Most John Wayne fans spend about two hours; there's quite a lot to see. The gallery features the largest diversified exhibit of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including original movie posters, film wardrobe, scripts, letters, artwork and sculpture, even one of his customized automobiles. A visit to his Birthplace house is included, as is an introductory film hosted by his daughter Aissa.

If you want to just visit the Museum, advance tickets are not necessary. Be aware that the John Wayne Birthday Celebration weekend is our busiest time of the year, and you may have to wait if the number of folks in the Museum reaches maximum capacity. If you are planning to attend the Museum Benefit Dinner and Auction, you also do not need to make reservations in advance. However, there are a limited number of seats available for the dinner, and they often sell out, so I would suggest getting tickets in advance to ensure you can attend the Dinner. With Glen Campbell's daughter Ashley performing for the 50th Anniversary of "True Grit" sales have been brisk. Complete details about all the goings on for that weekend and tickets may be purchased on our website at johnwaynebirthplace.museum or call us toll-free at (877) 462-1044.

The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum is one 7 days a week, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. A visit to the Birthplace home is included with the price of admission. The grounds are always open you you may visit the staTue in front of the Museum. The Freedom Rock is on the corner to the east, and the Birthplace house just south of that. Thanks for your reply too, David K.; the only correction I would make is there is no John Wayne Museum in California. Some items are on loan from the estate of Maureen O'Hara, such as the jaunting car and her shawl from "The Quiet Man."

About 1-2 hours. The film in the museum is short, but great. The artifacts are a lot to look at, so you can take your time, or breeze through, depending on what you're interested in doing. The house is small, but you will be able to walk around inside. While in town, I suggest staying at the Cobblestone. The hotel is newer & one of the best places to stay. Their coffee is Wolfgang Puck, and it's worth waking up to. The bridges of Madison County are historic, rustic, and amazing. If you're a fan of the book/movie "Bridges of Madison County", you'll also appreciate a meal at the North Cafe, which was featured in the movie. They keep the movie memorabilia there as a reminder where the actors (Clint Eastwood was one) sat during the diner scene.

Le Claire is on the Mississippi River (the eastern edge of Iowa). The most direct route would be west on Interstate 80 to Van Meter, Iowa (exit 110), about 195 miles. Then south on Hwy. 169 about 14 miles to Winterset. The Birthplace & Museum is one block south of the Courthouse Square on John Wayne Drive. Total about 3.25 hours, or 212 miles.

The cost of admission was $15 for adults and $14 for senior citizens. I am not sure how much they charged for children because no one with children was there when we were.

We used Google maps on our cell phones and it took us there with no problems, right to the front door.

IF you have google maps on your phone you can plug the address into it and the app with help you find your way. Winterset is just south of Des Moines IA and there are plenty of road signs to help you.

The John Wayne Birthplace and Museum is open seven days a week, 10:00am to 5:00pm except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.