As you drive down the streets and highways of America, it’s no surprise to pass a McDonald’s. With over 36,000 locations worldwide, they truly are everywhere. But, in Des Plaines, there’s a very special McDonald’s that is worth a visit.
This McDonald’s in Des Plaines looks retro, but overall pretty average…right?
Bruce Marlin/Wikimedia Golden arches? Check. Number of burgers sold listed on the sign? Check.
Once you enter, you’ll notice that it isn’t actually a restaurant, but a museum!
BWChicago/Flickr This particular McDonald’s was the very first franchise location.
The replica is set up to show what the fast food restaurant would have looked like in the 1950s.
Jerry Hudleston/Flickr Spot the mannequins in old-school uniforms at the walk-up counter, but don’t expect to see tables and chairs - eating in the restaurant wasn’t an option in the early days.
Check out the original fry vats, soda barrels, and milkshake multimixers.
BWChicago/Flickr You’ll get a true feeling of how things were over 60 years ago.
Head downstairs to view a model restaurant, vintage ads, old photos, and more.
BWChicago/Flickr Learn the full history behind the famous restaurant chain.
If you stop by at night, you’ll see the original sign lighting up the street.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
The McDonald’s Museum is located at 400 Lee Street in Des Plaines.
Bruce Marlin/Wikimedia
Golden arches? Check. Number of burgers sold listed on the sign? Check.
BWChicago/Flickr
This particular McDonald’s was the very first franchise location.
Jerry Hudleston/Flickr
Spot the mannequins in old-school uniforms at the walk-up counter, but don’t expect to see tables and chairs - eating in the restaurant wasn’t an option in the early days.
You’ll get a true feeling of how things were over 60 years ago.
Learn the full history behind the famous restaurant chain.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Have you ever visited the McDonald’s Museum? Tell us about your experience in the comments.
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