If you think back to your childhood, what’s one of the first fast-food joints that comes to mind? What restaurant was it that, as you passed it on the way home from school or soccer practice or whatever else, you asked your parent, guardian, or begrudging older sibling: “Can we get —?” If you’re anything like us, one of the places that’ll come to mind is good ol’ McDonald’s. Sure, fast food restaurants are kind of out of vogue these days, but let’s be real here: some of them, like this one, were definitely major players in our childhoods.

Interestingly, here in the Hoosier State, we’re home to a little bit of Mickey D’s history: in Muncie, there exists a unique McDonald’s store that’s been open since 1958. What makes it so unique? For almost 65 years now, this location – one of the oldest McDonald’s in Indiana, if not the country – has been serving up iconic burgers n’ fries with the added bonus of being one of the only restaurants left with the original vintage golden arch sign. Is the original McDonald’s still open? You bet it is!

Sources appear to vary on just how many of these signs remain out "in the wild," though the general consensus seems to be that there are just three of these particular bad boys left.
Highsmith, Carol M./LOC.gov
The McDonald's location in Muncie is one of them (and the other two are in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Cincinnati, Ohio).
The sign and the restaurant have both been nicely kept up over the years.
Jason G/Google Local
The restaurant itself is as modern as just about any McDonald's you'll meander into anywhere else, but that old-school neon sign out front is what tends to draw folks in.
When you arrive at the Muncie, Indiana McDonald's restaurant for that guilty-pleasure chicken nugget break before picking the kids up, you can expect to be welcomed by this unusual landmark, which is visible from quite a distance away.
Rudy Benavides/Google Local
Amusingly enough, some folks traveling through the area will go out of their way to get pictures of - or in front of - the sign. It's generated quite a bit of interest in the town of Muncie, and the city plans to maintain it for as long as possible.

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It's not like none of us will be going there anytime soon, right? We're pretty sure that McDonald's is one of those guilty pleasures we all like to act like we don't still love.
Vanessa Torres/Google
But come on. Those fries, though. And the quarter-pounder with cheese (now THAT is a tasty burger!). And the nuggets. Great, now we're hungry.
Good thing the Mickey D's in Muncie is always open.
Lara/Flickr
It doesn't matter if it's 6:00 at night or 3:00 in the morning - Muncie McDonald's has your back. If anyone asks, "Is the first McDonald's still open?" you'll know the answer is "yes"!
And, of course, you can always count on that awesome old sign welcoming you back for another series of questionable (but delicious) nutrition decisions.
Frank Mcgill/Google Local

Did you ever wonder, “Is the original McDonald’s still open?” Are you glad it still is? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. While you’re staying in Muncie, check out how this town inspired a famous TV show!

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More to Explore

Delicious Dishes in Indiana

Will Suphan | February 15, 2024

What are the most traditional foods in Indiana?

The most traditional foods in Indiana include:

  • Persimmon Pudding. This is another Hoosier dessert that you’ll find everywhere in Indiana but rarely outside of it.
  • Beef or Chicken and Noodles.  This is a local comfort food that’s a nostalgic dish for anyone who grew up in Indiana.
  • Pork Tenderloin. This is a pork filet pounded thin, breaded, and fried and usually sticks out of the bun.
  • Sugar Cream Pie. This dessert is usually found at pretty much any event where food is involved.

Discover more of the most traditional foods in Indiana. 

What are the best sweet shops in Indiana?

The best sweet shops in Indiana include:

  • Schakolad Chocolate Factory. This place has a chocolate recipe that goes back generations and it’s all made right here.
  • Albanese Candy. You may have had their gummies from various stores, but this is the place they originated, and it’s best when it’s fresh.
  • Schimpff’s Confectionery. Located in Jeffersonville, this candy shop also has an old-fashioned soda fountain and serves candy in glass jars.
  • Good’s Candy Shop. When locals want custom chocolates and candies, they call up this place in Anderson because they make some of the best.

Find out more about the best sweet shops in Indiana. 

What are the most favorite foods in Indiana?

The most favorite foods in Indiana include:

  • Big Red Soda. This locally-made soda has been a Hoosier favorite for decades, especially on a hot summer day.
  • Sun Brewed Tea with Lemon. People in Indiana love to set out a big jar or pitcher with a few tea bags and when it’s ready, add ice and lemon.
  • Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie. While many states have rhubarb pie, in Indiana, strawberries are added for some extra sweetness.
  • Fried Potatoes and Onions. Sliced potatoes and chopped onions are fried together with a bit of butter for hearty comfort food.

Learn more about the most favorite foods in Indiana. 

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