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Matchstick Marvels: A World in Miniature

Discover intricate miniature worlds crafted from millions of matchsticks at this unique Iowa museum. A stunning display of artistry and dedication.

4.8

Matchstick Marvels in Gladbrook, Iowa, is a unique museum showcasing intricate scale models crafted entirely from wooden matchsticks by artist Pat Acton. Featuring replicas of famous landmarks, vehicles, and more, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of miniature artistry and dedication.

A brief summary to Matchstick Marvels

  • Monday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Tuesday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Wednesday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Saturday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • The museum is open from April 1st to November 30th, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM daily. Check the website for exact dates and any holiday closures.
  • Admission is cash only. Be sure to bring enough for admission and any souvenirs from the gift shop.
  • Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the intricate details of the models. Read the descriptions to learn about the time and materials required for each piece.
  • Consider visiting during the Gladbrook Corn Carnival for a fun-filled community experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Matchstick Marvels is located at 319 2nd St in Gladbrook, Iowa. Gladbrook is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Marshalltown. From Marshalltown, take IA-14 N. Once you arrive in Gladbrook, look for 2nd Street; Matchstick Marvels will be located on this street. Free parking is available on the street in front of the building.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest major city to Gladbrook is Marshalltown. From Marshalltown, you can take a local taxi or rideshare service to reach Matchstick Marvels. The taxi fare from Marshalltown to Gladbrook is approximately $30. Remember to check the bus schedules in advance, as they may not run frequently.

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Discover more about Matchstick Marvels

Tucked away in the small town of Gladbrook, Iowa, Matchstick Marvels is a captivating museum dedicated to the incredible artistry of Pat Acton, who has been creating detailed sculptures from ordinary wooden matchsticks since 1977. With over 7 million matchsticks and countless gallons of glue, Acton has constructed over 70 models, many of which are on display. Visitors can marvel at meticulously crafted replicas of iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and Iowa's own Terrace Hill, the governor's mansion. Models of the USS Iowa battleship and the Space Shuttle Challenger, along with fictional spacecraft like the Millennium Falcon and the Starship Enterprise, also showcase Acton's diverse interests and skill. The museum displays around 20 models at a time, along with Acton's original plans and tools. Acton's dedication is evident in every piece. For the first 10 years, he painstakingly removed the combustible tips from each matchstick before gluing it into place. Now, he purchases matchsticks without tips to save time, allowing him to focus on increasing the size and detail of his creations. Ripley's Believe It or Not! has purchased 25 of Acton's creations for their museums worldwide. The museum itself is a community effort, run by the city of Gladbrook and staffed by volunteers.

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