A few months ago I tagged along on one of the HH’s business trips. It’s a great way to see new places on the cheap, and keep him company on boring work trips.
While Reno wouldn’t be among my top vacation destinations, we decided to make the most of it and explore everything the biggest little city had to offer.
During some of his downtime we stopped by the National Automobile Museum. If you are a car lover, you MUST put this on your bucket list. I’m not much of a car lover myself but I kinda wanted to be one after seeing this museum. It was so cool. The museum is home to more than 200 vehicles.
We seriously saw all sorts: vintage, classic, rare, weird, and special interest cars, plus race cars and this awesome Horseless Carriage collection. Most of the vehicles on display are from Bill Harrah’s personal estate. 
I guess he’s one of Nevada’s casino gaming pioneers, so he’s a big deal! I didn’t know who he was, but he clearly had a thing for cars!
The museum is massive, and in addition to seeing all the cars, they have audio or daily guided tours, story boards and even a bunch of theater presentations. We didn’t stay for one, but they were packed and it looked like people were enjoying themselves. 
If you are a car buff, this museum is absolutely worth the admission price!
Have you ever been? What did you think?
Travel on,
~Mavis
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Heidi says
The Lemay car museum is in Tacoma. No need to go to Reno if you are in the greater Seattle area. Really worth checking out if you love old cars. About 11 years ago, we went before they built the fancy new facility. It was a series of old warehouses where amazing old cars, hundreds of them, were packed in bumper to bumper. Really a fun day.
Lynne says
Before I retired, I often had business trips to small(er) towns, and I always enjoyed visiting whatever local museums or historical/natural sights were in the area. I almost always had a few hours on my own, or even a bit of time on the drive to the airport, and I saw lots of things I otherwise would never have visited. Good for you – this sounds like the sort of place I’d’ve visited on one of my trips.
Terri Lindeke says
There are 2 Lemay Museums in Tacoma- the new one by the Tacoma Dome that is World Class.
The original that is still open where they are still refurbishing all the cars that Mr. Lemay collected.
Mr. Lemay’ garbage collection company may still be picking up your trash.
Started long ago – he began collecting cars and refurbishing them. He acquired them from his customers- found them in fields and you name it.
Fred Flinston’s car, Batman, and so many awesome vehicles from the beginning of cars are there from all over the world.
You need to go.
Julie says
My Dad used to work for the Harrah’s Automobile Collection when I was in Junior High School (way back in the early 1980’s). The collection is so much smaller now, at least 3/4 larger than it is now. One of my favorites of the collection was the entire warehouse crammed full of Packards. The kind of car you would see in all the old black & white gangster movies of the 30’s & 40’s. Great memories!
Torry says
Julie, Do you know why it is smaller? Are some just out of the rotation or did they sell off some? Just curious.
Jean says
Hello,
Correct me if I am wrong, the car collection was meant to be sold whole and intact to a single buyer, but, it was too large and consequently split up by Bill Harrah’s widow/estate.
Heather says
I agree the first time I went with my parents the collection was huge, crammed in warehouses. I like the setup of the current museum better, but it is definitely smaller.