McDonald’s #1 Store Museum

I was under the impression that this was the first McDonald’s, but it’s actually just a replication so don’t be fooled by the signs. It’s really cute, but not very exciting and definitely not worth stopping for.

In 2013 I made an effort to check this place out and it was never open. The website claims its open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But I would bet all the McNuggets in the world that it was not actually open once during that period in 2013. It looks kind of cool from the road but if they don’t open it to the public and have only limited info on their site about it what else can I do but give it two stars.

I suppose this is like Mecca for tubby guys like me, but I wasn’t that impressed. I then read some of the reviews here and realized they actually let you inside, I never knew you could go inside, duh. I guess I never passed by while they were open, and assumed it was just there for lookin, which I thought was a little dumb. I suppose I should bring the kid back here after May 31^st, so I can actually go inside. As it is, it is pretty cool just to see how the original Mc Donalds looked.

=) If I took a different route, (when walikning down River Road in Des Plaines) I would see some pimped out classic rides within the parking lot of the old school Macdonald’s museum. Thats what I am talking about, I like the Happy days look. I totally have an appreciation for classics cars. Sometimes I wish I lived back in the 60’s — 80’s when I could experience getting served by a waitress on skates. I would how tipping would have been.

Yay for memorial of the first Mc. D! A cool sight to check out.
McDonald’s #1 Store Museum is a recreation of the first McDonald’s Restaurant opened in Des Plaines, Illinois by McDonald’s Corporation founder, Ray Kroc, on April 15, 1955.
The Museum Facility: The original red and white tiled restaurant building featuring the Golden Arches underwent several remodels through the years and was finally torn down in 1984. The present facility was built according to the original blueprints with some modifications to accommodate Museum visitors and staff. The «Speedee» road sign is original.
The customer service and food preparation areas contain original equipment used in the days when fresh potatoes were peeled, sliced, blanched and fried; milkshake mix and syrup were whipped up on the Multi-​mixers; Coca-​Cola and root beer were drawn from a barrel, and orangeade from the orange bowl.
The all male crew is represented by mannequins dressed in the 1955 uniform — dark trousers, white shirts, aprons and paper hats.
The basement features a historical display of photos, memos, early advertising, memorabilia, and a short video presentation.
An operating McDonald’s restaurant is located across the steet from the museum.