Lane Motor Museum

Lane Motor Museum is Nashville's best-kept family secret, and it is particularly great for families who are looking for something genuinely different from the usual Nashville attractions. Housed in a former bakery building in South Nashville, this museum contains over 500 vehicles — and almost none of them are the American muscle cars or classic hot rods you would expect. Instead, this is the largest collection of European cars and motorcycles in the United States, with an emphasis on rare, unusual, and downright weird vehicles.

For kids, the weird factor is exactly what makes this museum work. There are cars with three wheels, cars the size of a refrigerator, a car with a propeller on the front, amphibious vehicles that drove across the English Channel, and concept cars that look like they drove out of a science fiction movie. Even kids who claim zero interest in cars find themselves pointing and asking questions within five minutes of walking through the door.

The main display floor has about 150 vehicles arranged in themed groups. The microcars section is always a hit with kids — these are European post-war vehicles barely bigger than a go-kart, designed when gasoline was rationed and roads were narrow. Kids cannot believe adults actually drove these things.

The military vehicle section has World War II-era cars and motorcycles with backstories that engage history-minded kids. The Czech and Eastern European section has vehicles most Americans have never heard of, with designs that range from elegant to comically impractical.

The real hidden treasure is the lower level. The museum's basement holds hundreds of additional vehicles in various states of restoration, and the staff runs guided tours down there periodically. Ask at the front desk about tour times — it is included with admission and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the restoration process.

Kids who are mechanically inclined love seeing cars taken apart and being put back together.

This museum punches well above its weight for the price. At $14 for adults and $8 for kids (5 and under free), a family of four visits for under $50 — making it one of the most affordable family attractions in Nashville. The flip side is that there is no food service on-site and the immediate neighborhood does not have walkable restaurants. Plan to eat before or after your visit.

The museum is only open Thursday through Sunday, which catches some visitors off guard. Thursday is the least crowded day, and arriving at 10 AM opening gives you the best experience. Most families spend 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on their level of car enthusiasm. Photography is encouraged, and the industrial space with natural light from the upper windows makes for great photos.

A practical tip: pair Lane Motor Museum with another nearby attraction to make a half-day of it. Adventure Science Center is about 5 minutes away, and the Nashville Farmers Market is a 10-minute drive. This museum is not a full-day destination on its own, but as part of a Nashville family day, it is a standout stop.