Over the years, the Patee House Museum has never quite fit into a traditional museum mold. It's just got too many interesting things stuffed inside. Visitors stop in thinking that they will be seeing a quick tour of a former hotel, and realize that they have stumbled on something truly unusual and fascinating. Review after review mentioned the "Oh Wow'' that they felt over something in the museum.
The outside is a bit oh, yawn. It fools people. A former luxury hotel, the Patee House Museum is famous for two reasons. One, Jesse James is connected to it. Two, the Pony Express used it as a headquarters. Three, the fourth floor was a sanatorium for epileptics. Four, they have a working hangman's gallows. Five . . . oh, right. Just two reasons for fame appear on the nice but unassuming four story stone and brick exterior.
Inside? Visitors don't see it coming.
Children will enjoy the museum, as there are pieces that can be touched and played with throughout the museum. A full-size steam locomotive is on display (they had to dig a special pit) as well as a collection of steam whistles that can be played by guests. Children will also enjoy comparing themselves to the true to life portrait of giant Henry Wadlow.
Adults will likely want to see the gallows, collection of murder weapons from history, the Olympic torch and the Pony Express exhibit items. Tours can be guided or self-led, and staff are reported to be full of information and stories. Tickets are extremely reasonable at less than $5 for adults and $3 for children. The only inconvenience is the change in hours for the Patee House Museum between summer and winter - summer hours are longer and cover more days of the week, while winter hours are sometimes weekend only. Call ahead to verify or if a group tour needs to be arranged.
