Walt Disney's hometown, Marceline, is a great place to visit and see where the magic all began. There are plenty of fun places to see for any Disney buff in this town. Or if you are simply passing through the area, this small town has plenty of welcoming people and tons of charm! Here are a few stops you must hit during your journey through Marceline, Missouri.
1. Walt Disney's Hometown Museum
This is the perfect place to start your visit in Marceline. This museum is packed with artifacts from Walt's life and most of the pieces were donated from his family members. You can see the desk he used in school, letters he wrote to his sister and even some cars from an old attraction at Disneyland -- the Midget Autopia. In addition to all of the amazing family heirlooms, the museum is staffed with people who actually met and hosted Walt and Roy when they came back to visit! How cool is that? I would definitely make sure to take a tour so you can hear all of the firsthand stories about when Walt came back to visit!
2. Walt's Dreaming Tree and Barn
This is one of the most touching places that you will see on this trip. This location is on the property of Walt's boyhood home and is just a short drive from the museum. Walt's Dreaming Tree is where he used to sit and tell stories to his sister Ruth about the animals on the farm while he sketched. The actual Dreaming Tree is dying but you can still see the remnants of the trunk. A new Dreaming Tree has been planted near the original using its seeds so that there will always be a tree on the farm. Behind the Dreaming Tree you will find a replica of the original barn on Walt's farm. The original barn is where Walt and Ruth spent most of their time playing in the hay and with the animals. Inside the new barn you will find notes from everyone who has visited to Walt Disney. It is truly moving to stand there and read how much he has affected so many people. If you stop by this location, make sure to bring a pen or permanent marker to leave your own words for Walt!
3. Main Street USA
This is another must see in Marceline! Here you will be able to stroll down the original Main Street that inspired the front of Disneyland. As you walk down the street you can see many buildings of interest, such as the theater where Walt and Roy premiered their feature film, "The Great Locomotive Chase" in the Midwest. You can also walk through the shops to pick up a souvenir and stop at Yumeez Ice Cream Shop for some delicious homemade ice cream.
4. Walt Disney Park
This is a great place to relax with the people that you brought with you on this trip. You can swing and play or simply sit by the pond and relax for a few moments. In 1956, Walt and Roy and their spouses came to this park for the dedication. This park is also where the cars from the Disneyland attraction, the Midget Autopia, were originally placed as a gift from Walt for the children and families of Marceline. The ride was intended to make the park more fun and enjoyable for everyone.
5. Walt Disney Elementary School
This is the final stop on our trek through Marceline. The flagpole standing in front of the school is no ordinary flagpole. This pole was donated by Walt and was originally at the Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Other features that make this school so unique are the character murals on the inside. Walt Disney had one of his artists create them for school. There are murals in the cafeteria and right inside the main entry of the building. If you peek through the front doors, you can see a set of them.
If you are passing through the area, I would highly recommend taking some time to stop in Marceline. All of the people are friendly and there are plenty of sites to see. This town is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a short day trip!
