You can easily look at Walt Disney’s life in terms of his biggest creations like Disneyland, Mickey Mouse, and his classic animated films. I take annual trips to the theme parks and regularly watch the movies, but there is so much more to learn. Walt Disney died more than 50 years ago, and he has become more of a legend than a person that actually lived. It helps sometimes to bring Walt back down to Earth and revisit parts of his life that receive less attention.
The Disney Company regularly cites Marceline, Missouri for its influence on the vision for Main Street, USA. Arriving in 1906, Walt lived there as a boy from ages 5-9 and referenced that time as a favorite period. While it serves as part of the Walt Disney myth, you can connect the small-town life of Marceline to Walt’s approach at Disneyland. Looking beyond Main Street, a place like Frontierland shares that interest in the rural landscape.
I’ve lived in Missouri for all my life, but I had never visited Marceline. As a Disney fan with an interest in history, this was a serious oversight. The town rests about a three-hour drive from St. Louis and offers more than just a glimpse at Walt’s past. In particular, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum provides a high-quality experience for both avid and casual Disney fans. The elegant space includes a wide range of exhibits and lesser-known details about the Disney family and their history.
The best part about Marceline is that you can do everything within a half-day visit. You can spend a few hours at the Museum and view other nods to Walt’s life at nearby locations. While he lived there as a child, Walt also returned multiple times as the famous Walt Disney we know today. Disney even premiered The Great Locomotive Chase at Marceline’s Uptown Theater in 1956. Marceline is perfect for a day trip from St. Louis or Kansas City or even a longer trek from anywhere. Join me as we take a journey through Disney history in Marceline!
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum
The main reason to visit Marceline is definitely the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, which offers a lot more information within its walls than I expected. Situated inside the former Burlington-Northern and Santa Fe Railroad depot, this building is not a stoic museum. The 1913 red-brick structure feels alive with more than 70 trains passing right outside its walls every day. Hearing the sounds of the freight trains as they roll by creates just the right mood for exploring Disney history.
The Museum’s mission is simple: “Ensuring that the world never forgets that Walt Disney was a simple farm boy from Marceline who grew up to become the keeper of childhood magic.” Opening in 2001, this sophisticated space rivals any modern museums in terms of style and design. The information and artifacts are separated by theme and never feel crammed into each room.
The Museum is easy to find just a block over from Marceline’s Main Street. You can park right in front or stroll over through the E.P. Ripley Park from the nearby primary thoroughfare. There is also an attractive garden with benches and a small fountain right next to the building for trainspotting.
Entering the Museum
A friendly staff member immediately greeted us after we entered the Museum and led us into the first room to introduce the layout. She also guided us into the other side of the downstairs area later and offered background about the structure. This laid-back, congenial vibe is everywhere in this Museum. I felt comfortable immediately, and this atmosphere enhanced my excitement to check out the exhibits.
The staff members provided a map of notable locations to see around town and were happy to answer any questions. We should have asked them a few more questions before venturing into Marceline, but I’ll get back to that later. You can tell that people enjoy working at the Museum, and the staff looked happy to assist the visitors that spoke with them. This friendly spirit was infectious.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12, and free for kids under six. Considering the size of the Museum, these prices are a bargain. There are also membership options if you live close enough and plan frequent visits. The lobby also includes a small gift shop with t-shirts, books, and other souvenirs.
Walt’s Marceline History
The first room downstairs includes what you would expect from this type of historical museum. We learn about both Walt’s time in Marceline as a child and his trips back to town as an adult. His iconic school desk sits in the center of the room and features the initials “WD” carved on its top. Even Disney fans who know little about Marceline have heard about this desk. It draws us to the center of the room, and it’s just a starting point for a lot more exploration.
Large photos of Walt and Roy Disney in Marceline adorn the walls along with text describing the early 1900s. The elegant mix of words, images, and physical items is effective throughout the Museum. Attractive pieces like a large orange Mickey flag hanging above the room draw the eye and are great for kids less interested in Walt’s adult visits to Marceline. The Museum also includes video screens in every room that provide short clips about the topics on display. The interviews give helpful background and liven up the exhibits.
A small adjoining room is all about trains, which Walt loved throughout his life. I appreciate the way the ticket window appears in both the larger space and nearby train room. It makes this experience feel like an immersive journey. This room includes uniforms, a vintage radio, and a coin holder for the teller. This smart space recreates the experience for workers in a train depot. The attention to detail is excellent; I spent a long time just inside the train room, and it’s a fairly small space.
The Midget Autopia
Easily one of the Museum’s highlights is a ride vehicle from the kids-only Midget Autopia, which closed at Disneyland in 1966. Walt gifted the retired ride to the city of Marceline at that time. The cars were then moved to Marceline and operated at the Walt Disney Municipal Park until 1977. The green car inside the Museum has been restored and rests in front of an attractive, large painting.
I knew the Midget Autopia vehicle was part of the Museum but did not expect such an impressive display. The attractive space matches the inviting feeling of the entire Museum. The graceful presentation of artifacts like this vehicle gives them room to breathe within each section. The staff member explained how they are regularly adding pieces to the Museum, which should keep it fresh across multiple visits.
A Surprising Disney Collection
A good portion of the artifacts included in the Museum come from the personal collection of Ruth Flora Disney Beecher, Walt and Roy’s sister. After she passed away in 1995, Ruth indicated that the items should be on display in Marceline. More than 2,000 items became part of the Museum, and it’s a treat to see them. The material about the Disney family is especially interesting, including letters that provide added background on the people behind the legends. This correspondence goes all the way back to the early 1900s and is about more than just Marceline.
Beyond the Beecher items, the Museum includes a diverse collection of other memorabilia from different eras of Disney history. Notable pieces include a remote control boat from the Disneyland Hotel attraction called the Safari Adventure. The boats resemble the vehicles from The Jungle Cruise. Another fun Disneyland Hotel artifact is a light shaped like a Mickey Mouse hat from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” that used to light up the hotel. These small gems that are no longer part of the resort remind us of the countless forgotten items from Disney’s past.
The room includes a lot of vintage Disney toys and other artifacts. A good example is the Grand Floridian Beach Resort Key, used before the key cards and MagicBands. There’s an elegance to this key that’s missing from the more convenient items available today. The approximate timing of the key is from 1988, and I love the glimpse at such a different time. There is also a track piece from the Carolwood Pacific Railroad from Walt’s backyard that helped inspire Disneyland.
An Elegant Look at Disney History
We’ve already seen a lot during this journey, and we haven’t even reached the second floor! There is plenty to see upstairs, including a large painting as we stroll the steep staircase. A small room near the stairs identifies Club 55, a dwindling group of employees that began working at Disneyland in 1955. This Museum is filled with small nooks that explore a different side of history that we rarely discuss. I could have spent a long time just learning more about Club 55.
A separate nook spotlights The Great Locomotive Chase with seats lined up like a movie theater. The 1956 movie plays on a flat screen in the comfortable space. I’ve never seen this Civil War story starring Davy Crockett’s Fess Parker, which is lesser-known in Disney history. Movie posters flank the screen and capture the right tone. You can also watch the documentary Walt: The Man Behind the Myth in another large room that seems designed for meetings and special events.
You can also relax on rocking chairs on a porch resembling the Disney home. It’s another great photo spot in a Museum filled with cute little areas. Winding around the next corner, there is a classroom set with a chalkboard and small boards at each desk. You can try your hand at drawing Mickey here, and it’s a fun place for kids to spend their time. Old-style school outfits hang on the walls near the predictably uncomfortable desks.
A Model of Disneyland
The dominant part of the upstairs is a collection of models from Disney hobbyist Dale Varner that showcase each part of Disneyland. Varner created these models over 40 years based on blueprints sent to him personally by Walt Disney. He built them using household items like pins for flagpoles and cardboard for walls and shingles. Varner is an artist not directly affiliated with the Disney Company, which makes his achievements even more impressive.
According to this Yesterland article, Varner pitched the idea of including the model during a visit to Marceline in 2006. The exhibit was installed in 2008, just one year prior to Varner’s passing. These models offer a great view of Varner’s legacy and passion for Disneyland. I could have viewed the detailed models for hours to take in all the small touches. The Museum also displays an unfinished work of Tom Sawyer Island that Varner was building prior to passing away.
My favorite model presents New Orleans Square with all of its gorgeous details. That land offers surprises around every corner, and Varner captures that feeling of discovery. The structure of the Pirates of the Caribbean building took me back to my last visit to Disneyland. Another highlight is the model of it’s a small world, which appears with bright colors on its large exterior. The boats and moat outside help to evoke warm feelings about that classic attraction. Varner also showcases the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Fantasyland, the Matterhorn, and a lot more.
A Short Walk to the E.P. Ripley Park
The Museum is just a starting point for visits to other interesting spots nearby. The E.P. Ripley Park includes several full-size train cars that connect directly to Walt’s love for the railroad. Locomotive #2546 was built in 1911 and donated by the Atchinson Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad to Marceline in 1955. This stunning black engine was painted with the words “Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad” prior to Walt and Roy’s visit in 1956. There’s also a red Santa Fe caboose nearby with steps on the side to catch a glimpse inside the windows.
Named after the president of the Atchinson Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, the E.P. Ripley Park is a pleasant location. We crossed the bridge over a lake with a fountain and casually strolled through the quiet location. The park also includes a gazebo constructed before the turn of the century. It was in place when the Disney family arrived in Marceline in 1906.
Just across the street is the Walt Disney Post Office, which mostly resembles your typical local post office. Hiding near the front is a dedication plaque from 1968 when the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp of Walt Disney. The Post Office was closed when we visited on Saturday afternoon. If you visit during regular business hours, I’ve heard they will provide a special Disney cancellation for your letters.
A Stroll Down Main Street
After departing E.P. Ripley Park, we experienced a nearly deserted Main Street. It was eerie and felt more like a movie set than a real place. My wife was able to step into the middle of the street and take photos without concern of traffic. This is not a complaint and just added to Marceline’s charm. I suspect this street draws more traffic on a weekday when businesses are open. Most of the shops were closed on Saturdays or open for limited hours.
There are multiple connections to Walt on Main Street, most notably the Uptown Theater. It was the site of the world premiere for The Great Locomotive Chase in 1956. This was a blockbuster at the time, and Walt’s choice of Marceline shows the love that he had for this town. Disney actually premiered another film, The Spirit of Mickey, at the Uptown Theater in 1998. Sadly, this theater no longer shows regular films. A stuffed Goofy sits in the ticket-selling booth waiting for the next special event in the area. There is also a bed and breakfast in this building, but it is unclear to me if it is still in operation.
We’ve all heard the stories about how Marceline inspired Walt to create the original Main Street, U.S.A at Disneyland. I have no doubts after visiting Marceline that living there gave Walt some ideas for that land. This Main Street does not directly resemble the shops in Disneyland, however. Disney designer Harper Goff claims that his childhood home of Fort Collins, Colorado was also an influence. Beyond the connections to Walt, it’s also just a pleasant place to experience. Storefronts include a lot of interesting décor, though some appear in spots that no longer operate. There were many vacant shops on this street, which is not a promising sign.
More Walt Disney Connections
After visiting Main Street, we hopped back in the car for the short drive to see the Walt Disney Elementary school. In 1960, Walt returned again to Marceline to dedicate the school. We were not able to enter the school on a Saturday, but it was still worth a quick stop. According to Yesterland, there is artwork from Disney artist Bob Moore in the lobby, gymnasium, and more. Since it’s an actual school, it may not be possible to stop inside to see it.
When planning your visit to Marceline, you might consider Walt’s home and the nearby Barn and Dreaming Tree to be the top destinations. That’s not really the case, though the Dreaming Tree Gala did occur there on the night of our visit. The home is a private residence and not a museum that you can explore. We stopped at the side of the road to take a picture, but that’s really all can do at the home. Fans can write their names inside the nearby Barn, however. We did not visit because of the Dreaming Tree Gala. I should also clarify that the current Dreaming Tree is not the original Dreaming Tree, which succumbed to old age and a wind storm in 2015.
Searching for The Midget Autopia
On the other side of town is the Walt Disney Municipal Park, once the home of the Midget Autopia. Past articles about Marceline noted that the windy track still existed there. We made our way to the park in the late afternoon and searched every corner for the ruins. I should have confirmed with the Museum staff that the track still existed, but I had no reason to doubt it was there. We eventually realized that our efforts were futile; the track is gone. I would have loved to see the remains of the track, so it’s disappointing to realize it was removed.
All is not lost for the Midget Autopia, however. A Kickstarter campaign in 2015 was unsuccessful, but efforts remain to resurrect it. The Museum entryway offers guests a chance to support the Museum’s efforts to bring back the Midget Autopia. You can “adopt a brick” and add a message on a red paver brick right near the entrance. It’s a way for you to leave your mark on Marceline and revitalize the original Disneyland attraction.
The proposed location would be next to the Museum, which makes complete sense. The direct connection to Walt and Disneyland would be a huge draw and another reason to visit Marceline. Based on the positive comments from the Museum staff, I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll see the Midget Autopia back in the future.
Beyond once including that lost attraction, the Walt Disney Municipal Park is mostly just your typical city park. Even so, there’s another link to Walt with the nearby Walt Disney Swimming Pool and Park. Dedicated in 1956, this pool resembles most neighborhood pools, but it’s still another fun connection to Walt.
Dining and Accommodations in Marceline
Before we visited the Museum, we stopped for lunch at Ma Vic’s Corner Café. The friendly diner is your best bet for a meal while in the city proper. There is also a Walt connection since it sits in the former site of the Allen Hotel where the family dined. Ma Vic’s menu offers solid diner food with some surprises, including some Mexican dishes. We stuck to the basics and enjoyed a BLT, grilled chicken sandwich, and pizza for the girls. Ma Vic’s prime location makes it an easy choice for a day trip to Marceline. The service was friendly, and the food was decent.
Beyond Ma Vic’s, there are limited options for meals in Marceline. The Museum website and older blogs mention Yumeez Ice Cream Shop, but it unfortunately looks to be closed for good. Café Marceline looks like a cute coffee shop, though it was closed on Saturday afternoon. Chains like Goodcents and Casey’s General Store are further off Main Street and probably not worth your time unless there are no other options. Ma Vic’s closes at 3 p.m. each day, so keep that in mind.
We did not stay overnight in Marceline, so I don’t have a specific hotel experience to review. Your best bet might be choosing your favorite chain and just driving into Marceline for the day. For example, the Best Western in Brookfield is just eight miles from town. I’m surprised there aren’t multiple bed and breakfast options on Main Street. It feels like an untapped market given the Disney connection, but it’s possible there just aren’t enough of us making the pilgrimage.
A Wonderful Day Trip to Marceline
If you can believe it, this article just scratches the surface of what you can see at the Museum and throughout Marceline. I was surprised by how much I connected with the history of the town. I’ve read biographies on Walt that covered his time in Marceline, but it’s completely different to walk through those spaces. The elegant exhibits at the Museum just enhance the experience and offer surprising details about Walt’s life and the Disney family’s history.
Finally, my biggest endorsement of Marceline is that it provides a relaxing getaway. Compared to a visit to Walt Disney World or a large metropolitan area, it’s a breeze. Families, couples, and individual Disney fans can find plenty to enjoy on a day trip or a weekend combined with other destinations. If you’re a Disney fan that’s looking for something beyond the typical locations, Marceline is definitely worth your time. You can also combine it with Kansas City and Chicago for a week-long trip across Walt’s home cities throughout his young life. Regardless of your specific interests, add a trip to Marceline to your list. You won’t regret it.
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Learn More: Marceline
Visit the official website for the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline.
Support the resurrection of the Midget Autopia through the “Adopt the Brick” program.
Read Yesterland’s articles on Walt Disney’s Marceline, The Uptown Theatre, and the Walt Disney Elementary School.
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Fantastic post. I would love to see this in person : )
Thanks Elaine! It’s definitely worth the time if you’re ever in the area.
I had no idea about this.. Thank you so much for the information, very interesting. I want to go!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Marceline is one of those towns that most Disney fans have heard about, but there’s more there than what we might expect. I’ve lived just a few hours away and had never gone until now.
Great write-up! Very thorough. Hope to visit it some time!
Thanks Chuck! It’s definitely worth the time if you’re near the area.
I very much enjoyed your article about the museum and Marceline! We live in Missouri also, and hope to visit in the near future. Thanks for sharing your experience, and keep up the good work!
Thanks Jeff! I was surprised by how much there was to see at the museum. You should definitely make the trip, especially since you live in Missouri. Depending on where you are, it’s the perfect day trip or weekend stop.