National Automobile Museum

Overview of the National Automobile Museum

Even if you're not a car enthusiast, recent visitors highly recommend a visit to the National Automobile Museum. This extensive collection features over 225 vehicles, from horseless carriages to race cars and celebrity rides. The museum, often referred to as the Harrah Collection, houses most of its vehicles from the estate of Bill Harrah, a pioneer in Nevada's casino gaming industry.

Notable Exhibits

The museum's highlights include the Thomas Flyer, which won the 1908 New York-to-Paris Race, and the 1949 Mercury Series 9CM convertible driven by James Dean. Other notable exhibits include numerous cars associated with famous personalities and a Batman-themed exhibit featuring one of the customized cars from the 1960s TV series. Additionally, visitors can see full-scale models of vehicles from Disney Pixar's animated "Cars" franchise.

Visitor Experiences

Car enthusiasts who have visited the museum rave about the carefully restored vehicles and the extensive range of exhibits. They also appreciate the educational value and recommend the museum even to those who aren't car aficionados. Many visitors suggest taking a break from the casino to explore the museum's informative and entertaining displays.

Visiting Information

Location and Hours

The National Automobile Museum is situated along the Truckee River in downtown Reno, near the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission Fees

Admission costs $15 for adults. Active military personnel and children aged 6 to 15 can enter for $10. There is no charge for children aged 5 and younger. Free parking is also available.

Time Commitment and Tours

Plan to spend about two hours exploring the museum, though car enthusiasts may want to spend the entire day browsing the collection. Guided tours are available daily at 1:30 p.m. and last approximately 90 minutes. However, tours are subject to docent availability, so it's advisable to contact the museum beforehand to confirm the schedule.

For more information, visit the museum's website.