Museum Hours
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Wednesday–Sunday from May to October / Saturday–Sunday in November

Wyandot Popcorn Museum

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Step Right Up to the
Wyandot Popcorn Museum!

Hoover and Ava Brown founded the Wyandot Popcorn Company in 1936. Fast forward a few decades, and their oldest son, George K. Brown, decided to honor Marion’s contributions to American snack history by establishing the Wyandot Popcorn Museum in 1982.

Originally, the museum was housed at the Wyandot Popcorn Company, but in 1989, it found a new home in the charming, historic US Post Office building, nestled in Marion’s downtown district.

As the only popcorn museum in the entire United States, it boasts an incredible collection of restored popcorn antiques! When you visit, you’ll be treated to a variety of popcorn wagons and peanut roasters, all displayed under a colorful circus tent. These wonderful wagons, dating back to the turn of the century, have been lovingly restored to their original glory.

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The museum’s very first treasure, acquired in the spring of 1981, is the star piece: the Cretors 1899 No. 1 Popcorn Cart. This beauty was found in pretty bad shape, but thanks to Bob Pearson from Kansas, it has been beautifully restored. Remarkably, this cart stands as the third-oldest existing Cretors popcorn machine, with the earliest patents dating back to the 1890s. 

In 1990, the museum added a stunning 1909 Cretors Model D Popcorn Wagon to its collection. This horse-drawn wagon even had a driver’s seat and was one of only two Model D wagons used by the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

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Plus, there’s the 1909 Dunbar Model 950, which Paul Newman, the creator of Newman’s Own, bought from Mr. Koepsell in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1984. For several years, Newman used this wagon to promote his product in Central Park and during supermarket demonstrations, capturing audiences and promoting his brand. 

Today, when you visit the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, you can explore over 50 antique popcorn carts and machines, along with a delightful assortment of photos and popcorn memorabilia that date all the way back to the 19th century. It’s a fun experience for all popcorn lovers!

Wyandot Popcorn Museum
Hours and Admission

Regular Hours

  • May through October
Wednesday through Sunday
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Late Fall Hours

  • November
    Saturday and Sunday
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Closed

  • December through April (for exhibit reset)
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Tours

Group tours are welcome! Call 740-387-4255 to schedule tours.

Tours outside regular museum hours are available by appointment only.

Admission
  • Adults: $10
  • Seniors (60+): $8
  • Children (K-12): $5
  • Children under 5: Free