Top right: The Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana, is home to many unique vintage cars. Right middle: The Matchstick Marvels Museum is on a permanent burn ban, for obvious reasons. Bottom right: My son, Kevin, plays goalie at the Lake Placid Olympic Museum.
11. THE AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM: Auburn, IN Los Angeles has the Petersen Automotive Museum, and Fairbanks, Alaska, the Fountainhead Antique Automobile Museum; both are out of this world. But you’ ll find the nicest collection of these three brands in northeastern Indiana.
In what was once a car dealership, you’ ll find well over a hundred cars displayed on three floors. The building is a throwback to another automotive era, a better one if you ask any true car enthusiast, when the elite of automobile purchasers demanded their cars be works of art.
No matter what you drove or rode to get there, nothing will match what’ s inside. Most of their collection is the three namesakes; however, when I was there, other brands were on display. Today, when it’ s a race to get what needs to be done, this place will slow you down and put a smile on your face.
12. THE MATCHSTICK MARVELS MUSEUM: Eldon, IA Marvelous isn’ t the only word that comes to mind when seeing the sculptures made by Patrick Acton in east central Iowa. World-class comes to mind; the scale of everything simply astonishing, the level of craftsmanship unparalleled. Everything in the museum, even the windblown sails of an old schooner, is made from matchsticks, in some cases a million-plus to produce a single display.
In Patrick’ s work, nothing is beyond belief; his work covers everything from nature to history. The precision in what he’ s produced is inspiring. If you’ re looking for something uncommon, totally out of this world, stop in Eldon for a big surprise. His work is featured around the world in Ripley’ s Believe It or Not locations. Museum hours are limited, so check first.
13. LAKE PLACID 1932 AND 1980 WINTER OLYMPIC SITE: Lake Placid, NY Have you ever wondered what it looks like from the top of an Olympic ski jump ramp? Believe me, it’ s awesome! Lake Placid is where the USA won the stunning hockey gold medal in the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, and Eric Heiden won five more in speed skating – to me, one of the most impressive feats ever accomplished in sports. On top of that, Lake Placid is a beautiful community worthy of a visit. If you go, don’ t miss the Olympic Museum. By the way, there’ s an elevator to get you to the top of the ski jump.
And now my disclaimer. I’ ve been by all of these locations, some recently, others years back. Things change. Check on what I’ ve written, as hours vary and some places have narrow windows for viewing. No matter what, go out and explore for your own great finds.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / SEPTEMBER 2026 / 39