FAQ

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Seasonal hours may vary.

The Pony Express National Museum is located at 914 Penn Street in St. Joseph, Missouri, in historic downtown St. Joseph.

Yes. Free parking is available on Penn Street and in the parking area behind the museum.

Yes. The museum is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs may be available upon request. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before your visit.

Admission rates are as follows:

• Adults: $10
• Seniors (60 and over): $9
• Students (7–17): $5
• Children (4–6): $3
• Children (3 and under): Free
• Members and Patrons: Free

Yes. Group rates are available for schools, tour groups, and organizations. Please contact the museum in advance for details and scheduling.

Yes. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the museum.

Guided tours may be available for groups by appointment. Self-guided tours and video tour options are also available.

Pony School offers educational and interpretive programs designed for students and groups. Programs are available by appointment and may be customized based on group size and educational goals.

Yes. A virtual tour is available for those who wish to explore the museum remotely.

Please make reservations at least two weeks in advance. School tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and many groups book one to two months ahead. If you need to cancel or change your schedule, please notify the museum as soon as possible.

Guided tours are available for groups of at least 20 students and are limited to 75 participants. Larger groups may be accommodated with special arrangements.

If you prefer a self-guided tour, please call in advance to schedule a visit time.

Our knowledgeable and friendly volunteer guides are proud to interpret the historical significance of the Pony Express and help preserve the legacy of this important American endeavor.

We offer guided tours upon request, along with a variety of interactive learning activities. Each visit begins with a 15-minute Pony Express Educational Video.

Hands-on exhibits include opportunities to:

• Pump water from an old well
• Use a telegraph machine
• Sort mail in under a minute
• Switch a mochila onto a saddle
• Explore a dedicated children’s play room

The Family Life on the Frontier room allows students to dress as pioneers and experience daily life in the 1800s using period props.

Interpretive programs are also available in our award-winning one-room schoolhouse, located adjacent to the museum. This space transports students back to classroom life in the 1860s. Curriculum guidelines are available upon request and can be mailed to your school.

School groups may request use of our Community Room to enjoy a catered lunch from local vendors. Please contact Cindy at the Pony Express National Museum to make catering arrangements.

Directly across the street is Patee Park, which offers picnic tables, playground equipment, and open green space. A historic steam engine from the mid-1800s is also located in the park, offering another look at transportation history during westward expansion.

• Student admission: $2.50
• Teachers and bus drivers: Complimentary
• Additional parents and chaperones: $2.50 each

We accept cash, credit cards, checks, and money orders. Payment is appreciated prior to or on the day of your tour.

Schools may request invoicing with a purchase order if arrangements are made in advance.

Yes. Free bus parking is available on Penn Street in front of the museum or in the parking lot behind the museum. Additional parking is available on 10th Street, east of the museum.

Yes. The museum is handicap accessible, and a wheelchair is available for your convenience.

Please contact the museum to schedule your visit.

Food and drinks are not permitted in exhibit areas. Please contact the museum with questions regarding group visits or special accommodations.

Photography is generally permitted for personal use. Flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain exhibit areas.

Yes. The museum store offers books, toys, collectibles, clothing, and other Pony Express–themed items.