Plainview Klown Doll Museum
Location: Plainview, Nebraska
When to visit: Monday to Saturday, 1-4:30 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Free
Time needed: 30 minutes
Website: www.klowndollmuseum.com
The Plainview Klown Doll Museum in Plainview, Nebraska is a pretty awesome place, as long as you’re not one of those weird people who are afraid of clowns. (And if you are, why did you click on this post??) This was one of my favorite unusual places on my Nebraska road trip a few years back.
Located seemingly in the middle of nowhere, the Klown Doll Museum sits on Route 20, hundreds of miles from any big city. Look for Stumpy the Clown, an 8-foot wooden clown that sits outside the building. The museum houses about 7,000 clown dolls, the largest such collection in the world.
History of the Plainview Klown Doll Museum
The Klown Doll Band actually formed in the 1950s to play clown music and bring joy to local residents. As time went on, a small collection of clown dolls developed in the Chamber of Commerce secretary’s office.
Eventually, the collection kept growing, so the museum purchased a building right on Route 20 in the 1990s and opened for business. Mattie Vanderpool of South Dakota donated her collection of 1500 clowns, and since then the donations have come pouring in from around the country.
In 2007, the doll collection again outgrew its home. So the facility doubled in size to accommodate its growing doll collection. Local volunteers raised money and contributed many hours to expand the museum and find a home for all of its creepy lovable dolls.
As of my visit, the museum had received visitors from 49 U.S. states – every one except West Virginia. And why does the Klown Doll Museum spell “clown” with a K? “Just to be different,” said a museum employee.
Visiting the Klown Doll Museum in Nebraska
The collection of klown dolls is massive – around 7,000, and no two are alike. They have ceramic clowns, stuffed clowns, clowns that play music, clowns on coffee mugs and clown magnets. They even have a Christmas tree covered with clown decorations and ornaments. The collection fills up two full rooms.
As of this writing, the museum is only open during the summer, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and only from Monday through Saturday between 1 and 4:30 pm. Yes, those hours are quite limited, so you’ll have to be dedicated to make it while they’re open.
If you want to stop by outside those months, you can give the museum a call at 402-582-4433 to set up an appointment to come in.
There’s plenty of free street parking nearby and admission is free, though you’ll surely want to drop a couple dollars in the donation box if you find the collection amusing. Or purchase some of their souvenirs. I found the hand-made greeting cards really cool.
If you want to overdose on clowns, visit on the first Saturday in June, when the city of Plainview holds its annual Klown Festival with a parade and other entertainment. Otherwise, stop by anytime you find yourself on Route 20 in this part of the country for a bit of entertainment.
If you’re looking for more quirky attractions in Nebraska, check out the Malcolm X Birthsite in Omaha. And if you’re thinking of taking a road trip through this area, check out my list of essential things to pack for a road trip.
I’m with Michael. That place looks like my worst nightmare. Ever since the “doll” scene in poltergeist, I can’t deal with clowns.
Oh, yeah, “IT” pretty much sealed the deal.
I think we all need to thank Stephen King for making us afraid of clowns! 🙂
I guess I’m lucky I’m unfamiliar with that movie/book.
Hi Scott,
I find it extremely colorful!!!
Have a wonderful week ahead:)
You’re certainly living up to your name here Scott! Quirky!!
Yes quirky and very creepy!
Quirky find, Scott — Right up your alley! Sounds like it would be a fun place to visit, but I think I’ll pass on the klown festival. It is a very interesting thing about clowns that they’re such popular characters for kids, but so many adults think they’re creepy. Well done post!
Thanks, Cathy. I enjoyed it!
I can’t believe so many people are afraid of clowns. You folks may want to consider seeking professional help 🙂
I agree with Christy. Super creepy!
Yes, we have had people who have remained in the car while others viewed the clowns. That is unfortunate for them. Those that have visited comment: awesome, very entertaining, brought a smile to my face, made me happy, wow, etc. The klown doll museum was started to make people happy with the requirement we don’t charge to permit them to be happy. Right now volunteers report that there are over 7,000 dolls and related pieces on display.
Thanks for dropping by, Lee! I enjoyed my visit.
I agree with Christy…creeptastic! Totally a quirky attraction I would go see 😉
Clowns are so scary! Ever since I saw “Poltergeist” as a kid I’ve had a real aversion to them. Nice write-up though 🙂
Ohmygod, CREEPY. Seriously, majorly creeptastic. Even the photos make me shudder…