Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing — Attraction in Florida

I finally was able to visit Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. I have visited quite a few museums lately, with this one not being the typical museum. It's not even your typical car museum. In this case, the whole reason for this museum is Drag Racing. I must say mission accomplished. I love the fact that Don's idea of a museum is the correct way. Yes a lot of it does pertain to Mr. Garlits and his career in Drag Racing. But soooooo much is not about Don, but instead many other personalities associated with Drag Racing. There are many cars and items throughout decades of the sport. The Museum itself has three large rooms holding many cars, engines and many other items. I enjoyed taking a break and sitting on a bench to watch a video. You can spend a lot of time here if you really look and read. There were so many cars, people and event subjects that I remember over the years. But just as important were the many of the same that I didn't remember and learned about. My only regret is that my ankle was much less enthusiastic than my brain, about the amount of time that I could spend walking around and standing enjoying the exhibits. Just a great place and better than I was expecting. Well done to Don and the folks that maintain this jewel. There of course is a gift shop where you can purchase things. The rest rooms are in the gift shop if folks need to visit. There is a discount off the price for things like being over 60, or a veteran and such. So you may be able to save a few dollars as well. The price also includes admission for a second car museum on the property. That museum is more of the car museum most folks would picture when mentioning car museums. It's also very nice. I'm sure that I'll be back in the future. There was so much enjoyment to be had if you enjoy motorsports and especially drag racing. Thank you Mr. Garlits for building such a place for folks...

Ok so for me this place is special, actually VERY special. As a child growing up I didn't realize what I had as do most I feel (not really having a firm grasp on the actually reality of that time). It was the early 70's and racing was growing into one of the most popular sports in the world. NASCAR, Indy, GT, LeMans, NHRA, etc... Well my dad was a NASCAR flagman. I grew up at, in and around the major Southeastern tracks every weekend during racing season. Daytona, Sebring, Charlotte, Rockingham, Darlington Raceways, etc... Again I bet you're getting the idea. So I knew all the drivers, most of their crews and others like country music legends. I'm not even gonna name drop 😊. However my passion was the drags and not only the drags but top-fuel, funny cars, ya know the big boys and of course the 1 big girl Shirley Muldowney. However Big Daddy Don Garlits was always there. He and my dad seemed to have a special kinship and he was always the nicest of drivers. Even when he didn't win he knew his fans loved him for the showmanship and I think he loved them for that singular reason. Weather you're like me or someone who's not even got the slightest clue as to what you're looking at (my GF...I love you Eve) you'll enjoy it simply for the pure artistry of it all. He's got turn of the century American cars and trucks so the way up to the 90's Pontiac Fiero that had a 250hp 4cyl and for 52mpg. Some are fully customized and some are all original even a never titled new Karmen Gia bought from a bank selling dealer stock. Go spend the day, take your kids and enjoy the...

I had always wanted to go to this museum. We have driven past it many times. This time we were stuck in traffic in our rv on 75 (no surprise there). I asked my wife to see how far away we were from the museum. 4 minutes! It was almost closing time and I knew that this was a Harvest Host location where they allow overnight stays in rv's. You need to make reservations 2 days in advance but I figured I would ask anyhow. The nice lady made a call for me to ownership and they made an exception for us. Note: you do get locked into the grounds for the night. You can't even walk in or out of the property. I wasn't crazy about this but my wife found it gave her a feeling of security. So we spent the next morning in the 2 museums. They are both second to none as far as automotive museums. The drag racing museum has got to be the most complete in it's category and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even my wife was mildly interested. Then we went to the antique car museum. I've been to a lot of these and this one is the best. Obviously a labor of love for Big Daddy. We both thought it was spectacular. I would recommend an entire day here. Unfortunately, we were on our way back to NJ and couldn't stay all day. I have got to go back! To top it all off the price was very reasonable for something of this level of quality. If you have any interest in machines or things automotive go...