Day #1 November 20, 4:00 am we headed out for our vacation to Nauvoo... Bolangna sandwiches for breakfast after 360 miles our first stop was out side of Laramie, Wyoming.
So far on this trip lots of deer, antelope, large windmills that cover large masses of land they are called power farms. The blades on these windmills are huge it takes a big diesel with a long trailer just to haul one blade.
We stopped in Cheyenne Wyoming to use the restrooms. There is a McDonald's here with the cleanest, decorated pretty darn nice...much like a high dollar country club, Turnberry ect. Other things or facts I learned about Cheyenne, Wyoming. Cheyenne is the Capital City.
From interstate 80 you can see a statue of the Virgin Mary.
At five stories tall, this is one of the largest statues of the Virgin Mary in the U.S.
F.E. Warren Air Force is located in Cheyenne; Originally named Fort D.A. Russell, then Fort Francis Warren, today it serves as a command center for U.S. Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) and as a training ground for the U.S. Air Force. From muskets to missiles, the base has had an important role in meeting our country’s national security objectives.
Sounds like a very important place!!!
At 1:30 we crossed the time zone making it one hour ahead in North Platte Nebraska...Also known as Buffalo Bills Home Town. While we were here we made a stop at this Fort Cody Trading Post. We both needed to some escape time from sitting in the car so this was just right. Inside we found a few interesting things...like a 2 headed calf. It was born on a ranch north of Stapleton, Nebraska and only lives about 48 hours.
We also found what we would do for our next white elephant gift; a red neck briefcase. Update we did just do this last week for a Christmas party we were invited to, pretty funny as they were a hit!!! Other things of interest was a Miniature Buffalo Bill Wild West Show on display. It consist of 20,000 hand carved pieces, also hand painted. Ernie and Virginia Palmquist were the creators; it took over 12 years to carve this little show that traveled to the Brussels World's Fair, the New York World's Fair, Australia, Europe and across the United States, including Hawaii. The circus was then sold to a group in Japan, and at one time was on display at Tokyo Disneyland. In 1979 Fort Cody Trading Post purchased the Wild West Show and recently accomplished a complete refurbishment of this what I consider a work of art. I can understand why this store would love such a display as Buffalo Bill's Home called Scout's Rest Ranch is minutes away. It is a huge house he lived in during his heyday as a showman, now maintained as a state historical park. Every summer, a reenactment of his Wild West Show takes place 200 yards from the ranch. If I get the chance to travel here in the summer time I would like to see this part of American History.
While driving on Interstate 80 we saw this huge over pass and wondered what it was. I did some research and found out I got to go see the by ways. It turns out in Nebraska there are a number of highways and scenic byways. Cruising Nebraska’s highways and scenic byways, you’ll encounter countless natural wonders, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and worthwhile attractions, so I have read...This one is the Lincoln Highway Scenic & Historic Byway
The following is from a website I found information on; its got me excited to tour all the byways in Nebraska.
As you trace the path of America’s first transcontinental highway, you will find glimpses of its esteemed past. A small stretch of road on the eastern end still boasts original brick pavers, and the original Lincoln Highway road markers can be found sporadically along the 400 miles of this statewide drive that parallels much of Interstate 80.
Strike out along this highway with a true pioneering spirit in search of Pony Express stations, sod houses, original wagon ruts from the overland trails, and even the ranch of Buffalo Bill Cody. Enjoy the plentiful views of rich farmland, and get a firsthand taste at the many farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and wineries populating the route.
This byway also offers you some perfect opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Lake McConaughy offers a range of water and beach activities, and neighboring state recreational areas provide hiking and biking opportunities. There are also great views of the annual sandhill crane migration at Rowe Sanctuary and the Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center.
THE ROUTE: 400 miles along U.S. Highway 30—America’s first coast-to-coast motor route—from the eastern to the western border.
After 13 hours of driving we decided that Lincoln Nebraska would be our stopping point for the night. We stayed at a new AmericInn...address South 8701 Amber Hill Court Lincoln, NE 6852 room 306. How's that for a memory. Well I still have the receipt of our stay, room was nice, had a pool and work out room. Brent and I thought we would spend 30 minutes working out, one on the tread mill one on the bike, exchange after 15 minutes...we both were ready to give in at 12 minutes!!! We need to get in better shape. Our thoughts were we hoped we could find a hotel everynight for under $100.00. We did and nice ones...so that even made the trip nicer because we kept on budget...So we enjoyed a nice dinner in our room and got a good night's rest...
Day #2 Lincoln was pretty, in fact Nebraska is a very pretty state. We noticed how much nicer the sides of the roads and over passes were groomed. Lincoln is also the Capital of Nebraska and we got a look at the inside of this pretty Capital. It was closed but while I was peeking in the window I notice a lady, I knocked and ask if we could take a quick peak. She was just rehearsing for a later event going on that day and let us in. We had the whole Capital to our selves.
Some facts about this Capital...The Nebraska State Capitol, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the capitol and seat of the Nebraska Legislature and houses other offices of the government of the U.S. state of Nebraska. One of the most distinctive statehouses in the United States, its height is surpassed only by the Louisiana State Capitol, which rises 34 stories but was influenced by the Nebraska State Capitol's design. The Nebraska State Capitol is the heaviest building in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the heaviest capitol building of any sort in North America.
The building was designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue a New York architect, to represent the state, the broad base symbolizes the prairies and the 400 foot tower rises with the dreams of Nebraska's people. The building is made from Indiana Limestone and was constructed between 1922 and 1932 costing $10 million dollars. I thought it was a gorgeous...
Things I noticed, this capital has 4 Hallways with Bronze head Statues of important people on them. Notice the Indian Head...this was a statue of Red Cloud.
It was rather funny to see these phone booths they where very narrow and at least a dozen or more of them.
We had the Capital pretty much to our selves except for a few people preparing for a Lincoln's days event that was scheuduled later in the day.
Notice these Brass elevator door, the elevators where also small...From this elevator you can go to the 14th floor where weather permitting and if it's open vistors enjoy a better view of the beautiful Capital City....next time I will have to do that!!!
This capital is identical on both sides as far as structure, it had four hallways/collidors that branched off the center of the Capital. Each side had a courtyard, they were doing contruction on part of it.
After visiting the Capital we took a drive to the International Licorice store located in the Historic Haymarket. The Historic Haymarket name comes from the original market square of 1867 where wagons, camping equipment and hay were bought and sold. In 1874 the city shifted the area a few blocks west and north and renamed it "Haymarket."
Licorice International offers nearly 160 types of licorice from 12 countries. In addition, its Haymarket store stocks a line of fine chocolates as well as other gourmet foods and candy dishes. We bought a few bags of yummy licorice and some for Max. Unfortunely it did not make it home, it was so good Brent and I could not help ourselves. One other thing happen while we where at the Licorice store, first when you walk in the Lady behind the counter welcomes you and ask you to sign their guest book. Of course we start talking about our traveling all the way from Salt Lake City. Then this other Lady began talking to us; she tells us about this great store and invites us to view the company website; telling us the amazing story of how this business got started. Then she asked us where we were from and asked if we had visited the Capital. Cool we could say yes, this is when we found out she was a formal Governor of Nebraska; as well as Mayor. We had to have our pictures taken with her. Her name Kay Orr.
When we where walking at Historic Haymarket I took this picture of this building. We did not go inside of it but I knew it would be a place I liked...loved!!! So I did some research and it is an event place weddings, parties, meetings, even lodging ect.
Construction of the building now known as the Grand Manse began in 1904 on the north half of the block called Government Square. The building reflects the Beaux Arts Neoclassical style that was popular in North America from 1885 to 1920, particularly for government buildings. The flat roof surrounded by the decorative railing and ornate, sculpted columns of the Grand Manse are typical of this style. This regal building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The first portion of the building was completed in 1906 on the east end of the block. Later editions were built in 1915-16 and 1939-41. The building was both the U.S. Post Office and Federal Courthouse. Today, it is often still referred to as the Old Federal Building.
The Grand Manse shares Government Square with two other historic buildings. The oldest, known as Old City Hall, sits on the south side of the block facing O Street. The small building at the west end of the block, now the Grand Manse Pavilion, was built in 1924 as a public comfort station.
The interior of the building contains some stunning historical features including terrazzo floors, marble wainscoting and oak Corinthian pillars. These features are showcased in the east lobby and the third floor courtroom, now called The Grand Hall.
The infrastructure of the Grand Manse was completely renovated in 2004. Today, owners Monte and Lisa Froehlich are dedicated to once again making the Grand Manse a hub in downtown Lincoln. The building now houses 50 residential units, beautiful event space, luxury lodging suites, a coffee house, Thai restaurant, and several offices. The Grand Manse stands not only at the geographical crossroads of Lincoln, but at the intersection between the city’s rich past and it’s promising future.
There are moments I miss event planning...or wish I was back into it aside from a Ward calling.
Brent my wonderful Husband is a Sport's fan...I love sports but lack the interest to watch them like he does. I also know very little about Football teams. Maybe because growing up I was to busy taking care of my siblings to create an interest. Anyway we drove around the town down area in front of the Corn Huskers Stadium. I had no clue who or what Nebraska's football team was named. So on behalf of my husband I thought I would learn a little about the Cornhuskers...I was not able to take a picture of the Stadium as we drove by it quickly and it was a busy road. I did find a few online pictures to use on my blog...
Corn Husker Facts...internet is awesome!!!The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only 7 football programs in NCAA Division I-A history to win 800 games. The Cornhuskers are the winningest college football program over the last 50 years, both by winning percentage and number of wins.
The Cornhuskers' three national championships in Division I collegiate football over the past 25 years are the second most of any university. They have five all time which are 1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, and 1997.
ESPN.com has named the 1971 Nebraska Cornhusker team the greatest team of all time.
The Nebraska Cornhuskers also have five undefeated seasons when they were not the national champions; 1902, 1903, 1913, 1914, and 1915. Between 1912 and 1916, a 34 game win streak was recorded by then head coach Ewald O. Stiehm.
Husker football began play in 1890, during the early years of the program, the team had a number of nicknames: "Bugeaters", "Tree Planters", "Nebraskans", "The Rattlesnake Boys", "Antelopes", "Old Gold Knights" and "Cornhuskers".
Next destination Independence Missouri...Well back on the road Nebraska Hwy. 2 heading to the State of Missouri. I was so interested in the huge Farms they seem to go for miles futher than the eye could see. Very beautiful country...this is the kind of country sites feature in the Farm Journal I use to look at sitting around my fathers home. Other things I noticed lots of camp grounds, grain silo's, barns and more barns, corn seed markers, huge corn harvestors yep this is a corn belt state...What is a Corn Harvestor?.....A corn harvester is a machine used on farms to harvest corn stripping the stalks about one foot from the ground shooting the stalks through the header to the ground. The corn is striped from its stalk and then moves through the header to the intake conveyor belt. From there it goes up the conveying system through a fan system, separating the remaining stalks from the ears. The stalks blow out the fan duct into the field while the ears drop onto another conveyor belt. The ears ride the belt and drop into a large moving bucket. This method is done with both Fresh Corn and Seed corn.
We saw a lot of them...
I think Brent would of loved operating one of these!!!
According to the map we must cross the Missouri river entering into Iowa before crossing into Missouri. I was excited as I have never crossed over this river, it was very foggy and just prior to the Missouri River Bridge I saw a sign that said Lewis and Clarke visiting center. I wrote it down as I wondered what it was. Ten days just does not give one enough time to visit every site you see posted. That is what is so wonderful about internet, what you miss you can do a cyper visit. So what is the Lewis and Clark visiting center.
The focus of this exciting regional Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is on the more than 300 discoveries of flora (178 plants), fauna (122 animals) and scientific discoveries made at President Thomas Jefferson's direction on their historic Corps of Discovery Journey from 1803 - 1806. According to their website; The three story, 12,000 square foot, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center sits on a scenic 79 acre wooded bluff overlooking the Missouri River. This unobstructed view of the river gives today's audience a sense for what greeted the captains 200 years ago. With out a doubt if I was a resident living in Nebraska I would have visited this place as part of our homeschooling. I love History!!!
At 11:10 Saturday the 20th of November we crossed into Iowa...
At 11:15 Saturday the 20th of November we enterd the state of Missouri.
I did not get to see alot of Iowa but I have a desire to revisit some day.
At last we where heading to some Church stuff...I was excited. Independance Missiouri here we come. I did not know what to expect; the Independance Visiting Center as well as future spot for the Temple was in a area in which I considered run down, not pretty surrounding. In fact I questioned myself as to why Heavenly Father desired this exact location. Then after reading some information from or about the city of Independance I think I know why. In the mid 1800s, more than a quarter of a million people headed west to find their dreams in the “promised lands” of Mexico, California and the Oregon Territory.
For most of these immigrants, traders and fortune-seekers, Independence, Missouri, known as “Queen City of the Trails,” was the starting point. Independence is the only city in the nation that served as the launching point for the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails. Simply put it's central location leads many directions to and from...
I enjoyed the Visiting Center...
This display really inspired me...look at all the many languages of Book Of Mormon we have...and I positive it will continue!!!
The original key to Liberty Jail. We where told the the original door was on display at the Temple of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or also called The Community of Christ headquarters.
Well Brent ask me what my thoughts where when I got the first look at The Reorganized Church's Temple located near the area of the Independance visiting center and the site/location of our future Temple. Some times honesty comes at a high price...however they say honesty is the best policy...First thoughts, someone went to Disney Land years ago when they had the Back to the Future area for their ideas, "Beam me up Scotty", and the movie "Escape to Witch Mountain". Simply put this Temple lacked the magnificent feeling of exceptional beauty that is protrayed in all the LDS Temples of the Lord. It was not a building inspired by the Lord...were my thoughts!!!
On to the Liberty Jail Historical Site...so we thought as we drove circles for while being lost. Finally we found it.
Liberty Jail is a sacred place to members. It was here that the Prophet Joseph Smith along with Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Alexander McRae, Lyman Wright, and Caleb Baldwin spent the winter of 1838-1839. They were unjustly charged with treason while their families and church members were forced from Missouri. To give one an idea how cold it was that year both the Missiouri and Mississippi Rivers where known to have froze...also 23 years while Liberty Jail Building was in operation it was used also as an ice house. It was so cold that it kept ice frozen through the month of August.
Prior to leaving on our trip knowing we would be gone for 10 days which is about 30 meals I decided to bring an ice chest with some meals. I like to eat out but not daily. So far on our trip we pretty much ate what I brought. After visiting Liberty Jail we decided to hit Road House grill for dinner. By the time we got done we had eaten to much!!! Gross and funny story happened while eating. We had this waitress who while serving our drinks forgot which was which. So she preceded to smell each drink like 3-4 times...her nose on our drinks....NOT COOL. Needless to say Brent did not tip her as much as he usually does...
Also prior to leaving Jana Moore told us about this fabulous Bed and Breakfast just out side of Gallatin within minutes from Adam-Ondi-Ahman. The name is Marydale Inn, the owners are Dale and Mary...cute. We really loved this place, nice, new, clean, fresh cookies, great owners, huge bath....yes my favorite a bath tub. This place is located on about 30 acres of land in the country, peaceful...I will return here I am sure.
Day #3 Sunday morning November 22, we enjoyed Pfankuchen for breakfast. What is a Pfankuchen, it is a German food much like a pancake....Thank you Mary...
Our plans were to attend church in Gallatin, however we made a wrong turn and trust me it is not easy finding your way out of miles of corn fields...we did fine Adam-Ondi-Ahman so being over 30 minutes late we went their instead. The truth about getting lost was that Brent headed in the wrong direction I corrected him and he said
TRUST ME my answer to him was okay but I think you went the wrong way. So after we went driving for about 30 minutes he decided to turn around and back track...I will always remember those two words
TRUST ME....LOL
Adam-ondi-Ahman...we spent a hour or more driving around this peaceful place. Today 3000 acres (12 km²) of Adam-ondi-Ahman is owned and maintained as a historic site by the LDS Church and remains largely undeveloped farmland.
Now headed to Far West...This is one of Brent's favorite places, he saids he likes the feelings he has.
The Far West Temple site is located in Caldwell County, approximately 50 miles northwest of Kansas City. The property is maintained as a historic site by the Church, featuring attractive landscaping and a large monument that highlights Far West history. The aged cornerstones, laid for the temple in 1838, are beautifully preserved and displayed under protective glass.
Other facts: The Far West Temple was the second temple commenced but never constructed by the early Saints in Missouri.
The Far West Temple site is located in Caldwell County, which was created specifically as a settlement for the Saints, who had been driven out of Jackson County several years earlier in 1833. Far West was the county seat.
The cornerstones were laid for the Far West Temple on July 4, 1838, in the following order: southeast by the stake presidency, southwest by the elders quorum presidency, northwest by the bishop, and northeast by the teachers quorum presidency.
At the cornerstone laying for the Far West Temple, President Sidney Rigdon gave his famous Independence Day oration. The speech's passionate declarations fueled tension between the Saints and the citizens of Missouri, eventually culminating in the issuance of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs' extermination order on October 27, 1838.
Despite the great risk of danger, five apostles—accompanied by several others—returned to the Far West Temple site just after midnight on the morning of April 26, 1839, in fulfillment of prophecy. A large stone was rolled on the southeast cornerstone as recommencement of work on the foundation, and the apostles left to prepare for their overseas missions.
John Whitmer, one of the Eight Witnesses of the golden plates, was the only resident of Far West for many years after the Saints left. Among his land holdings was the Far West Temple site.
The Far West Temple site was reacquired by the LDS Church in 1909 under the direction of Joseph F. Smith.
In 1968, the Church beautified the Far West Temple site and erected a monument, making it an attractive historic site for visitors.
Upon reading about Far West I read the following: There were good times at Far West as well. While there, Joseph Smith received divine communications, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants section 115, that revealed that the Church's name should be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also revealed was the system for tithing Church members and the instruction that a temple should be built at Far West.
I think this is a cool looking tree trunk...
Once again back on the road...we were heading to Nauvoo and on the way through every town I saw Water Towers, most of them would have the towns name printed/painted on them. Why Water Towers?...I did not recall seeing water towers like this in the west. Then after doing some research yes I guess we have them all over. Maybe not like the tall towers I saw heading to Nauvoo but large water holding tanks sitting on the ground. My eyes and mind have once again been opened.
Facts from the Wikipedia,
A water tower or elevated water tower is a large elevated water storage container constructed to hold a water supply at a height sufficient to pressurize a water distribution system. Pressurization occurs through the elevation of water; for every 10.20 centimetres (4.016 in) of elevation, it produces 1 kilopascal (0.145 psi) of pressure. 30 m (98.43 ft) of elevation produces roughly 300 kPa (43.511 psi), which is enough pressure to operate and provide for most domestic water pressure and distribution system requirements. Well in other words....Water towers provide extra water storage for a town's water supply. They hold about a day's worth of water, so if the town's pumps fail (like during a power outage), the water tower acts as a backup water supply. Water towers are built high up because they need the pressure produced by the elevation of the water to push water into the town's water pipes, so no pump is needed.
But, mainly a water tower is used to handle excess demand, like in the morning when people wake up and get ready for work (going to the bathroom, showering, brushing their teeth, etc.) all around the same time. At night, when their is almost no water usage, the water tower refills itself from the town's water supply. A pump is used to get the water up into the water tower.
Many water towers were constructed during the Industrial Revolution; some are now considered architectural landmarks and monuments, and may not be demolished. Some are converted to apartments or exclusive penthouses. Gosh a old Water Tower for a home...
In certain areas, such as New York City in the United States, smaller water towers are constructed for individual buildings. Most of the water towers I saw looked like these ones I took pictures of, every town heading back east on out trip seem to have them once we entered Nebraska.
So Water Towers come in all sizes, style, color and shapes....take a look!!!
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* Water tower heights are typically 120 ft, the height most sufficient to pressurize a water supply system.
• Water towers are constructed of concrete, steel, or brick.
• Sometimes water towers are also used as observation towers.
• In Sindelfingen Germany the water tower has a restaurant.
• The city of New York in the 1800s required that all buildings higher than six stories must be equipped with a water tower on the rooftop.
• Rooftop towers reserve water at the bottom of the tanks in case its needed to fight a fire.
• The water tower in Novi Michigan reads, "Birthplace of the Novi Special" with a picture of the automobile on it.
* Most water towers hold 50 times more water than an average backyard pool.
• In most circumstances, a water tower's tank holds about 1 day's worth of water (for the community it serves).
• The water tower in Ellsworth Illinois is painted to resemble a gigantic baseball.
• Water towers are helpful for pilots of small private planes. They help the pilots locate small towns. Most of the time towers have the town's name painted on it big enough to read from the air.
• The world's tallest water sphere is located in New Jersey, west of Liberty International Airport.
• The city of Havana Illinois has a 300,000 gallon tank that was built in 1962.
• Volunteer Park in Seattle Washington has a water tower with an observation deck.
• The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 left few buildings standing. The Chicago Water Tower was one that did not burn in that district. In fact, it was the only public building that survived and the only one that still stands today.
• The Warner Bros. Studios Water Tower which is located in Burbank California was used in the animated television series 'Animaniacs'.
• The Earful Tower which stands at the Disney Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Florida has a pair of mouse ears on it which resembles Mickey Mouse's ears.
• The water tower in Ypsilanti Michigan was voted "Most Phallic Building" in 2003. The contest was held by Cabinet Magazine, a non-profit art & culture periodical.
• The Peachoid water tower (located just off Interstate 85) in Gaffney South Carolina resembles a giant Peach and holds one million galloons of water.
* Most water is pumped out in the morning. This is usually the time people in the community wake up and shower, shave, brush teeth, flush toilet, etc before leaving to work or school.
• In 1974 the water tower in Florence Kentucky was painted by a contractor to read the words "Florence Mall" on it to promote the new upcoming shopping mall in the city. However, shortly afterwards the mayor ruled it a violation since the mall wasn't due to be completed til 1976 and it was promoting something that didn't even exist. Well, long story short...the easiest and best solution was to just replace the M in the word Mall with a Y'. The result was "Florence Y'All", which still stands today.
• The water tower in Rochester Minnesota is painted to look like a gigantic ear of corn.
• Small towns in the U.S. generally use their water towers to advertise their local high school sports team. Some advertise local tourism or local notable facts about the town.
* The North East Lincolnshire England water tower known as the Grimsby Dock Tower has a model of it constructed entirely of legos at the Legoland in Windsor.
• In Thorpeness, Suffolk, UK the water tower was converted into a house in 1977. The building today currently has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and is known worldwide as The House in the Clouds.
• The Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester Essex, England was named after an elephant named Jumbo. The tower currently has a viewing platform and has been granted permission to build an apartment as well.
• The water tower in Cowden Illinois (just off Elm St.) has a picture of a covered bridge on it and reads, "Covered Bridge Country" on it.
* In Scranton Iowa (1907) during severly cold weather the water tower's mains became frozen. As a result the local leaders decided to build a fire underneath to melt the ice.
• Orebro Sweden built the first "mushroom" tower in the early 1950s.
• The World's Largest Catsup Bottle is painted on the water tower in Collinsville, Illinois next to route 159..
• The water tower in Stockton California reads, "49ers Summer Camp" and includes a pitcure of the San Francisco 49ers football helmet.
• The water tower in Tulare California reads, "They've Got It" and has a straw sticking out of the top.
• The water tower in St. Louis Missouri is painted to resemble a huge bottle of Vess lemon lime soda.
• In Fairmount Indiana, the water tower has a picture of Garfield and James Dean painted on it. Dean grew up in Fairmount and Garfield comic strip creator Jim Davis was born in the small town.
You know I do not believe one could ever see all these Water Towers in a life time...There is so much to see in our world...
Okay back to our trip....heading east In Missouri on Highway 36 we stopped in this cute little town named Marceline...come to fine out it was the Home Town of Walt Disney.
They say Marceline is "Where Walt Found the Magic".
Main Street USA at the Disney theme parks are inspired by downtown Marceline and a walk down this original Main Street USA gives visitors the same feeling that Walt experienced as a boy.
Restored Santa Fe Train Depot also serving as Walt Disney Hometown Museum...
We thought that because it was a Sunday it was closed...however according to their website The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is open from April 1 to October 31 each year.
Hours of operation:
Tuesday - Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 1pm - 4pm
The museum is closed on Monday's.
Because it is November we only got a outside view...
About the Museum
Walt first came to Marceline by train when he was five years old. The Santa Fe train arrived at the depot that preceded the present-day one, which was rebuilt in 1913.
When Walt returned to Marceline for the first time in 1946, the depot evoked his first memories of pulling into Marceline. So it is fitting that the museum dedicated to one of the most influential persons of the last century is housed in this restored Santa Fe Depot.
The Walt Disney Hometown museum is the recipient of a unique collection of family effects, never seen anywhere else in the world. Visitors to the museum are treated to:
Interpretive exhibits that focus on the Disney family and tell the story of Walt's childhood, family, friends and associates who supported him in his creative adventures
Hundreds of personal letters written between family members
The only ride ever to leave and be operated outside of Disneyland
Artifacts, effects & personal belongings from Disney family members
And more!
So next time I gotta travel here during their open season...another point of interest that I believe would be worth visiting located just west of the town of Marceline is the town of Laclade. One of America's most famous Army officers, John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing was born Sept. 13, 1860 in the town of Laclade, Missouri. Today, visitors can tour Gen.Pershing's boyhood home. Following the war he served as Army Chief of Staff...
While we where headed back to the 36 leaving Marceline I spotted this place...playhouse, two playhouses, swimming hole, pole with rope swing, diving board and giant slide. This place had it all!!!
The Mighty Beautiful Mississippi River....
