Matchstick Marvels Museum

The museum exhibits scale models constructed entirely from wooden matchsticks, featuring detailed replicas of buildings, ships, and architectural landmarks at 319 Second Street.

Pat Acton started creating matchstick sculptures in 1977, developing specialized techniques for constructing intricate models that led to opening this museum in 2003.

The collection includes a 13-foot model of USS Iowa battleship, a 12-foot United States Capitol, and Notre Dame Cathedral consisting of 300,000 individual matchsticks.

The museum operates daily from April through November between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM, with admission prices of $5 for adults and $3 for children aged 5-12.

The creator has utilized over 8.6 million matchsticks throughout 44 years to construct more than 70 different models displayed at this location and Ripley's museums worldwide.

Location: Gladbrook

Address: 319 2nd St, Gladbrook, IA 50635

Phone: +16414732410

Website: http://matchstickmarvels.com

GPS coordinates: 42.18789,-92.71547

Latest update: March 17, 2025 18:52