Arizona is a paradise for car lovers and history enthusiasts. From classic beauties to rare collectibles, its auto museums have it all. Whether you’re into vintage models, muscle cars, or historic race cars, these destinations showcase the best of automotive history.

Each museum tells a unique story, celebrating the innovation and artistry behind the vehicles we love. With interactive exhibits and expertly restored classics, these spots are perfect for a fun day out. Whether you’re planning a road trip or looking for a weekend adventure, Arizona’s auto museums offer something for everyone. Buckle up and explore these must-visit attractions!

Pima Air & Space Museum (Tucson)

This iconic museum houses over 400 aircraft, making it one of the largest aviation museums in the world. From military planes to commercial jets, you’ll find everything here, including some seriously rare aircraft you won’t see anywhere else.

Not only do you get to check out these historic planes up close, but there’s also an excellent display of space exploration artifacts. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast or just curious about flight, this museum is a must-visit.

Arizona Railway Museum (Chandler)

If you’ve ever wanted to explore the golden age of railroads, the Arizona Railway Museum is the place to go. This museum has a great collection of vintage railcars, locomotives, and other artifacts that’ll take you back in time.

You can even step inside some of the restored cars to get a feel for what train travel used to be like. It’s a fascinating experience that will give you a new appreciation for America’s rail history.

Martin Auto Museum (Glendale)

This museum is a hidden gem for car lovers, offering a variety of classic and vintage cars. The collection spans from the early 1900s to the muscle car era, so there’s something for everyone.

The museum’s layout allows you to get up close with the vehicles, and the knowledgeable staff is always eager to share the history behind each model. Whether you’re a gearhead or just curious, this place is definitely worth a pit stop.

Dwarf Car Museum (Maricopa)

The Dwarf Car Museum showcases the incredible creations of Ernie Adams, who hand-builds scaled-down versions of classic cars. These “dwarf cars” are fully functional and are a marvel of engineering.

The craftsmanship and attention to detail are mind-blowing, and you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for custom cars. It’s a quirky, fun stop that’s totally worth a visit if you’re into unique automobiles.

Penske Racing Museum (Phoenix)

For racing fans, the Penske Racing Museum is an adrenaline-fueled stop. The museum houses a collection of cars that have competed in NASCAR and IndyCar races, all driven by the legendary Penske Racing team.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the trophies and memorabilia from the Penske Racing dynasty. It’s a small but thrilling museum that packs a punch for motorsports lovers.

Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson (Phoenix)

Motorcycle fans, this one’s for you. Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson is both a dealership and a museum, showcasing a fantastic collection of vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

From early 1900s bikes to modern models, you’ll get to see the evolution of Harley-Davidson over the years. It’s a cool mix of history and culture that any motorcycle lover will appreciate.

Art Car World (Douglas)

Art Car World is a museum like no other. Dedicated to cars that have been turned into works of art, this museum features vehicles that have been completely transformed by artists into mobile masterpieces.

From brightly colored designs to completely surreal alterations, these cars push the boundaries of what vehicles can be. Whether you’re an art lover or a car enthusiast, this museum offers something truly unique.

Arizona Model Railroading Society (Phoenix)

Train enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Arizona Model Railroading Society has an impressive collection of model train exhibits. These detailed miniature railways are set up in elaborate landscapes, making you feel like a giant in a tiny world.

You don’t have to be a model train hobbyist to appreciate the craftsmanship here. The displays are so intricate, you’ll find yourself marveling at all the small details that bring these miniature worlds to life.

Superstition Mountain Museum (Apache Junction)

This museum is more than just transportation, but it has an excellent display of wagons and early Arizona vehicles that make it worth a visit. You’ll get a sense of how people used to travel through the rugged Arizona terrain back in the day.

The museum is also located in a beautiful area, right at the foot of the Superstition Mountains. So, after learning about old-school transportation, you can explore the great outdoors.

Commemorative Air Force Museum (Mesa)

Located at Falcon Field, this museum focuses on preserving military aviation history, particularly from World War II. The Commemorative Air Force Museum has a collection of restored planes, and you might even get to see one take flight!

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be up in the air during wartime, this museum’s immersive exhibits will give you a taste of that experience. It’s a great stop for history buffs and aviation fans alike.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)

This family-friendly museum has something for everyone, from full-sized trains to rideable model trains. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a great place to learn about Arizona’s railroad history while having some fun.

The park also has a museum that houses old locomotives and passenger cars. It’s a perfect spot for a day out, especially if you have kids who love trains.

Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum (Tucson)

Celebrating the history of the American West, this museum showcases an impressive collection of old wagons, carriages, and early vehicles that were essential for transportation in Arizona’s frontier days.

You’ll also learn about the famous Tucson Rodeo and how transportation played a role in its history. It’s a unique blend of cowboy culture and transportation history, perfect for anyone interested in the Old West.

The Kingman Route 66 Museum (Kingman)

As part of the Historic Route 66 Museum, this museum tells the story of America’s most famous highway. You’ll find exhibits on the classic cars and motorcycles that traveled this iconic route.

The museum also focuses on the culture and communities that grew along Route 66. It’s a nostalgic look back at road trips from a bygone era, making it a fun stop for car lovers and history buffs.

Aerospace Museums Across The United States For Plane Enthusiasts

If it just planes you love, then you may happy to know there are many air museums across the country for you to enjoy. Check out this list of museums featuring everyday planes to innovations in the military. 

Transportation Museums in South Dakota That Are Worth The Trip

If you’re into vehicles of all kinds, South Dakota has a collection of transportation museums just waiting for you to explore. From trains to tractors, these spots showcase the state’s rich history in transportation. Here’s a list of six must-visit South Dakota transportation museums that will take you on an ultimate journey through time.