Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop — Sioux City, Iowa

Discover the Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop in Iowa

Located in Sioux City, Iowa, the Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop offers visitors a fun, educational look at one of America’s most recognizable popcorn brands. This engaging Factory Museum & Visitor Experience explores how popcorn became a household snack, how Jolly Time helped shape the industry, and how kernels are grown, processed, and packaged. Guests can explore vintage exhibits, learn about popcorn innovation, and shop for classic and specialty popcorn products.
Why it’s special: Jolly Time is America’s first branded popcorn company, and this museum celebrates more than a century of snack-food innovation rooted in Iowa.

History & Story of Jolly Time Pop Corn

Jolly Time Pop Corn was founded in 1914, making it the oldest continuously operating popcorn brand in the United States. Based in Sioux City, the company pioneered popcorn branding, packaging, and home-popping innovations. Over the decades, Jolly Time introduced microwave popcorn and other advancements that helped turn popcorn into a staple snack nationwide, while remaining closely tied to Midwest corn farming.

What You’ll See & Do at the Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop

• Explore exhibits covering the history of popcorn and Jolly Time

• Learn how popcorn is grown, harvested, and processed

• See vintage popcorn machines, packaging, and advertising

• Watch educational displays explaining modern popcorn production

• Shop for Jolly Time popcorn products and branded merchandise

Hands-On Elements: Interactive exhibits and educational displays focused on popcorn science and history.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout museum and shop areas.
Souvenirs & Extras: Retail shop offering popcorn varieties, novelty items, gifts, and branded apparel.

Pricing of the Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop

Adult price: $0 per adult (free)
Museum entry is free; popcorn purchases are optional.

Visiting information

Duration: 30–45 minutes
Age limits: All ages welcome
Accessibility: Fully accessible museum and retail areas
Working hours: Open Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday Closed.

Nearby

• Palmer Candy Company Museum & Shop

• Sioux City Public Museum

• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

FAQs About Visiting the Jolly Time Pop Corn Museum & Shop

Is this a factory tour or a museum experience?
This is a museum and retail experience rather than a guided walk through active production areas.

Can visitors see popcorn being made?
The visit focuses on exhibits and education; live production viewing is not part of the experience.

Is this museum good for kids?
Yes. The exhibits are family-friendly and include colorful displays and interactive elements.

Are samples provided during the visit?
Samples are not guaranteed, but a wide variety of popcorn is available for purchase in the shop.

Is the museum open year-round?
Yes. The museum operates year-round during regular weekday business hours.