From Kansas City, head north to St. Joseph, Missouri to begin this journey through American history. Your first stop – the birthplace of the Pony Express!
St. Joseph, MO
The Pony Express began on April 3, 1860 when the Central Overland and California Pikes Peak Express Company launched a relay mail service running nearly 1,900 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to the West Coast. Horseback riders battled extreme weather and hostile environments to deliver mail in under 10 days – an amazing improvement over the previous 20 to 60 day delivery time. The service lasted just 19 months, ending on October 24, 1861 when the Transcontinental Telegraph was completed. Today, its legacy is commemorated at the Pony Express National Museum – your first stop out of Kansas City along Missouri Highway 36’s “Way of American Genius”.
Next stop, Hamilton – Head east on highway 36 for about 45 minutes.
Hamilton, MO
The J.C. Penney Memorial Library and Museum in Hamilton, Missouri honors the life and legacy of James Cash Penney, founder of the J.C. Penney retail chain. Housed in the same building as the Hamilton Public Library, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and personal items that tell the story of Penney’s early life, business philosophy, and his contributions to the American retail business model. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing his humble beginnings in Hamilton and how he grew a single store into the national brand many of us grew up with. The museum serves as both an educational resource and a tribute to one of Missouri’s most influential entrepreneurs.
Next stop, Marceline! Head east on highway 36 for about 60 minutes.
Marceline, MO
Once you get here, visit Marceline for the rest of the day, enjoying one of our locally-owned restaurants, explore the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, stroll down Main Street USA and stop into our shops to find some souvenirs and visit with the locals. Don’t forget to stop into the Walt Disney Post Office to send a few postcards with a special cancellation stamp, and stop by Walt Disney Elementary to see the Winter Olympics flagpole, Walt Disney Municipal Park, and Marceline’s other not so hidden Gems.
Hopefully you’ve reserved a place to stay the night in town so you can lay in bed and hear the trains go through Marceline the way Walt remembered when he was a kid. In the morning, grab breakfast at Ma Vic’s Corner Cafe before you head out.
Next stop, Hannibal. Head east out of Marceline on highway 36 for about 90 minutes.
Hannibal, MO
Mark Twain’s boyhood hometown of Hannibal, Missouri is a charming river town on the Mississippi River. The community celebrates its most famous resident through immersive attractions like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, offering a glimpse into the life that inspired some of America’s most classic tales. Visitors can explore historic sites, riverboat rides, cave tours, and festivals that evoke the spirit of Mark Twain’s 19th century America. Hannibal blends literary legacy with Missouri hospitality, making it a wonderful connection to Walt Disney’s Marceline for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Once you’ve filled your head and your heart with some of America’s most interesting people, head west on Highway 36 back to Kansas City and enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit the other small towns along the way.
