Car Museum in Ocala, FL
Home to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing — one of the top automotive museums in the United States, featuring over 300 historic vehicles.
13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473 • Open Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is Ocala's premier automotive attraction and one of the most significant car museums in the country. Founded in 1984 by legendary drag racer Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, the museum preserves the history of American drag racing and classic automobiles across two large exhibition buildings on a sprawling property just off Interstate 75.
The museum houses more than 300 vehicles, including Garlits' personal collection of Swamp Rat Top Fuel dragsters that helped define the sport. The Swamp Rat series spans decades of innovation, from the front-engine machines of the 1950s and 1960s to the rear-engine designs that Garlits pioneered after a serious transmission explosion at the 1970 Winternationals in Pomona, California. That pivotal moment changed drag racing forever, and the actual car involved in the accident is on display at the museum.
Beyond drag racing, the second building — the Museum of Classic Automobiles — features an impressive collection of vintage and antique cars. Visitors can see everything from brass-era automobiles from the early 1900s to iconic muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s. The collection includes rare production vehicles, historically significant racing machines, and one-of-a-kind custom builds that trace the evolution of the American automobile.
Located at Exit 341 off I-75, the museum draws automotive enthusiasts from around the world. It sits approximately 10 miles south of downtown Ocala in Marion County, making it an easy stop for travelers heading through Central Florida. The museum is open 365 days a year except Thanksgiving and Christmas, and most visitors spend two to three hours exploring both buildings and the outdoor exhibits.
What to See at the Museum
Two buildings, 300+ vehicles, and decades of automotive history
Museum of Drag Racing
The centerpiece of the museum features Don Garlits' complete Swamp Rat collection of Top Fuel dragsters, along with cars from other legendary racers. Exhibits trace the evolution of drag racing from its origins on dry lake beds and abandoned airstrips to the modern NHRA era. The collection includes engines, trophies, racing suits, and detailed historical timelines.
Museum of Classic Automobiles
The second building houses a diverse collection of vintage and classic cars spanning the entire history of the automobile. From early brass-era vehicles to American muscle cars, the exhibits showcase production cars, rare models, and historically significant vehicles. This building appeals to all car enthusiasts, not just drag racing fans.
Visitor Information
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–12, with discounts for active military and veterans. The ticket covers both museum buildings. The museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. A gift shop offers souvenirs, books, and model cars.
Getting There
The museum is located at 13700 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34473, directly off Interstate 75 at Exit 341 (SR 484). From downtown Ocala, head south on US 441/US 27 and follow signs for the museum. Free parking is available on-site with ample space for cars, RVs, and buses. The location makes it a convenient stop for travelers on I-75.
The Legacy of “Big Daddy” Don Garlits
Don Garlits was born in Tampa, Florida in 1932 and began drag racing in the early 1950s. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he won 144 national events, held numerous speed and elapsed-time records, and became the first drag racer to break the 170, 180, 200, 250, and 270 mph barriers in Top Fuel competition. His Swamp Rat series of dragsters — numbered I through 34 — documented the technological evolution of the sport.
Garlits is widely credited with popularizing the rear-engine dragster. After a clutch explosion at the 1970 NHRA Winternationals severed part of his right foot, he developed a rear-engine design that placed the driver in front of the engine for safety. Within a few years, every competitive Top Fuel team adopted the rear-engine layout, and it remains the standard to this day.
He was inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. In 2019, the NHRA named him the No. 1 Top Fuel driver on its list of the 50 greatest drag racers of all time. The museum in Ocala stands as a permanent testament to his contributions to motorsports and American automotive history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is admission to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing?
General admission to the Don Garlits Museum is $20 for adults. Children ages 3-12 are $10, and children under 3 are free. Active military and veterans receive discounted admission. The ticket price includes access to both the Museum of Drag Racing and the Museum of Classic Automobiles on the same property.
What are the hours for the Don Garlits Museum?
The Don Garlits Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It is recommended to allow at least two to three hours to see both museum buildings and the full collection.
What can you see at the Don Garlits Museum?
The museum features over 300 vehicles across two buildings. The Museum of Drag Racing showcases Don Garlits' personal collection of drag racing cars, including his famous Swamp Rat series of Top Fuel dragsters. The Museum of Classic Automobiles houses vintage cars from the early 1900s through the muscle car era, along with racing memorabilia, engines, trophies, and historical exhibits.
Where is the Don Garlits Museum located?
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is located at 13700 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34473. It is situated just off Interstate 75 at Exit 341, making it easily accessible for visitors traveling through Central Florida. The museum is approximately 10 miles south of downtown Ocala.
Is the Don Garlits Museum good for families with kids?
Yes, the museum is family-friendly and appeals to visitors of all ages. Children and teens who are interested in cars, speed, and engineering find the exhibits engaging. The museum includes interactive displays, detailed informational signage, and the sheer variety of vehicles keeps younger visitors entertained. The grounds also offer picnic areas for families who want to take a break.
Who is Don Garlits and why is the museum named after him?
Don 'Big Daddy' Garlits is widely regarded as one of the greatest drag racers in history. Born in Tampa in 1932, he became a pioneer in Top Fuel drag racing and is credited with popularizing the rear-engine dragster design after a transmission explosion in 1970. He won 144 national events and set numerous speed records during his career. He founded the museum in 1984 to preserve the history of drag racing.
Are there other car-related attractions near the Don Garlits Museum?
While the Don Garlits Museum is the primary automotive attraction in the Ocala area, car enthusiasts can also find regular car shows and cruise-in events throughout Marion County. The Ocala area hosts several annual automotive events including shows at the World Equestrian Center. For additional attractions, Silver Springs State Park and the Appleton Museum of Art are both within a short drive.
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