An EV Road Trip to Walt Disney’s Hometown
Visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline, Missouri
Walt Disney Hometown Museum, Marceline, MO
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EV Road Trip to the Walt Disney Museum
The Challenge to Visit Marceline, MO
Taking a road trip in an electric vehicle (EV) is starting to feel less and less like a modern-day Oregon Trail—especially the lack of oxen and dysentery.
Not long ago, rural charging stations were few and far between, but Missouri’s charging infrastructure has rapidly improved, making nearly the entire state accessible. (Read MOre Here).
Marceline, Missouri, isn’t exactly on the EV superhighway. It’s a small, picturesque town with deep historical roots—and no fast charging (or any charging, when we visited).
With the recent addition of a few key chargers within 60 miles of Marceline, the day trip became a pleasant date rather than a logistical concern.
We checked our travel essentials and headed to Macon, Missouri, for lunch at the Apple Basket Café, then continued on to experience the magic of Walt Disney.
Francis Energy Charging Station, Macon, Missouri
EV Charging for Marceline, Missouri
EV Road Trip Charging From All Directions
Rolling out of Mid-Missouri, we headed north on US 63. Passing the ChargePoint station in Moberly, we arrived in Macon ready for lunch.
Haymaker’s Convenience Store, located at the junction of US 63 and US 36, provides a reliable Francis Energy charging station. Twelve minutes later, our journey continued west to Marceline.
On our return trip we turned onto South US 63 highway in Macon, stopping in Moberly to add enough charge for the return home.
Amp’d Advice: Use the public charging network to add just enough charge to reach your destination—in this case, your home. There's no need to spend more time or money than necessary.
Not coming from Central Missouri? Charging has you covered.
Driving East US 36 from St. Joseph, into the morning sun, takes you to Chillicothe, where the local Casey’s provides a ChargePoint station.
Leaving the Hannibal Francis Energy station on West US 36, toward the setting sun, should provide enough charge to tour Marceline and return to the Macon charging station.
Kirksville’s ChargePoint station offers enough go-go juice for the entire drive to Marceline.
While Northeast and Central Missouri may not have chargers in every town, the existing stations are appropriately located to support your exploration.
Helpful Apps for Planning:
PlugShare – Great for checking real-time charger availability and user reviews.
A Better Route Planner (ABRP) – Ideal for mapping out your entire EV route with charging stops.
SightSee EV - Use our road trip planning method to identify usable charging stations.
Amp’d Advice: Always use the PlugShare app to check charger status before arrival, while I have never had a problem at any of the listed charging stations, it is always best to be sure.
EV Sight See Walt Disney Hometown Museum
An EV Road Trip to the Magic of Imagination
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is a treasure trove of nostalgia and inspiration. Located in downtown Marceline, the museum is run by passionate volunteers—a connection that adds a layer of authenticity you won’t find at larger, more commercial museums.
It’s not just a museum—it’s a love letter to small-town America and the power of imagination.
Established in 2001, the original collection came from Walt’s sister, Ruth Disney Beecher. The museum displays many letters between the siblings, offering personal glimpses and insights into the development of the Disney empire.
Housed in the beautifully restored Santa Fe Railroad Depot to honor Walt’s lifelong love of trains, the museum features an accurate replica of the dispatch office.
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum spans 10,000 square feet and contains over 4,000 artifacts, including:
Personal family items donated by the Disney family
Letters exchanged between Disney family members from the 1900s through the 1960s
Gifts from Walt Disney himself to the city of Marceline, including remnants of the original Midget Autopia
Photographs of Walt and Roy during their visits to Marceline
Original artwork by graffiti artist Arcy, including his portrait of Walt
Information on The Marceline Project, Walt’s plan to build a live history park in Marceline
A reproduction of Park School, Walt Disney’s elementary school
The Collector’s Gallery, featuring items donated and loaned by Disney collectors from around the world
Memorabilia from The Great Locomotive Chase (1956) and The Spirit of Mickey (1998), two films that premiered in Marceline
Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring both floors of authentic Walt Disney history and nostalgia. Taking in every letter and reading all of the exhibit guides could easily extend your visit into the late afternoon. Go at your own pace and enjoy the experience as you see fit.
Amp’d Advice: Take the time to read a few of the letters—they’re a wonderful way to step back in time.
Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth
Birds Eye Review: Marceline, Missouri is a Great EV Destination
Visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum was more than just a stop on a map—it was a journey into the roots of creativity.
It reminded me that even the biggest dreams can start in the smallest places.
The museum is warm, welcoming, and full of heart. It’s a place where you can feel Walt’s spirit—not the corporate icon, but the curious, imaginative boy who once lived there.
So here’s my challenge to you: Take the trip. Whether you drive an EV or a gas-powered car, make the journey to Marceline.
Support a small town, learn something new, and reconnect with the magic of dreaming big.
And if you’re an EV driver like me, let this be proof that even the quietest corners of America are within reach.