Categories Travel Ideas

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – 6 Delaware Museums That Will Entertain the Whole Family

Delaware might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to transportation history. Whether you’re into classic cars, historic trains, or even planes, this state has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the best transportation museums you need to check out on your next trip!

Air Mobility Command Museum

Airplane inside museum
amcmuseum.org

If planes are your thing, this museum is a must-visit. Located at Dover Air Force Base, it’s the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to airlift and air refueling. Here, you can check out actual aircraft like the C-47 Skytrain, C-5 Galaxy, and more.

What’s awesome is that you can even walk inside some of the planes. The museum also has exhibits explaining the history of military air transport, making it a cool learning experience for aviation enthusiasts.

Wilmington & Western Railroad

Train at railroad
wwrr.com

Ever wanted to take a ride on a vintage steam train? At the Wilmington & Western Railroad, you can do just that. This historic railroad offers scenic train rides through the Red Clay Valley, giving you a taste of what travel was like in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The museum’s exhibits focus on the history of the railroad and its role in the region’s development. Plus, it’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful Delaware countryside while learning about train travel.

Marshall Steam Museum & Friends of Auburn Heights

Steam car
Auburnheights.org

If you’re fascinated by steam-powered vehicles, the Marshall Steam Museum is for you. Located in Yorklyn, it houses one of the largest collections of Stanley Steamers—cars powered by steam engines—anywhere in the world.

Beyond cars, the museum also has model trains and other steam-powered machines on display. You’ll learn how steam technology powered the transportation world long before gasoline engines took over.

Delaware State Police Museum

Motorcycle and car in museum
Delaware State Police Museum / Facebook

Though it’s not a traditional transportation museum, the Delaware State Police Museum offers an interesting look at law enforcement vehicles over the years. From classic police cars to motorcycles, you’ll see how police transportation has evolved.

The museum also has exhibits on the history of policing in Delaware, making it a cool stop for anyone interested in how transportation plays a role in public safety.

Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation

Airplane displays in museum
Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation  / Facebook

The Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation, located in Georgetown, is dedicated to preserving the history of aviation. One of its star attractions is a B-25 Mitchell bomber, which you can explore up close. The museum focuses on World War II-era aircraft and the brave pilots who flew them.

If you’re an aviation enthusiast, this museum is a must-visit. It offers a fascinating look at Delaware’s contributions to aviation history, with exhibits that honor both the aircraft and the people who operated them.

Messick Agricultural Museum

Antique vehicles in museum
Messick Agricultural Museum / Facebook

Messick Agricultural Museum is a privately-owned treasure located in Harrington, Delaware. The museum features a wide array of antique vehicles, from classic cars to trucks. It’s a lesser-known spot, but if you’re into rare and unique vehicles, this is a great stop.

The museum’s collection spans several decades and offers a detailed look at how transportation has evolved over the years. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just curious, the Messick Museum is sure to impress.

Georgia Transportation Museums That Do Not Disappoint

Vintage car in Miles Through Time Automotive Museum
Miles Through Time Automotive Museum

If you’re planning a road trip or just looking for a cool weekend activity, check out these 12 transportation museums across Georgia that are worth the trip. 

East Coast Transportation Museums

1931 gee bee z aircraft in museum
Fantasy of Flight

Ready for a road trip? If you are done with Florida and are looking for more historical fun, check out our east coast transportation museum list. If you love planes, trains, and automobiles it has a ton of fun places to travel to.

Gold King Mine in Arizona Is The Perfect Gearhead Getaway

selection of historic items
Jill Caren Photography

A giant junkyard may not sound like fun, but it definitely is. The Gold King Mine is like Disneyland for gearheads. Located just outside of Jerome, Arizona – it will take you back in time and have you exploring for hours. 

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