The US is home to some of the greatest junkyards in the world. Whether you are into cars, trucks, motorcycles, or planes there is something on this list for you. While many folks gravitate to the yards for their restoration projects and old parts, these junkyards are amazing sites. They are actual tourist destinations that people go and visit and many of these places give tours. These are the largest auto junkyards in the US, which ones are you the most excited to check out?
10 Largest Auto Junkyards in the United States
French Lake Auto Parts, Minnesota
French Lake Auto Parts, Minnesota
Are you looking for a giant junkyard near Minneapolis? The French Lake Auto Parts is it. It is situated 60 miles west of Minneapolis and has been open for more than 50 years. In terms of size, this junkyard has over 100 acres and over 10,000 vehicles.
Some of the cars are suitable for restoration – ideal if you want a new project. This junkyard also has scrap metal recycling and car part recycling. Some of the cars on the site date back to the 1920s. If you are looking for particularly hard to find car parts, you should give French Lake auto parts a try. Here is their website.
Wild Cat Auto Wrecking
Wildcat Auto Wrecking, Oregon
Wildcat Auto Wrecking has a heavy focus on Chrysler’s parts and vehicles and is located in Sandy, Oregon. Wildcat Auto Wrecking is the only MoPar-specific junkyard in the Pacific Northwest.
This junkyard is home to over 800 cars, and many of these are suitable for restoration projects. Wildcat Auto Wrecking has an incredible reputation for having almost rust-free bodies from the 1950s-1970s. Their inventory has everything from bumpers and doors to glass and motors for cars and trucks. Check out their website here.
CTC Auto Ranch, Texas
CTC Auto Ranch, Texas
Discover hidden treasures at Texas CTC Auto Ranch, where the past comes alive in a classic car junkyard filled with automotive history and vintage wonders.
Just an hour north of Dallas, in Denton, Texas, you will find CTC Auto Ranch. CTC Auto Ranch is one of the most popular junkyards in the whole of America and with good reason. CTC Auto Ranch ships parts nationwide, and you should check out the drone footage of the ranch on its website.
They are home to muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Due to the location of CTC Auto Ranch, the bodies and parts are almost rust-free – thanks to the climate in Texas. If you spot something you like, you should get in touch quickly – their inventory changes daily. Aside from their stock of almost rust-free bodies, they also stock car parts, metal sheets, and more. Check out their website here.
Turners Auto Wrecking, California
Turner’s Auto Wrecking, California
Turner’s Auto Wrecking has a vast 100 acres of vintage cars and parts. This junkyard dates back to 1928 and was featured in Hot Rod magazine too. They ship anywhere in the US, but you should pay a visit in person to get the full experience.
It is well known that if you are struggling to find a car part, you will most likely find it here – which is why car enthusiasts and those working on a restoration project will love Turner’s Auto Wrecking. Visit their website here.
All Bikes Salvage Yard, Arizona
All Bikes Salvage Yard, Arizona
In June 2013, All Bikes Salvage Yard suffered a massive fire, and it destroyed almost 9,000 of its outstanding stock. And while it is challenging to build that amount of stock back up, All Bikes Salvage Yard is back on the map.
The owner is an enormous motorcycle enthusiast, so if there’s something you need to know or a bike part you are sourcing, then have a chat. However, because of the amount of stock, it is always worth noting down what you are really looking for before you arrive. Here is a link to their Facebook.
Pinal Airpark Arizona
Pinal Airpark Arizona
If bikes and cars aren’t your things, then you are going to find this place incredible. Pinal Airpark is where many airplanes go to die. Most have never flown either, sadly. Due to financing, there are many brand-new planes sitting on the land.
Some buyers had no immediate use for the planes, and for others, the financing fell through. There are many different planes sitting in varying degrees of decay. However, some of the aircraft, like the 747s, might go back into service. This junkyard offers tours to visitors, so this is a must if you’re a plane enthusiast. Here is their website.
Corvair Ranch in Pennsylvania
Corvair Ranch in Pennsylvania
Most often, if you hear the word Gettysburg, you’re more likely to think of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. However, you should also consider this as a Corvair enthusiast’s heaven. Although this junkyard does host multiple different car bodies, there are more than 600 Corvairs on the lot.
And if you happen to be the owner of a Corvair, this ranch offers several services, including upholstery, painting, full re-manufacturing of engines, and maintenance. Here is their website.
Steven’s Performance Salvage Yard, Alabama
Steven’s Performance Salvage Yard, Alabama
If you are a Mo-Par enthusiast, then Steven’s Performance Salvage Yard in Anderson, Alabama, is the place for you all. This junkyard has 100s of vehicles, and you will find plenty of Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers here.
Steven’s Performance Salvage Yard has over 40 years of experience selling parts and recycling vehicles. So if you are in the middle of a Dodge Charger or a Dodge Challenger restoration, this is the place for you certainly, if your project car is dated somewhere in the 60s. Here is their website.
Mojave and Space Port in California
Mojave and Space Port in California
Mojave and Space Port is a top-rated tourist attraction but is also a working spaceport. Again if you are a fan of airplanes, after you have paid a visit to Pinal Airpark, then Mojave and Space Port in California should be on your list too.
There is an airport and airplane boneyard, and there are multiple airlines parked too. In fact, you can make a whole day of it at this junkyard because there is even a restaurant, where you can sit and admire your favorite out-of-service airplanes, with some delicious food too. Here is their website.
Old Car City USA, Georgia
Old Car City USA, Georgia
If you are looking for the number one most famous junkyard in the whole world, then Old Car City USA is it. It is situated in white, Georgia, and has over 4000 cars spread across 34 acres.
This junkyard is so popular that high school seniors often get their senior portraits taken here. And they have hosted engagement sessions and a number of other exciting photography moments. What makes this so interesting is that nature is slightly overtaking the old vehicles, which looks incredible.
Old Car City USA has over 6 miles of multiple trails that you can explore. However, it should be noted that if you do plan to take photos during your visit, you should let the owner know, as there is a surcharge for this service. Here is their website.
Largest Junkyards In The US – Conclusion
If this list doesn’t start filling out a few items to do on your bucket list, then I don’t know what will. Every auto junkyard has a story, but these yards are special. Not just special because of their anchorage, but because of their quantity and quality of inventory. There are definitely some other big junkyards out there, but these are the 10 largest auto junkyards in the US that really pull their weight!
