Local industry & biography museum

Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home

About 0.3 road mi

The 1889 Ellis home where Walter P. Chrysler grew up, paired with a biographical museum tracing his path from railroad apprentice to automobile-company founder.

The place

About Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home

Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home and Museum is the most natural companion to Ellis Railroad Museum because Chrysler’s mechanical career began in the local railroad shops. His family moved into this white-pine clapboard house in 1889 and remained until 1908.

The historic house became a museum in 1954 and was deeded to the City of Ellis the following year. A separate museum building opened behind it in 1994 to display personal material connected with Chrysler. Kansas Tourism also identifies a 1924 Chrysler “6” among the collection.

This is a small, seasonal, locally operated museum rather than a large automotive complex. Its current official hours overlap four Ellis Railroad Museum days each week, making a walk or very short drive between the two practical. The site does not publish complete accessibility or parking guidance, so visitors who need a step-free route or reserved space should call before traveling.

What stands out

1889 family home

Walk through the preserved Midwestern house occupied by the Chrysler family from 1889 to 1908.

Railroad-to-automotive story

Connect Chrysler’s early mechanical experience in the Ellis railroad shops with his later industrial career.

Personal collection and early automobile

The rear museum building displays personal material; Kansas Tourism identifies a 1924 Chrysler “6” as a centerpiece.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in an Ellis Railroad Museum trip

The home is about 0.3 road miles south of Ellis Railroad Museum. Pair the museums Wednesday through Saturday during the April–October season; allow enough time to return for the miniature train’s fixed 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. departure.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Season and hoursThe official visitor page lists April through October, Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
  • AdmissionCurrent posted prices are free for ages 5 and younger, $3 for ages 6–11, $5 for ages 12 through adult, and $4 for visitors 65 and older.
  • Time to allowAllow roughly 45–75 minutes for the furnished home and museum collection, then preserve time for the railroad museum’s fixed train departure.
  • GroupsGroups and special tours can be arranged. The museum asks groups larger than 15 to call ahead.
  • AccessibilityThe official site does not publish a complete step-free route through the historic home and separate museum. Call before traveling when stairs, door widths, seating, or restroom access will determine the visit.
  • ParkingThe official site provides driving directions but does not document parking capacity or oversized-vehicle spaces. Call ahead for a bus or mobility-sensitive visit.
  • PhotographyNo current public photography policy is posted. Ask staff before photographing interiors or collection objects.

Add a substantial Hays museum

Add Sternberg Museum of Natural History

Continue east on I-70 for fossils, live animals, a Cretaceous diorama, and the Fish-within-a-fish.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

How far is the Chrysler home from Ellis Railroad Museum?

The two are about 0.3 road miles apart on and near Washington Street, making them an easy same-day pair.

When is the museum open?

The official site lists Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., from April through October.

How much is admission?

The current official prices are $5 for ages 12 through adult, $4 for ages 65 and older, $3 for ages 6–11, and free for ages 5 and younger.

What connects Walter Chrysler to Ellis railroading?

Chrysler developed his early mechanical skills in the Ellis railroad shops before advancing through the railroad industry and later founding Chrysler Corporation.

Is the historic home wheelchair accessible?

The official site does not publish enough detail for a blanket accessibility promise. Call (785) 726-3636 about the exact mobility need.

Can a group arrange a tour?

Yes. The museum welcomes groups and special tours and asks parties larger than 15 to call ahead.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-14. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.