The John Wayne Birthplace & Museum contains an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the actor’s life and career. Naturally, the facility also includes a movie theater. Relax in comfortable seats (originally from Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood) and watch a documentary on Duke’s phenomenal film career. Be sure to explore our gift shop’s wide assortment of John Wayne merchandise perfect for souvenirs or great new items to add to your collection. You’ll be fascinated as you linger and learn about John Wayne the actor, the private citizen and an American legend.
Hours & Admission
We are open seven days a week, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.
We close at noon on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve.
Regular Hours:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm, March through November
Winter Hours:
10:00 am to 4:00 pm, December through February
Admission Rates
Adults: $20
Seniors (60 & over): $19
Veterans: $17.00
Active Military: Free
Children (8 – 12): $10
Children (7 & under): Free
Motor coaches (20+): $15 per person
2027 John Wayne Birthday Celebration
There are few words in the English language as overused as “timeless.” But when discussing the Academy Award-winning film classic “The Quiet Man,” the term just scratches the surface. Writer Gerry McNee described it as, “a story for all ages that promises to bring joy and entertainment for generations to come…Director John Ford found the right actors, injected both Homer and humor, and the rest is cinematic history.”
The movie masterpiece starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara was first released in the spring of 1952. The 2027 John Wayne Birthday Celebration will be pulling out all the stops in celebrating 75 years of the landmark motion picture during the weekend of May 28 & 29 in Winterset, Iowa.
Events will be centered at the John Wayne Birthplace & Museum, The Iowa Theater, a Fly-In breakfast at the Winterset Airport, and a John Wayne Birthplace 5K Run/Walk. The picturesque Covered Bridges Winery just north of Winterset will host our ever-popular main event which will feature a benefit auction, Irish music, heavy appetizers and, this year, “The Quiet Man” projected on a giant outdoor movie screen.
Did you ever long to go across the sea to Ireland? This might be the year. The names of every ticketed attendee will be entered in a drawing for a trip for two to the Emerald Isle including round-trip air transportation, a three-night stay at Michaeleen’s Manor B&B in the heart of Quiet Man country and private tours of the dozen or so film locations.
The life story of John Wayne began here in Winterset, Iowa. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison. Step back in time and picture the life of a young midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the 20th century. The modest four-room home has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907. Adjacent to the home, the John Wayne Birthplace Museum is open daily and offers the largest diversified collection of John Wayne artifacts in existence, including movie posters, film wardrobe, original scripts, contracts, letters, artwork and sculpture — even one of his last custom-built cars. Our gift shop carries a wide assortment of John Wayne merchandise perfect for souvenirs or great items to add to your collection.
