Virginia has a number of excellent car museums that are perfect for car enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of car racing, antique automobiles, vintage cars, auto memorabilia, or the history of the automobile, the state of Virginia has something for everyone!
Below are some of my top picks for the best car museums in Virginia.
Top photo by Philip Schroeder on Unsplash.
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Location:
303 Norfolk Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Tickets:
Adults = $8
Children (Ages 3-11) = $6
Seniors (60 and up) = $7
As the name suggests, the Virginia Museum of Transporation has exhibits devoted to many forms of transportation. The museum’s collection includes classic locomotives, trains, and airplanes. It specializes in many items from the railroad industry, though it also features vintage automobiles and truck exhibits. It offers an excellent lesson in the history of transportation.
There are many automobiles on display ranging from the early 20th century all the way up to more modern cars. Special exhibits in the past included Hollywood Star Cars, which featured famous cars from television and movies.
The museum is located in Roanoke, VA, and is conveniently located near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Car & Carriage Caravan Museum
Location:
970 US-211, Luray, VA 22835
Hours:
Open Daily = 9 am to 7 pm
Tickets:
Ticket is included with admission to Luray Caverns. Luray Caverns ticket prices are:
Adults = $32
Kids (6-12 years old) = $16
Under 6 years old = free
The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum is a must-see for any automotive enthusiast. The main attraction is an 1897 Mercedes-Benz, which is one of the oldest cars that is still functioning in the United States.
Other highlights of the collection are a 1925 Rolls Royce associated with the movie star Rudolph Valentino. Other early automobiles in the collection include a 1908 Baker Electric and a 1913 Stanley Steamer.
The museum also features precursors to the automobile, including horse-drawn carriages, coaches, and wagons.
Old Cranks Motor Car Museum
Location:
407 S Railroad Ave, Galax, VA 24333
Hours:
Saturday: 12 pm -4 pm
Sunday: 1 pm -4 pm
Other days by appointment.
Tickets:
Adults: $4
Children (Ages 6-12): $2
Another excellent classic car museum is the Old Cranks Motor Car Museum. It is one of the best museums for any car enthusiast. The museum has one of the most substantial vintage car collections in the state, with over 70 automobiles, including a 1906 Orient, a 1917 Detroit Electric and a 1919 Stanley Steamer.
There is a unique assortment of antique cars on display, including a 1957 T-Bird, 1914 Metz, 1914 Saxon, 1950 Studebaker, 1959 Austin-Healy, 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, and a 1952 Hudson Hornet.
They also have auto-related memorabilia on display, including classic gas pumps, license plates, and related artifacts.
The museum also has an added bonus of also featuring an ice cream shop!
Wood Brothers Racing Museum
Location:
21 Performance Drive, Stuart, VA 24171
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9 am – 12 pm, and 1 pm – 4 pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets:
No fee.
The Wood Brothers Racing Museum is a small museum devoted to the history of the Wood Brothers, who were prominent in car racing. A trip to the museum will give you a chance to learn first-hand from members of the family about their memorable history with car racing, NASCAR, and much more. It is a great place to visit for any fans of car racing and its history.
The museum has years of racing history on display, including artifacts, photographs, cars, tons of other racing memorabilia, as well as lots of automobilia.
Note: Some of the car museums that were previously open in Virginia are now permanently closed, including the Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum, the Accomack-Northampton Antique Car Museum, and Fred’s Car Museum.
Looking for more great activities in Virginia?
Learn about the Best Golf Courses in Winchester, VA!
Learn about the Best Breweries in Winchester, VA!
Learn all about the 24 Best National Parks in Virginia!
Learn about The Best Sunflower Fields in Virginia!
Find out all about Great Waterfalls in Northern Virginia (And Beyond)!
And learn more about Charlottesville Wineries and Northern Virginia Wineries!
