Planning a trip to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame?
Well, you’re in for some fun! With one of the world’s largest collections of racing vehicles, the museum is a must-see for racing fans of all levels.
Don’t-Miss Spots at the Hall of Fame
Since its inception in 1983, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Alabama has been one of the world’s best displays of racing vehicles. With over 120 vehicles to see, the self-guided walking tour includes three exhibit halls, a pavilion, and the McCaig-Wellborn research library (which encompasses 3,000 square feet and over 14,000 books, magazines and other research material) making it one of the most comprehensive collections of motorsports information in the world.
Walking through the museum, you’ll notice most of the vehicles have not been restored and appear exactly as they did when they were raced. For example, the Lowe’s Chevrolet that Jimmie Johnson drove to victory in the 2006 Daytona 500 appears just as it did when it came off the track complete with tire rubs, bug juice and track grime.
In addition to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, the facility is also home to the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) Hall of Fame; the Quarter Midgets of America Hall of Fame; the Alabama Racing Pioneers Hall of Fame and the Alabama Sports Writers Hall of Fame.
So you’ve spent an afternoon exploring the museum, flipped through the books at the library, and enjoyed the pavilion and still want more racing history?
The Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame is located in downtown Talladega, a short 15-minute drive from the IMHOF. It’s a beautifully landscaped park that encompasses one full city block. It was dedicated in 1994 and is open 365 days a year. It’s a tribute to the late Davey Allison but is a tribute to NASCAR’s greatest drivers.
If you are interested in history of a different sort, Talladega is also home to The Hall of Heroes, which is free to the public Tuesday-Saturday. The museum highlights Talladega County veterans with photos, biographies, uniforms and architects from each brand of service and every era from over 300 local men.
But what if you feel the need for speed and lots of excitement?
If you aren’t able to make it for a race weekend, we have the next best thing. Try the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Talladega Superspeedway or the NASCAR Racing Experience. Both of these true NASCAR experiences put you in the driver’s seat, as you race around the track for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If a little exercise and fresh air are more your speed, take a hike in Talladega National Forest after your visit to the Hall of Fame.
The forest is at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is a great display of the state’s extreme biodiversity. With hiking trails, biking, horseback riding and more, there is plenty to do outdoors at Talladega National Forest.
Getting hungry? Us too.
Stop for lunch or dinner at The Shack or Boswell’s Wings for some Alabama-style barbecue. If you prefer dinner with a view, catch the sunset at the Back Porch Grill on Lake Logan Martin.
Whether you come for a few hours or a few days, we hope you make a trip to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. The museum is open daily and has something for everyone.
We can’t wait to see you at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame!