The eccentric Elliott collection has a focus on early 20th-century technology, and for good reason – the museum was founded by Harmon Elliott, the son of Sterling Elliott, who invented the kingpin and steering knuckle (which led to steerability for four-wheeled vehicles). Hence the spectacular collection of vintage vehicles, displayed in a $20 million gallery complete with robotic racking system, which ferries cars to the foreground and rotates them for viewing.

Other collections segue bizarrely from a 1911 Pelican hydro-airplane and a collection of outboard motors to artifacts detailing the history of prominent Martin County citizens. There's also one of the largest collections of autographed baseballs and baseball cards in the country.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Hutchinson Island

3.74 MILES

This long, skinny barrier island, which begins in Stuart and stretches north to Fort Pierce, features a stunning array of unspoiled beaches. All beaches…

3. Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge

12.87 MILES

A 1091-acre federally protected nature sanctuary, Hobe Sound has two sections: a small slice on the mainland, opposite the Jonathan Dickinson State Park;…

4. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

13.91 MILES

With almost 11,500 acres to explore, this is an excellent state park between US Hwy 1 and the Loxahatchee River. There's no ocean access in the park, but…

5. Blowing Rocks Preserve

17.05 MILES

This preserve encompasses a mile-long limestone outcrop riddled with holes, cracks and fissures. When the tide is high and there's a strong easterly wind …

6. Manatee Observation Center

18.78 MILES

A small center educating the public on the plight of the manatee. Videos and exhibits teach boaters how to avoid hurting the creatures – and the rest of…

7. Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

19.07 MILES

Built in 1860, this historic lighthouse hasn't missed a night of work in more than 100 years and is among the oldest lighthouses on the Atlantic coast…

8. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

19.9 MILES

This 700-acre park has everything you'd want in a waterfront recreation spot: sandy shores, verdant trails, mangrove swamps with a beautiful bird…