First Original McDonald's Museum

Forget your typical chain restaurants—you are standing at the place where a legend was born. The Original McDonald's Site and Museum in the city of San Bernardino is a unique storehouse of history, located exactly where the McDonald brothers opened their very first establishment in the USA. Although this museum is not owned by the official corporation, it is recognized as the most detailed and heartfelt collection of memorabilia dedicated to the roots of fast-food culture.

The museum's exhibition covers the period before Ray Kroc turned the brand into a global empire. It houses the world's largest collection of artifacts from the McDonald brothers' era: from the first paper menus and vintage packaging to rare photographs and newspaper clippings. This place is steeped in nostalgia for the "good old America" of the 1940s and 1950s.

The museum is the life's work of enthusiast Albert Okura, who bought the property to preserve its historical value. Outside, the building is adorned with the original "Golden Arches," and the walls are covered in murals featuring portraits of prominent local residents. It is a must-stop for anyone traveling along legendary Route 66 or anyone who simply wants to see how a humble burger stand changed the world.

To confirm details before your visit or to organize a group tour, you can use the following contact information. The museum staff, supported by enthusiasts, are always happy to welcome guests and answer questions about the site's history.

In this museum, every object tells a story. Visitors can see unique artifacts that are impossible to find in standard chain locations: original glass cups, paper employee hats from the 1950s, and even a prototype of an automatic ketchup dispenser. The evolution of Happy Meal toys, featuring rare items from across the decades, is always a major highlight.

Be sure to check out the first menu: you will be surprised by how simple and affordable it was at the dawn of the restaurant's existence. The museum walls are decorated with numerous photographs capturing the construction of the first locations and the daily lives of employees. Screens and displays demonstrate how the famous Speedee system worked, which became the prototype for modern assembly-line service.

There is also plenty to see outside the museum. Tourists often stage photo shoots against the backdrop of the iconic Golden Arches and large-scale murals that reflect the pride of local residents in their history. Admission to the museum is free, and the friendly atmosphere allows you to ask questions of the curators, who know practically everything about the McDonald brothers. The Inland Empire Military Museum is also located very close by and can be visited as part of the same outing.

Reaching the historic site where the global fast-food expansion began is quite easy. The museum is located at 1398 N E St in the northern part of the city. If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to take the famous Route 66 or major city thoroughfares—on-site parking is available for visitors.

For those preferring public transport, the nearest major hub is the Metrolink — San Bernardino - Downtown station. From the station, you can reach the museum by taxi in just 5-10 minutes or take local bus routes heading toward E St. A walk from the city center takes about 20–30 minutes, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of this Californian town along the way.

The museum's location is marked on most tourist maps and navigation systems. It is easily recognizable from a distance by its preserved architectural elements and the vibrant murals on the walls of the building, located next to the Juan Pollo restaurant.

The history of this site began in 1940, when brothers Dick and Mac McDonald opened McDonald’s Barbecue Restaurant here. At the time, it was a typical drive-in with carhops and an extensive 25-item menu. The restaurant quickly became a popular hangout for local youth, but the real revolution happened later.

In October 1948, the brothers made the bold decision to completely change the concept. They closed their successful restaurant, let the carhops go, and implemented the "Speedee Service System." The menu was streamlined to just a few items: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and soda. This is where the principles of modern fast food were born: speed, simplicity, and low prices.

In 1954, traveling salesman Ray Kroc became interested in this innovative approach. He partnered with the brothers and eventually bought out the business in 1961, turning a local burger joint into a global empire. Interestingly, after the deal, the brothers were prohibited from using their own last name for their remaining restaurant, which they renamed The Big M.

The original building was demolished in the 1970s, but the site was purchased by Albert Okura, the founder of the Juan Pollo chain. He decided to preserve the legacy of the legendary brothers and created an unofficial museum, gathering a unique collection of items that tell the story of how a small spot in San Bernardino changed dining culture worldwide.

To fully explore the museum's exhibits, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely examine the numerous display cases, read the descriptions of rare artifacts, and look through the collection of toys from different decades.

Since the museum is unofficial and privately owned, the atmosphere is very welcoming. The staff is often ready to share additional stories that you won't find in standard guidebooks. If you plan to take many photos outside by the famous arches or study the murals in detail, factor a little more time into your schedule.

The museum warmly welcomes visitors every day of the week. The schedule is very convenient for tourists planning a route through Southern California:

• Monday — Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A significant advantage is that admission to the museum is free, though small donations for the development of the exhibition are always welcome. Photography inside and outside the building is permitted and highly encouraged.

Your visit to the museum can be complemented by exploring other interesting locations nearby. The city center offers a chance to see historic buildings and sites that preserve the memory of the Inland Empire region's development.

Exploring nearby sites will help you get a better feel for the spirit of old California and learn more about the local culture and the city's sporting life. Below are some attractions located nearby: