Looking for a fun stop that’s packed with cool cars and fascinating racing history — and won’t break the bank? If your family includes car lovers (or Cars movie fans), the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville is a must-see.
We visited with our older teens, but this small, volunteer-run museum is one of those places that would easily delight younger kids, too. Just keep in mind that the cars are located behind ropes, and kids shouldn’t touch them.
Watch! Our Visit
What You’ll Find at the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Even though the museum is small, it’s jam-packed with auto racing history. Whether your kid is into stock cars, dragsters, or vintage rides, there’s something to catch their eye and yours. Every corner is filled with memorabilia — helmets, trophies, newspaper clippings, and racing suits from decades of racing legends.
Some favorites from our visit:
- The Fabulous Hudson Hornet — Yes, that Hudson Hornet. The one that inspired Doc Hudson from Disney Pixar’s Cars. It was a 1950s racing icon, and it’s seriously cool to see in person.
- A real race car once driven by Louise Smith, known as the “First Lady of Racing,” who raced at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway.
- Modern and classic race cars show how much the sport has changed over time.
Every exhibit tells part of the story of how racing grew from dirt tracks to the professional sport it is today.
Affordable Family Fun That Gives Back
We also love that this spot is super budget-friendly:
- Adults: $6
- Kids ages 6–12 and seniors 55+: $4
- Kids 5 and under: Free!
And here’s the best part: all admissions and gift shop proceeds support SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) — a nonprofit helping children in need. So your visit actually helps others, too.
Is This a Good Stop for Families?
Yes — especially for families with car-loving kids, racing fans, or even teens who just like seeing something different. The space is manageable, the price is right, and there’s a nice mix of wow-factor vehicles and educational history. You don’t need to know much about racing to enjoy the visit — but you might leave knowing a whole lot more!
When you visit, don’t skip all of the smaller exhibits, model cars, tires, and memorabilia. There are lots of neat things to see and learn about, and you really could spend quite a bit of time with these exhibits.
Check out this little exhibit about how model cars are painted.
Make It a Day of Auto Adventures
The NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame also serves as a visitor center for racing fans. The staff and volunteers are happy to share tips on other nearby racing-themed stops, like shops, tracks, and attractions. If your family wants to explore more of “Race City USA,” they’ll help steer you in the right direction!
Quick Facts: NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame
- 📍 Address: 119 Knob Hill Road, Lakeside Park, Mooresville, NC 28117
- 🕐 Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 10am–5pm | Sat 10am–3pm | Closed Wed & Sun
- 💵 Admission: Adults $6 | Kids 6–12 & Seniors 55+ $4 | Under 5 Free
- 📞 Phone: (704) 663-5331
- 🌐 Website: ncarhof.com
- 🅿️ Parking: Free on-site
Plan Your Visit: Good to Know Before You Go
- Location: Mooresville, NC
- Hours: Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri 10am–5pm | Sat 10am–3pm | Closed Wed & Sun
- Phone: (704) 663-5331
- Restrooms: Available onsite
- Parking: Free and right out front
- Gift Shop: Yes — great for NASCAR fans and souvenir seekers
🏁 This little museum offers big fun. And it’s all for a great cause.
Getting there: Make sure to use the address below. If you just type the museum name into your phone, you may end up in Downtown Morrisville, as we did initially. There are some sidewalk plaques showing different historic moments in racing, and they show up on map apps as the museum as well. There are not two museum locations, so make sure to head to the Knob Hill Road address, not Main Street.
NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame
119 Knob Hill Road, Lakeside Park, Mooresville, NC 28117
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame?
The museum is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am to 5pm, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.
How much does it cost to visit the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame?
Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for kids ages 6–12 and seniors 55+, and free for children 5 and under. All admission and gift shop proceeds support SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now).
Where exactly is the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame?
The museum is at 119 Knob Hill Road, Lakeside Park, Mooresville, NC 28117 — about 20 miles north of Charlotte. Important tip: searching the museum name may route your GPS downtown. Always use the Knob Hill Road address for accurate directions.
Is the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame good for young children?
Yes! The museum is great for kids of all ages, especially fans of the movie Cars (the real Hudson Hornet that inspired Doc Hudson is on display). Cars are behind ropes, so kids shouldn’t touch them. Children 5 and under get in free.
Been to the Hall of Fame or planning to go? Tell us your favorite part. Visit us on social media.
Love a good museum?
There are lots of museums to check out in the Charlotte, NC area.
