The Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, stands as a tribute to the exhilarating history of automotive racing and innovation. With its vast collection of artifacts, classic cars, and interactive displays, the museum offers a unique experience for enthusiasts and families alike.
This 150,000-square-foot marvel isn’t just about cars; it’s a celebration of speed, creativity, and the stories behind some of America’s most iconic vehicles.
The Unser Family Collection
Stepping into the Museum of American Speed, visitors are often drawn to the legendary Unser Family Collection. Known for their racing heritage, the Unsers have made a significant mark in automotive history.
The museum proudly showcases their family vault, offering a glimpse into the legacy of this racing dynasty. From iconic race cars to rare memorabilia, the collection tells an enthralling story of triumph and passion.
Each piece provides insight into the evolution of racing over the decades. The display is not only a celebration of speed but also a tribute to the dedication and perseverance that the Unser family embodies.
For anyone fascinated by motorsports, this collection is an absolute must-see.
The Pedal Car Paradise
Imagine a place where the charm of childhood meets the thrill of speed. The Pedal Car Paradise at the Museum of American Speed offers exactly that.
Housing hundreds of pedal cars, bikes, and more, this collection is a whimsical nod to the miniature world of racing. From cars to tractors, each piece is a beautifully crafted masterpiece.These pedal cars are more than just toys; they are a nostalgic journey into the past, showcasing innovative designs and the playful spirit of generations gone by.
Whether you’re a child at heart or a history buff, the Pedal Car Paradise is sure to captivate your imagination and bring a smile to your face.
Motors and Milestones
In the heart of the museum lies a captivating exhibit dedicated to the engines that powered change. Motors and Milestones is a tribute to the mechanical marvels that have driven the evolution of racing and automotive engineering.
Featuring rare engines such as Offenhausers and Millers, the display offers a deep dive into the heart of speed.
Every engine tells a story of innovation and ingenuity, showcasing the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines motorsports. The exhibit is meticulously organized, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details and craftsmanship.
For those passionate about the art of engineering, Motors and Milestones is an inspiring journey through the history of performance.
Prewar Legends Gallery
Walk into the quiet glow of the Prewar Legends Gallery and you are greeted by nickel-plated grilles and coachbuilt curves. Brass-era tourers sit beside rakish roadsters, showing how designers chased speed and elegance with equal passion.
You can almost hear hand-cranked starters and parade bands as you move between them.
Placards tell human stories, not just horsepower. A Nebraska farmer’s first Model T shares space with a custom-bodied Packard, both survivors of dust and time.
You will linger over radiator badges, hood ornaments, and wooden steering wheels, realizing how craftsmanship once meant patience and pride.
Route 66 Road Trip Exhibit
This exhibit captures the romance of the open road, even if Route 66 only brushes Nebraska in spirit. Neon signs buzz over a recreated service station, complete with oil cans, road maps, and a squeaky air hose.
You can slide into a period bench seat and imagine chasing sunsets with windows down.
Old motel postcards and diner stools frame the cars that carried families west. Tailfins glint under pastel lights while stories of breakdowns and breakthroughs make you smile.
You leave craving a milkshake, a paper map, and the promise that the next town might change everything.
Muscle Car Thunder Hall
Here the air feels charged, like a drag strip before the tree drops. Bold stripes and shaker hoods line up nose to nose, from big-block Chevelles to Hemi-powered bruisers.
Each spec sheet brags about quarter-mile times, but the paint colors tell louder stories.
You will spot fingerprints on chrome where someone could not resist touching history. Audio clips rumble with exhaust notes that make your chest buzz.
Even if you prefer quiet cruisers, the raw swagger is contagious. You leave promising yourself to wake early, find an empty road, and listen for the heartbeat of American torque.