John Wayne: The mere mention of his name produces images of courage and patriotism.
The life story of John Wayne began in the central Iowa town of Winterset. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison.
His father Clyde was a pharmacist who worked on the south side of Winterset's town square. In his youth, Clyde attended nearby Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. John Wayne described his father as “the kindest, most patient man I ever knew.”
Wayne’s mother Mary was of Irish descent, and Duke said “she was a tiny, vivacious red-headed bundle of energy.”
Step back in time and picture the life of a young midwestern boy and his family near the turn of the century. This modest four-room home has been restored to reflect its appearance in 1907, the year of Duke’s birth. An impressive collection of John Wayne memorabilia includes unique items such as the eyepatch worn in the movie True Grit, a hat worn in Rio Lobo, and a prop suitcase used in the film Stagecoach. Hundreds of rare photographs of Duke are on display as well as letters from Lucille Ball, Gene Autry, Maureen O’Hara, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and George Burns.
Since its opening, the childhood home of John Wayne has been visited by many celebrities and dignitaries. On November 3, 1984, President Ronald Reagan commented that the John Wayne Birthplace is an inspiring tribute to a good friend and a great American.
BIRTHPLACE TOUR INFORMATION AND HOURS
We are open seven days a week, 10:00am to 4:30pm except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter).
The Birthplace is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Easter.
Guided tours of the house are available and are handicap accessible.
| Admission Fees for Guided Tour: |
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Adults
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$7.00
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Seniors (60 & over)
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$6.00
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Children (12 & under)
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$3.00
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Motorcoach tour groups:
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Per person |
$5.00 |
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Nearby accommodations at the Hampton Inn in West Des Moines: |
items in our Birthplace Shop:
