Perhaps you've always had an appreciation for automobiles, or maybe you're just starting to develop this passion. Regardless, a car museum is a great way to get a history lesson while also seeing some stylish models you won't see on the road. If you're taking a road trip to check them out, though, be sure to perform basic vehicle maintenance, and you may need a tune up or oil change to ensure your car can handle the distance.
Some of these museums have a more impressive collection than others. No matter your level of expertise or interest, these spots are definitely worth a trip:
National Corvette Museum
This enormous museum is located in Bowling Green, Ky., right by the automaker's only assembly plant, according to Forbes. Since this year is the 60th anniversary of the classic American car, it's the perfect time to pay this museum a visit. Don't miss the 1953 Corvette, which was built the same year the sports car first emerged. Only 300 of these vehicles were built, so you'll be seeing a rare breed that was actually constructed by hand. This summer, the museum added even more models and unveiled a motorsports park, Forbes reported.
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Diversity is abundant at this museum in midcoast Maine, which also features motorcycles, airplanes and historic bicycles in addition to automotives dating between the 1950s and 1995. From a 1920s popcorn wagon to a Rolls Royce limo from 1914, there are a variety of cars for history buffs to admire. NBC News recommended attending the winter transportation festival, where you can check out vintage snow vehicles. However, the museum also hosts other events throughout the year including an antique motor vehicle rally and rare car demonstrations that sometimes offer free Model T-rides.
Mullin Automotive Museum
This museum in Oxnard, Calif., only opened in 2010, but it already boasts an impressive collection of 50 classic French cars. NBC reported that one 1925 Bugatti Brescia Modifeé on display was even submerged at the bottom of Lake Maggiore for 73 years. The artwork and deco furniture lend a retro vibe that perfectly complements the cars on site. The news source recommends buying tickets in advance, and while the museum is only open one Saturday a month, staff members are willing to make exceptions by appointment.
Volo Auto Museum
Film fans will delight in the collection at this unusual museum in Chicago, which, according to Popular Mechanics, has been open for more than 50 years and has an extensive array of Hollywood-related cars. The Bizarre Car Collection shouldn't be missed, and includes "Truckasaurus," the Ford pickup with a T-Rex head, in addition to a 24-foot Chuck Berry tribute vehicle shaped like a guitar.