The Dreaming Tree

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 18, 2012

1. The Dreaming Tree Marker

Inscription. This large cottonwood tree still stands where Walt and Ruth played and waded in the spring that runs at its base. Daydreaming under the giant cottonwood young Walt Disney would observe the whole of nature surrounding him – the bugs, animals, birds, and sounds of the wind. He later called these adventures "belly botany," and drew from these childhood memories in his "Mickey Mouse" and "Silly Symphony" cartoons.

He apparently never outgrew his need for inspiration from his favorite spot. On his trips back to Marceline, he always put aside time for reflection back under his dreaming tree.

This tree is register as a historic tree by American Forest.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 43.928′ N, 92° 56.637′ W. Marker was in Marceline, Missouri, in Linn County. Marker could be reached from West Broadway Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Missouri Route 5. Marker was north of Broadway behind the old Disney home, on a trail that leads to a replica of the Disney barn. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Marceline MO 64658, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Walt Learns a Valuable Lesson (here, next to this

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marker); Walt's Happy Place (here, next to this marker); The Original Dreaming Tree (here, next to this marker); Coming to Marceline (a few steps from this marker); Marceline Inspiration (within shouting distance of this marker); The Son of Dreaming Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Walt's Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); As an adult Walt Disney wrote (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marceline.

Regarding The Dreaming Tree. The tree was struck by lightning in 2008, and the remains of the tree eventually blew over in a strong windstorm on May 28, 2015.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 18, 2012

2. The Dreaming Tree Marker

The Dreaming Tree image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 18, 2012

3. The Dreaming Tree

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 636 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 15, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.