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When my son George was younger, he was all about trains. We visited train museums, toured old train cars, waved from vintage cabooses and even stood on the side of the road to watch the Big Boy Steam Train chug past. But now George is eight and trains are out—cars are in. And when I say in, I mean he eats, sleeps and breathes cars. It’s nonstop car chatter 24/7. As we drive down the road, he shouts out every make and model, squealing with delight when he spots something rare. We’ve pulled into parking lots so he can snap a photo beside a cool car, slammed on the brakes to catch a random car show, and the salespeople at all the local dealerships already know—we’re just browsing.
George’s passion for cars kicked into gear last summer when our family started restoring our ‘68 Chevy C10 Stepside. We pulled out the seats and old carpet, replaced the gas tank and several gauges and laid new vinyl flooring. Next up: reinstalling the seats, getting her running and replacing the bed with a thrifted bowling alley lane. George has been in the thick of it the whole time—getting his hands dirty and crawling into all the tight spaces we can’t quite reach.
Over the winter, his interest became a full-blown obsession, so we’ve started building a bucket list of car-related outings to enjoy. From museums to classic dealerships to local shows and more, these are the places in Arkansas that any car lover—young or old—will want to check out.
Classic Car & Automobile Museums
Museum of Automobiles – Morrilton
Nestled atop Petit Jean Mountain, this museum is packed with beautifully restored vintage cars, including an Arkansas-made Climber and some early 1900s gems. George was in heaven exploring all the old vehicles, and I loved the little extras—like antique campers and even a popcorn wagon from 1914. It’s a fun mix of history and horsepower.
Four States Auto Museum – Texarkana
This museum is small but mighty with a rotating collection that’s always interesting. One minute you’re looking at a Model T and the next, a Corvette. It feels a little like walking through someone’s private collection, which makes it even more special.
Mark Martin Museum – Batesville
Even if you’re not a big NASCAR fan, this museum dedicated to Batesville, Arkansas native Mark Martin is still worth a visit. It’s inside a car dealership and full of racing memorabilia, trophies and some seriously cool cars from his career. George walked out of there ready to hit the racetrack.
Agricultural & Tractor Museums
Plantation Agriculture Museum – Scott
If you’ve got a kid who loves big equipment, this place is a winner. It’s all about Arkansas’s cotton-farming history and includes some really cool antique tractors, a 1916 cotton gin, and tons of old farming tools.
Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie – Stuttgart
This museum surprised me with just how much there was to see. It covers everything from early farm life to rice and duck hunting, and there’s a whole section full of vintage tractors and equipment, along with some vintage model automobiles. George was a little younger when we visited but loved seeing the old equipment.
Parker Homestead – Harrisburg
Parker Homestead is a recreated 19th-century settlement with old cabins, barns and a collection of vintage vehicles and tractors scattered around the property. Their annual fall event lets you see the old engines and rusty farm trucks up close. It’s a fun blend of history and nostalgia.
Photo courtesy of Elite Autos.
Classic Car Dealerships
Elite Autos – Jonesboro
This place is like walking into a dream garage. From Lamborghinis and Ferraris to rare muscle cars, the showroom is full of jaw-dropping vehicles that look like they belong in a movie. George was practically vibrating with excitement the whole time we were there. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, it’s still a blast to browse.
Covington Classic Auto Sales – Conway
Tucked away in downtown Conway, this dealership has major retro vibes and a rotating selection of classic beauties—think Corvettes, Mustangs and old-school Chevys. The folks there are friendly and totally used to people like us who just want to look around and talk cars.
More Classic Cars
- Midway Auto Sales & Classic Cars – Fort Smith
- Brandon Hill Classics – Gepp
- Arkansas Classic Car Shop – Greenbriar
- Years Gone By Classic Cars – Sherwood
- Tanner’s Classic Autos – Malvern
Arkansas Car Clubs
One of the best ways to connect with fellow car lovers is by joining a car club. Whether you’re into off-roading, classic restorations, or just love talking shop, clubs are a great way to find community, swap ideas and show off your ride. We recently attended C10s on the Ridge in Jonesboro and had the best time meeting other C10 owners, checking out their builds and trading restoration tips. Car clubs often host meetups, group drives, car shows and more—and being part of one can make the whole car hobby even more fun.
Corvette Clubs
- Fast Glass Corvettes – Jonesboro
- Central Arkansas Corvette Club – Little Rock
- Northwest Arkansas Corvette Club
- National Park Corvette Club – Hot Springs
Mustang Clubs
- Central Arkansas Mustangers – Little Rock
- Arkansas Valley Mustang Club – Fort Smith
- Northwest Arkansas Pony Express
Chevy/Classic Truck Clubs
Bronco Clubs
Jeep Clubs
Volkswagen Clubs
Classic, Muscle & Vintage Car Clubs
- Arkansas Street Rod Association
- Dixie Car Club – Benton
- Hot Springs Cruisers Car Club
- Heartbeat of the Ozarks Classic Car Club – Bentonville
- Cruisers of Mountain Home
- Arkansas Corvair Club
- Modern Mopar Muscle of the Ozarks
Arkansas Car Shows
Car shows are just plain fun and there is something special about being surrounded by people who understand the labor of love that goes into restoring a vintage car. Shiny chrome and loud engines get everyone revved up and there is no shortage of car talk. Late spring through early fall is prime car show season in Arkansas. They’re usually easy to find through local clubs, Facebook groups or community calendars.
Upcoming Arkansas Car Shows
- 67th Annual Petit Jean Swap Meet & Car Show
June 11–14, 2025 – Morrilton, AR
A huge event on Petit Jean Mountain with two car shows (antique and open), a swap meet, car corral and craft booths. - 33rd Annual Eureka Springs VW Festival
22–24, 2025 – Eureka Springs, AR
A weekend celebration of all things Volkswagen, with two different shows, a parade, and a Sunday tourcade through the mountains. - C10s in the Mountains
July 26 2025, – Mountain View
Hosted in the beautiful Ozarks, this event is all about Chevy and GMC trucks—C10s and beyond. - 11th Annual Shine Your Ride Open Car Show
June 7, 2025 – Searcy, AR
Open to all makes and models—fun atmosphere, lots of local participation, and a great chance to show off your ride. - Cantrell Ace Hardware Classics and Antiques Car Show
May 31, 2025 – Little Rock, AR
A laid-back show for vehicles from 1979 and older. - Eureka Springs Jeep Jam
13, 2025 – Eureka Springs, AR
A Jeep-lovers’ dream weekend with trail rides, vendors and a big show near The Great Passion Play grounds.
Whether you’re just getting into cars like George or have loved them your whole life, Arkansas is full of fun places to explore. From museums and dealerships to clubs and car shows, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the hobby. We’ve had a great time checking out these spots as a family, and I hope this car lover’s guide helps you find a few new favorites, too.
Cover photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Park, Heritage and Tourism.
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