Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
Founded by drag racing legend Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, this world-class museum in Ocala houses over 300 vehicles across two buildings dedicated to drag racing history and classic automobiles.
13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473 • Open Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing in Ocala, Florida, is home to more than 300 vehicles spanning the full history of American drag racing and classic automobiles. Founded by Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, the museum features two buildings including the famous Swamp Rat dragster collection. Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM with adult admission at $20.
What Is the Don Garlits Museum?
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is one of the most significant automotive museums in the United States and one of Ocala's top tourist attractions. Located at 13700 SW 16th Avenue off Interstate 75 at Exit 341, the museum was founded in 1984 by Don “Big Daddy” Garlits to preserve the history of drag racing in America.
Don Garlits is widely regarded as the father of modern drag racing. Born in Tampa, Florida in 1932, he began racing in the early 1950s and went on to win 144 national events over a career spanning more than four decades. He was the first drag racer to break the 200 mph and 270 mph barriers in Top Fuel competition, and his Swamp Rat series of dragsters — numbered I through 34 — became the most famous racing machines in the sport's history.
The museum campus sits on a large property south of Ocala in Marion County. It draws visitors from across the country and around the world, including families, car enthusiasts, racing fans, and history buffs. The collection spans more than a century of automotive history, from the dawn of the automobile to the high-tech racing machines of recent decades.
With over 300 vehicles on display, the Don Garlits Museum offers an experience that goes well beyond drag racing. The two museum buildings provide hours of exploration, and the facility includes a gift shop, outdoor exhibits, and ample free parking including space for RVs and tour buses.
What Can You See at the Don Garlits Museum?
Two buildings, 300+ vehicles, and decades of American automotive history
What Is in the Museum of Drag Racing?
The heart of the museum is the drag racing collection. Visitors can see Garlits' complete Swamp Rat series of Top Fuel dragsters, each representing a different era of the sport's technological evolution. The collection also includes cars from other legendary racers, as well as engines, trophies, racing suits, helmets, and detailed timelines documenting the history of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and drag racing in America.
One of the most significant exhibits is the car involved in the 1970 Winternationals accident at Pomona, California, where a transmission explosion severed part of Garlits' right foot. That incident led him to develop the rear-engine dragster design that revolutionized the sport and remains the standard for Top Fuel cars today.
What Is in the Museum of Classic Automobiles?
The second building houses an extensive collection of vintage and classic automobiles that spans the full history of the car. Visitors can see brass-era vehicles from the early 1900s, pre-war classics, and iconic American muscle cars from the 1960s and 1970s. The collection includes rare production models, historically significant vehicles, and unique custom builds.
This building appeals to all automotive enthusiasts, not just racing fans. The variety of vehicles on display provides a visual timeline of how the American automobile evolved in design, engineering, and culture over more than a century.
What Should Visitors Know Before Going?
Hours, admission, location, and everything you need to plan your visit
What Are the Hours?
Open daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
Allow 2–3 hours for your visit
How Much Is Admission?
Adults: ~$20
Children (3–12): ~$10
Under 3: Free
Military & veteran discounts available
Where Is It Located?
13700 SW 16th Ave
Ocala, FL 34473
I-75 Exit 341 (SR 484) • Free parking
Why Visit the Don Garlits Museum?
The Don Garlits Museum is more than a car collection — it is a window into the history of American motorsports and the evolution of the automobile. For drag racing fans, it is a pilgrimage site that houses the most complete record of the sport's development anywhere in the world. The Swamp Rat dragster collection alone represents an unbroken timeline of innovation from the 1950s to the modern era.
For general automotive enthusiasts and families, the Museum of Classic Automobiles provides a broad and accessible experience. The variety of vehicles — from early horseless carriages to chrome-laden muscle cars — tells the story of American ingenuity and culture. Children and teens who are interested in cars, engineering, or speed find the exhibits engaging, and the museum's informational signage provides educational context for each vehicle.
The museum's location just off I-75 makes it a convenient stop for travelers heading through Central Florida. Whether you are visiting Ocala specifically or passing through on the way to other destinations, the Don Garlits Museum is one of the most worthwhile attractions in the region and consistently ranks as one of the top things to do in Marion County.
What Car Shows and Events Are Held at the Museum?
The Don Garlits Museum hosts and participates in various automotive events throughout the year. The museum grounds serve as a venue for car shows, swap meets, and special exhibitions that bring together automotive enthusiasts from across the Southeast. These events often feature guest appearances, vehicle displays from private collectors, and vendor areas.
The Ocala area is also home to additional car shows and automotive gatherings held at venues like the World Equestrian Center and various community locations around Marion County. Car enthusiasts visiting the Don Garlits Museum may want to check for upcoming events in the area to combine multiple automotive experiences in one trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for the Don Garlits Museum?
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Plan to arrive by 3:00 PM to have enough time to see both museum buildings.
How much is admission to the Don Garlits Museum?
Adult admission is approximately $20. Children ages 3 to 12 are $10, and children under 3 enter free. Active military and veterans receive discounted admission. Your ticket includes access to both the Museum of Drag Racing and the Museum of Classic Automobiles.
What can you see at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing?
The museum features over 300 vehicles across two buildings. The Museum of Drag Racing showcases Don Garlits' Swamp Rat Top Fuel dragsters and other historic race cars. The Museum of Classic Automobiles houses vintage cars from the early 1900s through the muscle car era, along with racing memorabilia, engines, and trophies.
Where is the Don Garlits Museum located?
The Don Garlits Museum is located at 13700 SW 16th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34473. It sits just off Interstate 75 at Exit 341 (SR 484), approximately 10 miles south of downtown Ocala. Free parking is available on-site with space for cars, RVs, and tour buses.
How long does it take to visit the Don Garlits Museum?
Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring both museum buildings. Automotive enthusiasts and drag racing fans often spend longer reading the detailed exhibit information and examining the vehicles up close. The two buildings together contain a significant amount of material to see.
Does the Don Garlits Museum have a gift shop?
Yes, the Don Garlits Museum has a gift shop that carries souvenirs, die-cast model cars, books about drag racing and Don Garlits, apparel, and other automotive memorabilia. The gift shop is accessible as part of your museum visit.
Where Can You Explore More Ocala Attractions?
Discover more automotive attractions and things to do in Ocala, Florida.