All About the Top Car Museums in Gatlinburg TN and the Smoky Mountains
The gearhead in your family will love visiting Gatlinburg, Tennessee! The Smoky Mountain area is home to some incredible museums and attractions that feature exceptional automobiles. These excellent attractions are sure to delight car lovers, but they are also fun for vacationers who don’t know a lug nut from a peanut. To help you make the most of your next getaway, Visit My Smokies has put together a guide to all of the amazing car museums in Gatlinburg TN and the surrounding cities, like the Hollywood Star Cars Museum.
Hollywood Star Cars Museum
The Hollywood Star Cars Museum displays some of the most famous vehicles from TV and movie history! This impressive collection features a number of cars that were designed by the legendary auto customizer George Barris, including the Batmobile from Adam West’s Batman, the Drag-U-La from The Munsters, the jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies, and KITT from Knight Rider. When you visit the museum, you can watch a video of Barris explaining how he created these icons of the small screen.
In addition to the Barris-designed vehicles, the Hollywood Star Cars Museum houses the DeLorean from Back to the Future, the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, “Eleanor” from Gone in 60 Seconds, and a number of cars from the Fast and the Furious franchise. Guests will also have the chance to see cars owned by Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney, Bob Hope, James Dean, and, of course, Dolly Parton. For an additional fee, you can even get your photo take behind the wheel of one of the famous cars!
Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience
Speedwerkz Exotic Car Experience opened in downtown Gatlinburg in 2023, bringing a one-of-a-kind attraction to the Smoky Mountains. This spot isn’t your typical car museum in Gatlinburg. It features up to 15 exotic cars, ranging from Lambrghinis to Ferraris. The cars are set on display on turntables with incredible lighting and sound elements. You’ll be able to get an up-close look at the cars, and even get your picture taken inside one! In addition to their collection of hyper cars, super cars, and exotics, you’ll also get to enjoy racing simulators and unique photo experiences. the racing simulators will show you what it’s like to be a real race car driver! Before you leave, stop by the retail space to get a souvenir t-shirt or die-cast car!
Downtown Flavortown
Okay, while this isn’t actually a car museum, you can see one of the coolest cars in the Smokies at Downtown Flavortown in Pigeon Forge! On display in this entertainment venue, you’ll find a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro that’s identical to the one Fieri drives in his popular “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” show that aires on the Food Network. You can hop in the driver’s seat and get a photo! There’s even a smaller car ride that kids can hop in and try. While you’re there, be sure to try the other popular things to do at Downtown Flavortown, including playing in the arcade, enjoying duckpin bowling, grabbing a meal in the restaurant, or sipping a drink at the tiki bar. The opportunities for excitement are endless here!
Car Shows in the Smoky Mountains
In addition to these fantastic attractions and car museums in Gatlinburg TN and the Smokies, the area also hosts a number of hugely popular car shows throughout the year. For more information, check out our complete guide to all of the car shows and rod runs in the Smoky Mountains!
