Transportation and travel are tightly intertwined, and this month we're celebrating all the ways we get from Point A to Point B. From classic automobiles and historic train cars to stunt planes and historic ships, these forms of transportation sometimes become attractions in their own right. USA TODAY 10Best enlisted the help of transportation enthusiasts to select 20 nominees in each of the categories of Best Air Show, Best Car Show, Best Train Ride, Best Transportation Museum and Best Museum Ship.
Our readers have been voting for four weeks. The ballots closed on Monday, July 18, and we have our winners! Click on each category below to see all 10 winners.
Best Museum Ship: USS Midway
Photo courtesy of USS Midway Museum
The aircraft carrier USS Midway, which served from 1945-1992, offers a fascinating glimpse into life aboard a giant ship. Visitors can take the self-guided audio tour, then check out some two dozen aircraft on the flight deck and ride a flight simulator. Docents at this San Diego attraction, some of whom served on the ship while it was active, are on board every day to answer questions and can occasionally be persuaded to relate a funny or interesting story or two.
Best Train Ride: Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad ranks among the most authentic steam-operated railroads still in existence. Passengers aboard this National Historic Landmark travel along a track laid in 1880 between Chama, N.M. and Antonito, Colo., passing through the San Juan Mountains and the scenic Conejos Valley, where it's possible to spot antelope and deer.
Best Air Show: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
Photo courtesy of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
The town of Oshkosh, Wis. hosts the largest annual gathering of aviation enthusiasts in the country during the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (July 25-31, 2016). With more than 10,000 aircraft in attendance, there's a little bit of everything represented, including warbirds, home-built aircraft, ultralights and vintage planes.
Best Transportation Museum: Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Photo courtesy of James St. John / Flickr
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum occupies the Historic Duluth Union Depot, where train enthusiasts will find a superb collection of trains on display, as well as a 3/4 scale recreation of Downtown Duluth circa 1910 and a collection of regional railroad equipment.
Best Car Show: Back To The 50's
Photo courtesy of Greg Gjerdingen / Flickr
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul hosts Back To The 50's (June 17-19, 2016) each summer – a celebration of hot rods, customs and classics with nearly 12,000 registered vehicles. The event also includes live 50's music, a flyover and a gigantic swap meet, as well as activities and games for kids and 'tweens.
Congratulations to all our winners! Remember to come back and vote daily in other Readers' Choice categories.
