Pony Express Barn & Museum

Pony Express Barn & Museum Visitors can explore this incredible piece of history and experience a unique connection to the lega Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, and back.

Marysville’s proud heritage features the Home Station on the Pony Express route. Running only 19 months in 1860-61, the Pony Express has become a part of American lore. Between April 1860 and October 1861, riders travelled day and night through all conditions to carry letters from St. This usually took ten days with riders changing horses every 12 to 15 miles. Each rider would ride 75 to 100 miles

before turning the mail in a mochila over to a new rider at one of the 40 “home stations.”

Our museum is housed in the stone barn built in 1859 by Joseph H. Cottrell and Hank Williams. In 1860 Russell, Majors & Waddell approached them to lease the barn as a livery stable for the Pony Express. Cottrell kept his blacksmith shop in the barn. The first westbound rider left St. Joseph, Missouri on April 3, 1860, arriving in Marysville the next morning. From Marysville, "local boy" Jack Keetley took the next leg, carrying the mail into Nebraska. The mail was carried in a mochila which fit over the saddle and could not be removed unless the rider dismounted. It had four mail pockets called cantinas that were locked. The rider would transfer the mochila from one horse to another. Two minutes were allowed for changing horses. Costs for sending mail was $5 per ounce and 5 cents for each additional ounce. The rates were reduced to $1 per ounce later. The demise of the Pony Express began in 1861 with the completion of the telegraph lines across the continent. In 1991, a museum was added to the original barn, duplicating its architecture. The museum’s theme has been enlarged to include trails and railroads. The National Pony Express Association sponsors a re-ride every year with more than 550 riders — both male and female — making the ride. Each rider takes an oath similar to the original one and is issued a Bible as Russell, Majors and Waddell did to the original riders.

Big news for the Pony Express Museum! 🐎Our Board has approved a long-term transformation plan to make the museum a premi...
08/01/2026

Big news for the Pony Express Museum! 🐎

Our Board has approved a long-term transformation plan to make the museum a premier destination in Marshall County, with better exhibits, immersive storytelling, and stronger ties to local attractions, businesses, and events.

Want to hear the vision and ask questions? Join us at our Annual Meeting:

📅 Tuesday, August 18
🕠 5:30 p.m.
📍 Pony Express Museum, 106 S. 8th St., Marysville

Community members, supporters, donors, and volunteers are all welcome. Come be part of what's next! Full details on our blog

The Pony Express Museum Board has approved a transformation plan to boost tourism and reimagine the visitor experience. Learn more at the Aug. 18 annual meeting.

Restroom NoticeDue to a water line leak, the Pony Express Barn and Museum is currently without restroom facilities. The ...
07/23/2026

Restroom Notice

Due to a water line leak, the Pony Express Barn and Museum is currently without restroom facilities. The museum remains open for now, but please plan accordingly.

We will need to close temporarily at some point so repairs can be completed. When that date is set, we will post the announcement here on our page — so keep an eye out.

Thank you for your patience while we get this fixed!

🌻 Sunflower Summer Has Arrived!Looking for a family adventure in Marysville this summer?The Pony Express Barn & Museum i...
07/09/2026

🌻 Sunflower Summer Has Arrived!

Looking for a family adventure in Marysville this summer?

The Pony Express Barn & Museum is proud to participate in the Sunflower Summer program, giving eligible Kansas families the opportunity to explore history together at no cost.

Young visitors can explore hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and our Children's Discovery Area. From frontier life to mail delivery on horseback, there's something for explorers of all ages.

Make the Pony Express Barn & Museum part of your family's summer adventure and discover the stories that helped connect a growing nation.

While you're in Marysville, be sure to visit our fellow Sunflower Summer attractions, the Koester House Museum and the Marshall County Museum & Research Library.

Download the Sunflower Summer app and start exploring Kansas!

Fourth of July Holiday HoursThe Pony Express Barn & Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4, as we celebrate Independe...
07/02/2026

Fourth of July Holiday Hours

The Pony Express Barn & Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4, as we celebrate Independence Day.

As we gather with family and friends, we also remember the spirit of determination, adventure, and service that helped shape our nation and the history preserved here in Marysville.

We look forward to welcoming visitors back during our regular hours after the holiday.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

The Pony Express Barn & Museum
Marysville, Kansas

Meet Mochila... and a mochila!Most visitors know our giant squirrel friend, Mochila. But did you know a mochila was also...
06/25/2026

Meet Mochila... and a mochila!

Most visitors know our giant squirrel friend, Mochila. But did you know a mochila was also one of the most important pieces of Pony Express equipment?

The leather mochila shown here fit over a rider's saddle and carried the mail in locked pouches called cantinas. At relay stations, riders could quickly transfer the entire mochila to a fresh horse and continue their journey.

Without the mochila, there was no Pony Express.

Next time you visit, be sure to say hello to Mochila the squirrel and check out the original-style mochila that helped carry the nation's mail across the frontier.

Which Mochila is your favorite, the one that carried the mail or the one greeting visitors today?

Tell us in the comments!

🏇 Be Home Free in Your Home State with Sunflower Summer!Beginning July 9, eligible Kansas families can visit the Pony Ex...
06/16/2026

🏇 Be Home Free in Your Home State with Sunflower Summer!

Beginning July 9, eligible Kansas families can visit the Pony Express Barn & Museum in Marysville for free through the Sunflower Summer program. Discover the legendary riders, mail routes, and frontier history that helped shape America.

Your next family adventure is waiting right here in Kansas. Download the Sunflower Summer app and start exploring today!

While you're exploring Marysville, be sure to visit our fellow Sunflower Summer attractions, The Koester House Museum and Gardens and the Marshall County Historical Society Museum and Research Library, for even more local history and family fun!

Sunflower Summer is a FREE program for Kansas families brought to you by Kansas Tourism. Learn more at SunflowerSummer.org

01/03/2026

This Charming Kansas Town Has Black Squirrels, Brick Streets, And a Whole Lot of Heart 👇🏻 👇🏻

Address

106 S 8th Street
Marysville, KS
66508

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 3pm

Telephone

(785) 562-3825

Website

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