MacDonald House Museum
Discover Ormond Beach's past at MacDonald House Museum, featuring local history, early race cars, and iconic hotel models.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
MacDonald House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ormond Beach's past at MacDonald House Museum, featuring local history, early race cars, and iconic hotel models.
"A little gem offering a deep dive into Ormond Beach's unique history with incredibly friendly and knowledgeable guides."
Chat with the Guide! :speech_balloon:
The guides are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering deep insights into local history.
Check Website for Hours :calendar:
Hours can vary, so it's best to confirm on their official website before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nathan Cobb Cottage Model
Main Exhibit Room
See a detailed model of a cottage built from shipwreck parts, showcasing early ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Hotel Ormond Model
Main Exhibit Room
Marvel at a stunning model of the Ormond Hotel, once the largest wooden building in the U.S.
Early Race Cars & Motorcycles
Main Exhibit Room
Explore artifacts and stories from Ormond Beach's pioneering days in automotive and motorcycle racing.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to MacDonald House
A Glimpse into Local Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chat with the Guide! :speech_balloon:
The guides are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering deep insights into local history.
Check Website for Hours :calendar:
Hours can vary, so it's best to confirm on their official website before your visit.
Support Local History :heart:
Consider purchasing a souvenir from the gift shop to support the museum's preservation efforts.
Don't Miss the Models :camera:
The detailed models of the Nathan Cobb Cottage and Hotel Ormond are highlights worth photographing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Chat with the Guide! :speech_balloon:
The guides are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, offering deep insights into local history.
Check Website for Hours :calendar:
Hours can vary, so it's best to confirm on their official website before your visit.
Support Local History :heart:
Consider purchasing a souvenir from the gift shop to support the museum's preservation efforts.
Don't Miss the Models :camera:
The detailed models of the Nathan Cobb Cottage and Hotel Ormond are highlights worth photographing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the MacDonald House Museum as a delightful gem offering a deep dive into Ormond Beach's unique history, from early racing to iconic hotels. The knowledgeable and friendly guides are consistently highlighted as a major asset, making the experience personal and informative. While small, the museum is considered a valuable community resource and a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts.
"This little museum talks about local history, from the Nathan Cobb Cottage built in 1897 out of parts from a shipwreck to early race cars and motorcycles. There is a model of the Ormond Hotel, at one time the largest wooden building in the United States with 11 miles of hallways.
There is only one exhibit room with an informative video, a hallway filled with captioned photos, a gift shop and a very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable guide.
The MacDonald House was built in 1903 and is beautifully restored."
Carla Kirby
"Wow! I know Ormond Beach doesn’t have a history museum, so this little gem is a real find. Inside this historic building is a gift shop and some nice historic relics. I was excited to see a GORGEOUS, detailed model of the old Hotel Ormond. Nice work, Ormond Beach Historical Society!"
Drewlivie
"Community charity."
Bob E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The MacDonald House Museum is located in Ormond Beach, Florida. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available nearby. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, the museum is easily accessible by car. It's situated in a central part of Ormond Beach, making it convenient for visitors arriving by vehicle.
Street parking is generally available near the museum. It's advisable to arrive a little early, especially during peak times, to secure a convenient spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically by donation, making it an affordable way to experience local history. Check their website or inquire upon arrival for the most current information.
Opening hours can vary, so it's essential to check the official MacDonald House Museum website or their social media channels for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for MacDonald House Museum, as it operates on a donation basis. However, for group visits or special events, it's always a good idea to contact them directly.
Yes, the museum is often open on weekends, but hours can differ from weekdays. Always confirm the specific weekend hours on their official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on local history, including a model of the historic Hotel Ormond, artifacts from the Nathan Cobb Cottage, and displays on early race cars and motorcycles.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can find souvenirs and items related to Ormond Beach's history. Supporting the gift shop helps fund the museum.
A typical visit to MacDonald House Museum takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on your interest in the exhibits and if you engage with the knowledgeable guides.
While not always formal, the guides at MacDonald House are very informative and happy to share stories and details about the exhibits, offering a personalized tour experience.
The concrete animals are a distinctive feature associated with the Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum, adding a unique artistic element to the property.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
MacDonald House Museum does not have an on-site restaurant. However, there are numerous dining options available in the surrounding Ormond Beach area, ranging from casual cafes to fine dining establishments.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the museum to protect the historical artifacts. There are often picnic areas or benches nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually permitted inside MacDonald House Museum, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially regarding flash photography, to protect the exhibits.
The detailed models of the Hotel Ormond and Nathan Cobb Cottage, as well as the exterior of the historic house, offer excellent photo opportunities. The concrete animals outside the Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum are also unique subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't dedicated children's play areas, the museum's manageable size means kids can explore without getting overwhelmed. It's a great opportunity for a short, educational outing that complements beach activities. Consider bringing a small notebook for kids to sketch their favorite exhibits, like the concrete animals if visiting the Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum.
🚗 Day-Trippers
Allow about an hour for your visit, including time to chat with the knowledgeable guides and browse the gift shop. It’s a low-commitment activity that adds significant historical context to your day trip, offering a break from the usual tourist activities and a chance to learn something new about Florida's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of MacDonald House
Visitors can expect to see displays covering everything from the intriguing story of the Nathan Cobb Cottage, constructed from salvaged shipwreck materials in 1897, to the town's significant role in early automotive and motorcycle racing. The museum also features a remarkable model of the Ormond Hotel, which was once the largest wooden building in the United States, highlighting the grandeur of its past.
The museum's intimate setting, combined with its informative video and captioned photo displays, provides a comprehensive yet accessible overview of Ormond Beach's development. The friendly and knowledgeable guides are a key part of the experience, eager to share their passion for local history and answer any questions visitors may have.
Exploring the Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum
This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the story behind this remarkable structure. They actively engage with the community, encouraging visitors to join their mailing list for updates on restoration phases and upcoming events. This proactive approach ensures that the history and significance of the concrete house are shared with a wider audience.
For those interested in unique architectural landmarks and the stories behind them, the Charles Macdonald Concrete House Museum provides a compelling visit. It represents a distinct chapter in local history and offers a visual spectacle that is both intriguing and memorable.
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