles, other racecars, and even hot rods and customs that tell the story of American hot rodding. The National Hot Rod Association has had a continuous presence here since its very first event, the Southern California Championships, which were held on these grounds in 1953. You can hear and feel the sounds of racing when you pull into the parking lot. Take a second to soak it in.
OCALA, FL
DON GARLITS MUSEUM OF DRAG RACING
It’s amazing to think that Don Garlits, one of the biggest names in the history of drag racing, has always been based in Florida. With such a huge roster of racers from the West Coast, just think about the number of times Don drove cross country, flat towing his Swamp Rat sling shot behind a station wagon, to the next big race. So, the next time you’re in Florida, be sure to plan a stop at his impressive Museum of Drag Racing right off I75 about an hour south of Gainesville.
When Don formed the Museum of Drag Racing, its main objective was to preserve the history of the sport and present it for future generations of gearheads. There are more than 90 vintage race cars, including the history of Don’s Swamp Rat dragsters, as well as even more classic vehicles on display at the Antique Car Building, including some iconic cars from Dean Moon like the Moonbeam sports car and the Mooneyes dragster. It turns out that the Swamp Rat is quite a pack rat, so there’s all sorts of cool artifacts and memorabilia to check out too.
A FEW MORE CAR MUSEUMS
Can’t get enough car museums? There are a lot of great ones to set your compass (or GPS) toward as a road trip destination. Here are a few more suggestions:
LeMay America’s Car Museum
Tacoma, Washington
National Hudson Motor Car Co. Museum
Ypsilanti, Michigan
National Automotive Museum
Reno, Nevada
Lane Motor Museum
Nashville, Tennessee
Pontiac Transportation Museum
Pontiac, Michigan
pontiactransportationmuseum.org
BOWLING GREEN, KY
NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM
It’s safe to say that even Mopar and Ford guys will enjoy a stop at the National Corvette Museum, which is also across the street from the GM Bowling Green Assembly Plant, where America’s Sports Car is produced. Delve into the rich history of the Corvette since its introduction in 1953 with displays and information that showcase the evolution of design, the engineering, and the spirit of the Corvette.
There are several interactive exhibits, including virtual racing simulators, educational workshops, and plenty of rare memorabilia. Curious about the sinkhole that swallowed up a few cars 10 years ago? There are interesting facts, explanations, and details about the recovery and rebuilding since then. There are always events taking place, so check out their calendar and maybe even join in on the great Corvette Caravan that happens late this summer to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the museum.
HICKORY CORNERS, MI
GILMORE CAR MUSEUM
The Gilmore Car Museum, a couple hours west of Detroit, spans more than 90 acres with nearly 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space for its 400-plus vehicle collection. Not only are the vehicles amazing, but there is also a collection of eight restored 19th century barns, and recreated buildings featuring a Franklin dealership, a Model A Ford dealership, a 1940s diner, Shell gas station, and more that you get to explore and take in.
The Gilmore was started in the early-’ 60s when Donald S. Gilmore began collecting vintage automobiles. Some of his first vehicles included a 1927 Ford Model T, a 1913 Rolls Royce, and a 1920 Pierce Arrow that he restored which is credited with igniting his passion for preserving vintage cars. His wife Genevieve suggested that he should consider turning his collection into a museum to share his passion and the important history of the automobile. With its vintage buildings spread amongst a beautiful country setting, the Gilmore is like no other auto museum.
FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS RECOMMEND
We reached out on Facebook for some favorite destinations and local recommendations from our followers. Here are a few of the responses – thank you for the input!
James Contreras:
The Circuit in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Thursday nights. Good people, awesome cars, a lot of heritage.
Dean Fowler:
The Iowa Hall of Fame and Racing Museum in Otho, Iowa, near Fort Dodge is a must see stop. (It will be moving to a newly constructed building in Algona in the near future.)
John Hrovat II:
Street Machinery in Euclid, Ohio.
Stacy Mathison Crocker:
Hoh Rain Forest on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. (See you in Puyallup in July!)
Ken Hart:
If in Central California, a trip to Yosemite is a must.
Nate Kulpa:
Oatman, Arizona
Johnny Henderson:
Colorado first, Texas second, period.
Scott Fortune:
In Waterloo, Iowa area, stop at Stoners Speed Shop in nearby Hudson and check out Bill Colwell’s Ford Collection too. Waterloo is also home to John Deere manufacturing with a large Museum taking you through the history of John Deere.
Mikey Raymer:
The Pismo Classic car show in Pismo Beach, California, takes over the whole town. Also, take a drive through Williams, Arizona, on old Route 66 and stop at a diner for a burger.
AUBURN, IN
AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
Every now and then a little cultural experience is good for your mental state. Maybe take in a play, an art gallery, or for hot rodders, a tour through the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. The museum is located in Auburn, Indiana, a state that had quite a number of auto manufactures in the early years including Studebaker, Crosley, and the short-lived Sheridan, all of which are probably looked over due to the history of the state’s well-known speedway.
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum features three levels with more than 120 cars on exhibit. There are nine automotive-themed galleries that share the experience of everything from classic cars to Indiana-manufactured vehicles, as well as racing-and engineering-themed exhibits. There is even the original Auburn Automobile Company showroom and company offices. Care to take a guess at the largest artifact at the museum? It’s the building itself, which was constructed in 1929 for the Auburn Automobile Company.
HERSHEY, PA
AMERICA’S TRANSPORTATION EXPERIENCE
What auto museum has three Tuckers, a collection of vintage buses, and the Hershey Kissmobile? That last clue kind of gave it away as America’s Transportation Experience in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This museum offers an incredible array of motor vehicle history including its evolution and potential future.
The museum leads visitors through eight decades of time in a setting that travels from New York to San Francisco. This is the only place where you can see three (of 51) Tucker autos along with a complete chassis and prototypes. There is an exhibit explaining the formation and shape of Roads and Railroads and if you get there this summer, you can take in the upcoming Bang for the Buck exhibit featuring “Good Stuff for Cheap” and the 100 Years of Service display covering service industry vehicles.
ODDBALL STOPS AND CURIOSITIES
Take a break, stretch your legs, and get a selfie or just take a look around at a few oddities and fun road trip curiosities! Here’s a quick dozen to share.
The Hippie Memorial – Arcola, Illinois Can you dig it, man? Right on and peace.
The SPAM Museum – Austin Minnesota Eggs and Spam, Spam, and so much more.
Carhenge – Alliance, Nebraska Like the one in England, but yea, with cars.
The Freemont Troll – Seattle, Washington Under the bridge and holding a VW.
Uranus Fudge Factory – St. Robert, Missouri We’ll leave this one to your imagination.
Very Large Satellite Array – Middle of New Mexico A long drive, but worth it - once.
The Thing – Benson, Arizona We’ve been there and will never tell just what it is.
JFK Assassination Spot – Dallas, Texas Stand on the knoll and look up toward the window.
The Mystery Spot – St. Ignace, Michigan Gravity gets wonky in the upper peninsula.
Four Corners – At the corner of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.
The Hole in the Rock – Moab, Utah It is exactly like the sign says, but so much bigger.
The Corn Palace – Mitchell, South Dakota Corn, a castle, and a stage to share.
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