AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Museum
| Pickerington, OH
Photo courtesy of archaney/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of archaney/iStock by Getty Images
Take a ride through motorcycle history at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame & Museum. With an impressive collection of bikes, hands-on exhibits and stories of the legends who shaped the sport, this place is a two-wheeled time machine. Marvel at vintage classics and cutting-edge machines, delve into the evolution of motorcycling and don’t forget to hit the brakes at the gift shop for some motor merch.
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum | Leeds, AL
Photo courtesy of sinceLF/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of sinceLF/iStock by Getty Images
Hold onto your helmet—this museum is a high-octane playground packed with the world’s largest motorcycle collection. With bikes everywhere you look (literally), you’ll need your head on a swivel to take it all in. Beyond bikes, you can admire rare Ferraris and other cars. Need to catch your breath? Explore the sculpture garden, where giant metal bugs like spiders and dragonflies add an artsy (and slightly creepy) twist to your visit.
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing | Ocala, FL
Photo courtesy of tillsonburg/istock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of tillsonburg/istock by Getty Images
Celebrating the legendary “Big Daddy” himself, the Don Garlits Museum is perfect for anyone who loves speed, big personalities and amazing machines. Cruise through the Drag Racing Hall of Fame and check out racing paraphernalia while you envision the glory days of the sport. Need a pit stop? Snap a selfie with the outrageous Yellow Fang streamliner and snag some racing swag from the gift shop before you burn rubber out of there.
Georgia Racing Hall of Fame | Dawsonville, GA
Photo courtesy of schlol/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of schlol/iStock by Getty Images
Go full-throttle at Georgia Racing Hall of Fame, where history, horsepower and Southern charm combine for an immersive experience. Celebrating the birthplace of stock car racing and NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, you can get up close to vintage racers like Red Byron’s 1948 machine and wander through the Elliott family hall. Feeling the need for speed? Strap into the state-of-the-art iRacing simulator for a wild ride (no license required).
Harley-Davidson Museum | Milwaukee, WI
Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum
Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson Museum
Cruise to the Harley-Davidson Museum, home to more than 450 iconic Harleys, including the very first one and a custom chopper once owned by Elvis. Channel your inner rebel while you strike a pose on a real bike in the Experience Gallery. Outside, snap a selfie by the towering bronze rider and explore a replica of the original backyard shed where it all began. Ready to refuel? You can enjoy a burger at the MotorBar before riding off into the sunset.
Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum | Kent, WA
Photo courtesy of lilacmountain/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of lilacmountain/iStock by Getty Images
Looking for a day of boat-building workshops and stories about hydroplane racing? At Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, you can do all that and more. The only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the thrilling world of powerboat racing puts you up close to vintage hydroplanes. Watch rare racing footage about racing legends, peek inside the Restoration Shop to see old boats revitalized and climb into the cockpit of a real raceboat.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
| Indianapolis, IN
Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, you’re not just learning about racing, you’re experiencing it. Delve into racing history through hands-on exhibits and snap a selfie in the winner’s circle. You can go behind the scenes of the iconic speedway, then climb into the cockpit of a real race car for the thrill of a lifetime. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just along for the ride, this museum will leave you feeling turbo-charged.
International Motorsports Hall of Fame
| Talladega, AL
Photo courtesy of International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Photo courtesy of International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Looking for a full-throttle adventure? Race into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame to browse more than 140 authentic race cars—from classic stock cars to sleek motorcycles and legendary NASCAR machines. See where the legends like the Alabama Gang made history at the adjacent Talladega Superspeedway. And for a wild twist, don’t miss the wrecked car exhibits that show just how intense and dangerous the world of racing can be.
Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
| Daytona Beach, FL
Photo courtesy of Art Wager/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Art Wager/iStock by Getty Images
Celebrating the achievements of racing legends and inspiring fans and future generations of racers, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is a must-see for racing enthusiasts. From stock and sports cars to motorcycles, powerboats and even aviation, the exhibits and memorabilia pay homage to the history of racing and the drivers who made it iconic. Complement your visit with a tour of world-famous Daytona International Speedway.
Museum of American Speed | Lincoln, NE
Photo courtesy of Museum of American Speed
Photo courtesy of Museum of American Speed
A playground for hot rod enthusiasts and high-speed thrill seekers, the Museum of American Speed offers three floors of exhibits featuring antique cars, automotive toys and unique finds like vintage lunchboxes and autographed guitars. Explore the evolution of the Model T, take a ride on the working car merry-go-round and marvel at classic motorcycles. Before peeling out, swing by the gift shop for a cool ball cap or keychain.
NASCAR Hall of Fame | Charlotte, NC
Photo courtesy of NASCAR Hall of Fame
Photo courtesy of NASCAR Hall of Fame
Unleash your inner speed demon at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where you can become a race car driver, a broadcast legend or pit crew worker. Zoom through interactive exhibits, hop into cutting-edge racing simulators and visit the Gear Shop for Champ the Cheetah souvenirs. Got kids in tow? They’ll love the life-sized Lightning McQueen. And with the Pit Stop Cafe, you can cross the finish line fueled for your next adventure.
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
| Mooresville, NC
Photo courtesy of J. Michael Jones/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of J. Michael Jones/iStock by Getty Images
Step in to the heart of racing country at the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, home to legendary memorabilia, photos and artifacts celebrating motorsports legends from stock car pioneers to modern-day NASCAR heroes. Feel the rush in a racing simulator or relive jaw-dropping moments with videos of crazy finishes and crashes. And keep your eyes peeled—you’re deep in racing territory so a real driver sighting is possible.
Petersen Automotive Museum | Los Angeles, CA
Photo courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
Photo courtesy of Petersen Automotive Museum
If speed, style and shiny things on wheels get your motor running, then the Petersen Automotive Museum is your dream garage come to life. Wander through an impressive collection that includes Hollywood movie cars, classic hot rods and futuristic concept vehicles. Still not enough? Head to the secret Vault to check out more than 300 ultra-rare rides. It’s not just a walk-through; racing simulators add to the thrills.
Richard Childress Racing Museum | Welcome, NC
Photo courtesy of Wirestock/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Wirestock/iStock by Getty Images
Racing history comes roaring to life at the Richard Childress Racing Museum, where you can get up close to real race cars, interact with the displays and peek inside pit boxes packed with team gear, uniforms and cool memorabilia. Explore early stock cars, championship rides, the history of how RCR shaped racing, and the iconic black No. 3 that made Dale Earnhardt a household name. It’s like scoring a backstage pass to the fast lane.
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
| Philadelphia, PA
Photo courtesy of Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Photo courtesy of Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
Take a joy ride through the evolution of racing at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, home to more than 75 legendary sports cars that once tore up tracks like Le Mans. Want to see and hear history in motion? Visit on a live demo day, when the museum fires up selected cars for a loop through the parking lot. Keep your camera on—there are plenty of photo-worthy backdrops for snapping pics with some seriously cool rides.
Snowmobile Hall of Fame | St. Germain, WI
Photo courtesy of RelaxFoto.de/iStock by Getty Images
Photo courtesy of RelaxFoto.de/iStock by Getty Images
Dedicated to preserving the history of snowmobiling as both a hobby and a sport, the Snowmobile Hall of Fame features two buildings packed with vintage sleds, wild prototypes and legendary race machines—from oval-track racers to water-cross champs. For even more thrills, time your visit with one of the hall’s epic events like Ride with the Champs or the Induction Banquet, where you can meet snowmobile legends and snag autographs.
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Our Featured Panelists
Cherith Glover Fluker
Cherith Glover Fluker is an Alabama-based freelance writer. She specializes in travel, self-care, and lifestyle content. With a blend of experience, creativity, and Southern warmth, Cherith’s writing resonates with readers seeking inspiration and authenticity. Her work has appeared in Food, Wine, & Travel Magazine, SheBuysTravel, LakeLife 24/7, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Motherly and more. She also shares her voice on her blog www.WhatCherithinks.com. Cherith grew up in a sports-loving family and continues to find joy in catching games and events at fun venues. She’s especially drawn to how local sports culture reflects a city’s identity, energy, and untold stories.
Susan Lanier-Graham
Susan Lanier-Graham is the founder and publisher of WanderWithWonder.com and an accomplished storyteller, journalist and creative strategist. With more than 75 published books and hundreds of articles to her name, she crafts content that informs, inspires and connects with readers through authenticity and purpose. Susan’s sports journey began on horseback and grew to include a passion for horse racing, basketball, soccer, and motorsports. She played basketball in junior high and high school and remains a devoted fan. She’s also drawn to the global energy of soccer fans and is an avid NASCAR enthusiast, having taken hot laps at top tracks across the country.
Amy Piper
Amy Piper is a freelance travel writer, blogger, photographer, and author specializing in luxury and multigenerational travel. A native Michigander, she travels through the lens of a food lover and has visited 47 countries and 45 states. Amy is also a collegiate sports fan, and she frequently travels to see her favorite team, the University of Michigan in action on the field. A favorite traveling, sports memory is seeing her beloved Wolverines win the Rose Bowl. You can follow her adventures at www.FollowthePiper.com.
Karon Warren
The daughter of a drag racer, Karon Warren was born with a need for speed. She routinely visits NASCAR tracks and NHRA dragways around the country to see her favorite racers in action. When she’s not watching racing, she writes for a variety of outlets, including USA Today’s 10Best, U.S. News & World Report, AAA, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She also is the author of 100 Things to Do in the North Georgia Mountains Before You Die. For more on Karon and her travels, check out www.thisgirltravels.com.