First Original McDonald's Museum — Attraction in San Bernardino

The drive through the neighborhood reminded me of driving down Charter Way in Stockton: a run-down and sketchy neighborhood.

The back lot has a run-down, abandoned building with many different figures outside: a giant rooster, Sylvester, quarter rides typically found outside stores, the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo, and more. It gives off creepy, abandoned-town horror movie vibes.

When we walked in, we were hit with an organized hoarder vibe, and two human manikins standing in the distance dressed in old uniforms gave us a slight jump scare. We walked to the counter and picked up a flyer they had at the counter that showed the history of McDonald's. A voice out of nowhere greeted us. I was looking everywhere for the person that this voice came from. Slowly, a figure seemed to appear from behind the counter, just like a freaking horror movie! The counter was crowded with a COVID shield and other items that blocked the view of the man possibly sitting in the older section that wasn't open to the public. The man seemed awkward while he tried making small talk, but he was pleasant.

As we walked through the rows of overly packed glass cabinets, my eyes became overstimulated by everything to read and look at, and things blurred together. Every inch of the wall behind the shorter, overly packed glass cases had newspaper articles and pictures, but without going behind the cases, you couldn't read. There were items from McDonald's worldwide and even competitor's memorabilia.

If you're not ready for the last turn, you'll get a jump scare from the giant costume standing and looking down at you. On your way out, there is an old marry-go-round and tree with a funny mirror on the backside. There are a few items for purchase: pins, postcards, beanies, and stickers. Oh, the "sister" business next door, in the same parking lot, is an even smaller building for a military museum. We didn't visit.

Overall, we can say that we have been to the historic McDonald's and drove down Route 66. Would we be back for a visit? Only If I was to bring my other two teens so they could mark it off strange things to visit list. However, if we were together during this visit, we wouldn't...

Yes, this was a minor "to-do" on our bucket list, but since my husband had time off work, we thought it would be the best time to pay it a visit and cross it off our list. For anyone who has grown up with McDonald's or has loved it at any time in their life, this is the museum for you! First of all, you must know that there is NO food sold or obtainable at this location. However, they do sell canned sodas. It is only a museum. The only items you CAN purchase are nostalgic memorabilia which includes; magnets, pins, stickers, mugs, key chains, t-shirts, sweatshirts, lanyards, and hats. Since there are no fees whatsoever for parking or entrance into the museum, you can make a donation if you wish. This will go to keeping the museum free and up and running. Besides the thousands upon thousands of happy meal toys and all things McDonald's that are securely displayed in many clear viewing cases from its inception beginning 1948 until the present, you will find all the history you ever wanted to know regarding McDonald's. There is also a very knowledgeable tour guide available if you'd like that option. The outside is filled with all the toy rides you may remember seeing out in front of various McDonald's through the years. The whole exterior of the building is painted in a giant mural of seemingly thousands of pictures depicting the history of San Bernardino, California. Outside, there are other surprises like a giant Bugs Bunny, The Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine, and even a giant hot dog on a bun, plus much more. Near the street, there is a sign which designates this location as a Historical Landmark, as well as other markers spread around the front commemorating something about the location. The tour guide on duty when we visited mentioned that people come from all over the world to see this very first McDonald's! Right when we were there, a group was visiting from Belgium! We were told that just the week before, people visited from Africa! Plan your visit to this iconic spot, and don't forget your cameras or to sign...

The First Original McDonald's Museum was an interesting stop that our family made while passing through town. One word can easily describe this place: nostalgic. As I stepped out of the car, I found myself surrounded by several McDonald's playground structures and statues that I recognized from my childhood. These structures have largely been erased from the modern McDonalds' landscape so it was refreshing to encounter some long forgotten friends. The property, true to its word, is the original building from which the Classic McDonald's brand sprang from. While it was neat to see the building, years of use, weathering, and lack of maintenance has left the building in need of restoration and upkeep. The security gates surrounding the property detract from appearance, and when tallied with the Scooby Doo van, the oddly placed mural, and the various oddities strewn throughout the grounds, the First Original McDonald's Museum feels more like an amateurish attempt at what should be a McDonald's mecca. Inside the building are several aisles dedicated to the uncountable toys produced over the years, and which span the fast-food chain's global reach. Sprinkled amongst the toys, one will occasionally find a name tag, a vintage paper bag, or employee paraphernalia. We enjoyed our short visit to the museum and I can see the attraction to McDonald's toy collectors that are out there, but I feel that the museum is lacking. I can see a hardcore fan spending hours here but for the average person, much less. I don't believe we would stop here again and outside of a McD toy collector, I wouldn't recommend this...