Days 5 and 6 - Explore History

Kansas City's location on the Missouri River naturally positioned it to be a major part of the exploration of the American West. Beginning with the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804, four national trails pass through Kansas City – including the Santa Fe, the California and the Oregon Trails. America’s western heritage began in Kansas City. There are many historical places to visit in the Kansas City area, both in the city and on the outskirts.

 

Because there is so much to see, two days are recommended to take in all the historical sites. You can do them in back-to-back days or split them up in your trip. You can visit these suggestions or explore history on your own by looking for the Lewis and Clark signs that point to historical landmarks around the area.

 

The Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, overlooking the Missouri River, is the making of explorer. Clark built the fort in 1808 and it was reconstructed in 1941. Today, you can tour the blockhouses, officers’ quarters and soldiers’ barracks that frequently come to life in living history programs of the period.

 

At the National Frontier Trails Center you’ll find interactive exhibits to test your knowledge of the trails and allow you to see some of the supplies that explorers and pioneers brought through this region.

 

Alexander Majors and his freighting firms helped build many of the small town popping up along the Santa Fe Trail. For a short time, the Alexander Majors Home was the headquarters of Majors’ most well-known venture, the Pony Express.  

 

At the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop you can see three original buildings of this last remaining stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. You can also take a stage coach ride and participate in the activities travelers of the 1860s.

 

The Jesse James Farm and Museum showcases the farm where Jesse James was born and he and his brother Frank were raised in the mid-1800s. The house has been authentically restored and the museum contains the largest collection of James family artifacts in the world. His gravesite at Kearney’s Mount Olivet cemetery draws thousands of visitors a year, as does the Jesse James Festival in September.

 

The Arabia Steamboat Museum documents where, in 1856, the Arabia Steamboat met its demise. The boat was on its way upriver to Fort Benton, Montana with all of the supplies needed for a small town on the western frontier. The boat hit a snag in the Missouri River and sank near Parkville. In 1988, the Arabia was uncovered with all of its cargo intact, which makes a fascinating display of early western life.

 

Most of these stops will offer some type of nourishment, including some unique, historical themed restaurants.