4.5Union Station(2.543 reviews) - Recommended visit, we were pleased Historic Sites
We happened to be at a antique shop in West Bottoms where we chatted with the owner of the shop. He said we should go visit the Union Station which was built in 1914 after the original Kansas City Union Depot located in West Bottoms which used to be the original downtown but flooded badly in 1906. Anyway, we drove out to see the Union Station on our last day in KC, Thursday, March 9, 2023. It is an amazing building rivaling the Union Depot in Chicago, not quite Grand Central Station in NY, but still well worth a visit. It is free to visit the station public areas, but you must pay for parking if staying more than 30 minutes. There are several event areas and exhibits but those are also require paid admission. We were only staying for an hour or so. We viewed as much as we could for free. Great place to visit on a rainy day.See more..
The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) opened in 1836 along the banks of the Missouri River in Jefferson City, Missouri, the state capital. The prison housed inmates for 168 years and was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. The prison was already 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates.The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau now offers a wide variety of tours at the site, once named the "The bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Visitors can choose to take a History or Ghost Tour, among others, and will walk through several incredibly historic housing units, the vast upper yard of the property and the gas chamber, where 40 men and women were executed. The tour also showcases cells of infamous inmates such as Sonny Liston, and James Earl Ray, who escaped from MSP before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. Tour Season runs March - November each year. Tour Season: March - NovemberSee more..
4.5Old Courthouse(1.054 reviews) - Perfect complement to the Arch Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings
Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.See more..
Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum and learn how a small boy from Hannibal became America's most beloved author! Experience interactive exhibits, live Mark Twain performances, 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings, treasured Clemens family artifacts and Twain memorabilia. Visit the museums 5 historic properties and 2 interactive museums including The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Don't sneak away from Hannibal until you've visited!See more..
5.0Rockcliffe Mansion (Tours)(852 reviews) - Step back in time!! Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 15, 2023 Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
Rockcliffe Mansion is an amazing Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred SF, Thirty room, Grand Residence built to overlook the Mighty Mississippi between 1898 and 1900 by Lumber Baron John J Cruikshank, Jr. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the original antique furnishings and fixtures are preserved. The Mansion is filled with rich Mahogany, Oak and Walnut appointments, magnificent Palladian windows and the finest interior decorations from Europe and America. Guided Tours are available daily. In addition to Guided Tours, the Mansion offers 4 Bed & Breakfast accommodations. Open March 15th through November 15th. Please visit our Website for Tour hours and further information.See more..
4.5Missouri State Capitol(577 reviews) - We were well-pleased Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The "we" referred to in the title were three high school seniors and one adult. Everybody thought the tour was well worth our time. The museum on the first floor is great. Interesting artwork is featured throughout the building. Our tour guide was knowledgeable. Be aware that a 24-hour advanced reservation is required for a tour. There is no cost. See more..
A park ranger gave the tour. He gave a brief history of Grant (about 15mins). You can walk through the house on your own and meet back up with the ranger before heading to the museum located in the old barn. The house was sparse not too many items adorned the rooms. It was pretty bare bones of just the house. The history of Grant was very interesting and how the house finally came into possession of the National parks. The museum in the barn is very nicely done with a lot of additional information (and it has ac). It was a little confusing which location was the house because it is next to the Busch property that had a lot more people. The Grant house is the first stop on the right. It is free to tour the property. The parking is right in the front, it is free. There is the typical little shop and clean restrooms. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Nice stop on our road trip only took us about 30-40mins with an 11 and 15 year old.See more..
4.5Harry S Truman National Historic Site(536 reviews) - Visit the House and the Library/Museum to Understand Truman Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
President Harry S Truman took America from its traditional isolationism into the age of international involvement. Despite his power, he never forgot where he came from. Today, visitors can experience the surroundings Truman knew as a young man of modest ambition through his political career and final years as a former president.See more..
If you are big fans of the tv show and the books, this is for you. There is a museum where you purchase tickets to tour the house. The museum is in a white building and has a nice gift shop and wonderful original artifacts from Laura’s life. The tour guides are great and very knowledgeable. Pictures are not allowed in the house-which makes it more special to see it. I recommend doing the museum last because her house and rock house have timed entries and the museum is a self pace. Try to be there when they open-it as not crowded for us. See more..
We visited last Saturday and enjoyed a personal tour with Ben. There were, surprisingly, no other parties or groups when we were there, in spite of the Truman Library/Museum being closed due to COVID (which might have left some unexpected spare time in an itinerary). The house was extremely well appointed with 90% authentic turn of the century (i.e. 1900) furnishings. Most places like this would have ropes and barriers to keep visitors from touching anything, but here there were essentially none. For example, I was INVITED to play the antique pump organ! Our guide had a great deal of personal experience maintaining the house/furnishings rather than just reciting a memorized script of talking points. We walked the short path to see the swales in the field from departing wagons/horses. I'd have to say you need to close your eyes and use your imagination to see any swales. We enjoyed our unhurried tour and walk through the grounds.See more..
5.0America's National Churchill Museum(265 reviews) - Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
In 1946 it was at Westminster College that Winston Churchill delivered one of the most significant speeches of his long and illustrious career. That address, formally entitled, The Sinews of Peace, but best known for that evocative phrase, An Iron Curtain has descended across the Continent, effectively marked the beginning of the Cold War and linked, forever, Fulton and Westminster College with Winston Churchill.In the 1960s Westminster College set out to mark what would be the 40th anniversary of Churchill's visit. After due consideration to traditional modes of commemoration, Westminster College settled on the rather more ambitious notion of moving a Christopher Wren designed Church from London. This Church, St. Mary the Virgin Aldermanbury, had stood in London since 1677 when it replaced an earlier structure that had sat on the same site since the 12th century. This magnificent building, badly damaged during the London Blitz, was moved stone by stone to Westminster's campus and rebuilt to Wren's original specifications.Beneath this Church is the National Churchill Museum itself which through the imaginative and innovative use of technology bring to life the story of Winston Churchill and the world he knew. Recently rebuilt form the ground up the new displays and the permanent exhibition, together with host of associated historical and cultural activities that support it was recognized the by the United States Congress as America's permanent tribute to this great man and formally recognized as America's National Churchill Museum.See more..
4.5Independence Square(237 reviews) - See what the square has to offer... Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
History, tours, wagon rides, museums, historic landmarks dining, shopping all within several blocks of one another. See more..
5.0Campbell House Museum(173 reviews) - Meticulous1885 Restoration Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Since opening on February 6, 1943, the Campbell House Museum has served the greater St. Louis area as one of America's premier historic property museums. The Museum not only preserves the Campbell's house, but also their collection of original furniture, fixtures, paintings, objects and thousands of pages of family documents. Included in these documents is a unique album of 60 photographs of the interior of the house taken in about 1885. In 2005 the Museum completed a meticulous five-year restoration that returned the building to its opulent 1880s appearance, when the house was one of the centers of St. Louis society.See more..
4.5Jesse James Birthplace Museum(167 reviews) - Well done museum Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Jesse James, son of a Baptist minister, was born at the family home in 1847. He and his older brother, Frank, fought with the guerrillas during the Civil War. The Jesse James Birthplace features the worlds largest display of James family artifacts and Jesse's original grave site. The tour consists of a twenty minute introductory film, three galleries of artifacts, a small gift shop and a guided tour through the James family cabin.See more..
We are currently operating under WINTER HOURS. Guided tours are only available SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS until March 1st. Due to the ongoing pandemic, guided tours are limited to 6 people at time. Please call for more information. The Historic Daniel Boone Home features the home of the legendary hero Daniel Boone and his family. The four-story, Georgian style home was built in the 1800's overlooking the Femme Osage Valley. The village, is comprised of over a dozen 19th century buildings including the Old Peace Chapel, grist mill, schoolhouse, and carpenter's shop. Together these buildings help visitors understand life on the Missouri frontier. As a county park, visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds at their leisure. Guided tours are available of the Boone Home and/or village. Group tours and school group programs available with reservations. Not all buildings are handicap accessible. The Old Peace Chapel and Grand Pavilion are available to rent for weddings and private services.See more..
4.0Becky Thatcher's House(160 reviews) - good food Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites
While staying in Hannibal for an event my husband and I had the pleasure of eating here. The food was amazing and more than we could eat. The prices were really cheap for the amount of food you receive. The help was very courteous and helpful. Will definitely eat here on our next trip to HannibalSee more..
4.5Vaile Mansion(159 reviews) - Beautiful restored mansion with a fascinating history Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
The historic Mansion is beautifully restored and open for tours. Built by Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Vaile in 1881, it was "the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west," the Kansas City Times reported in 1882. Situated on North Liberty Street, a mile north of the historic Independence Square, the three-story Gothic-like structure today sits in solitary splendor, an architectural anomaly among the surrounding Midwestern homes.See more..
Thomas Hart Benton's life is present in both his home and his paintings, and both are preserved at Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. A trip to the home and studio of the renowned painter, sculptor, lecturer and writer offers a glimpse into how the talented Benton lived and worked. Benton converted half of the carriage house into his art studio, which remains as he left it. Visitors can still see coffee cans full of paintbrushes, numerous paints, and a stretched canvas waiting to be transformed into another of his masterpieces. Thomas Hart Benton died in his studio in 1975.See more..
Stroll through the history of a once-bustling river town that’s now the serene village of Arrow Rock. You’ll walk streets lined with the architecture of the historic “Boone’s Lick Country.” At Arrow Rock State Historic Site, you may wander into the historic Old Tavern, which dates back to 1834 and provides a dining experience in a period setting or see displays of old-time wares at the Huston Store. You can learn about it all through exhibits in the visitor center. The historic site is part of the larger Village of Arrow Rock, which features quaint stores and a bevy of antique shops.See more..
Visit a significant part of German-American history – and early Missouri settlement – at Deutschheim State Historic Site. Stroll through the restored 1840s and 1850s buildings and explore how German-Americans settled the Hermann area and developed the basis for a Missouri wine industry. Grapevines planted in the 1850s can still be seen on the property as can a number of historic artifacts.See more..
With a commanding view from atop a bluff, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is one of the best representations of early 20th Century sensibilities in the Midwest. Walk through the 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge built atop two natural caves by Sedalia lawyer John Homer Bothwell. You will marvel at the owner’s eclectic tastes and how a country gentlemen furnished a recreational lodge for himself and his friends. Most of the furnishings in the house are original, and the property also has a three-mile hiking and mountain biking trail.See more..
4.5Liberty Jail Historic Site(108 reviews) - Historic site due to trials and tribulations Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Sites
The partially reconstructed jail is inside a building ran by the LDS church. They did an outstanding job with telling the story of significance to their faith and the horrors of life in the jail. The two sisters took extra time to discuss any question I had, were extremely pleasant, and made me feel like the only visitor. While I am not of the LDS faith I can say, without a doubt, they are examples of the tenants of their faith. There is nearby free parking and no cost to visit.See more..
4.5Watkins Mill State Park(101 reviews) - We went back for a second day! Historic Sites • State Parks
A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located near the Kansas City area, the park has ample fishing opportunities and an abundance of whitetailed deer and wild turkeys to watch. The park is adjacent to the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.See more..
Great llittle stop full of nostalgia! Such a beautiful place, so we'll kept. Also they aren't trying to take people's money...you can really tell it's a place that Gary's family just wants others to enjoy and keep his memory alive. Thank you for letting us enjoy, you should be proud of your place! See more..
Jail built in 1859, and operated as a county jail until 1933. The infamous Frank James was incarcerated here. Learn about the evolution of justice on the Missouri frontier.See more..
4.5Harry S. Truman Farm Home(93 reviews) - A Glimpse of Farm Life of a Future President Historic Sites
Harry S. Truman worked his grandmother's farm from 1906-1917.See more..
The Confederates under Gen. Sterling Price may have taken the fort, but Union efforts at Fort Davidson in the Battle of Pilot Knob were crucial to blunting the last Confederate offensive into Missouri. Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves and interprets the running battle through the Arcadia Valley. The site’s open, grassy fields include the fort’s old earthworks, two Confederate burial trenches, and a visitor center with a narrated story of the battle and its context within the Civil War.See more..
4.5Francis Quadrangle(81 reviews) - Beautiful area in the heart of the mizzou campus Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites
This is a wonderful walk in the middle of the mizzou campus. The centerpiece is Jesse hall where all kinds of entertainment happens. The gardens and plantings around the quad are fantastic in the summer and still very interesting in the winter. If you are visiting Columbia the quad is a block from downtown shops and restaurants and bars.See more..
Travel back to simpler days when business in Missouri was about the rushing of a stream over a dam and bridges were covered. Visitors to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site can tour the massive four-story mill that dates to the Civil War era and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Or they can stroll through the Burfordville Covered Bridge, one of just four covered bridges that remain in Missouri. The site’s rustic setting offers ample picnicking and exploration opportunities along the Whitewater River.See more..
This beautifully restored theater has the most amazing acoustic and every seat in the house is a good one. You'll be amazed at the gorgeous ceiling; everywhere you look you see the wonderful architecture that makes this a have-to experience whenever they're having a concert or play.See more..
Located within a stone’s throw of the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park, and in the heart of historic St. Charles, First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is the first seat of the state’s government. Its rough hewn timbers and dark wood floors whisper the tales of the state’s first legislature. Interpretive programs help visitors understand how the state’s government was formed and what life was like in the early 1800s.See more..
4.0Jesse James Bank Museum(60 reviews) - Name is deceptive but still interesting place Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
It was a cold and snowy February afternoon when a group of horsemen rode into Liberty, Missouri. After a short time, gunshots broke the winter silence as the men rode off with their loot leaving one young college student dead and the town in shock. The Jesse James Bank, located on the historic square in Liberty, Missouri, was the site of the nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery. While the robbers were never caught, the crime as attributed to the infamous James Gang. Visitors see bank as it was in 1866. Period furnishings fill the room and one become immersed in the story of the robbery as told by the bank teller. As you peer into the original green vault you can imagine the fear felt by the two bank tellers. Among the furnishings, a rare Seth Thomas clock, set for the exact time and date of the robbery, February 13, 1866. Many photographs and other documents are on display for the public to view. A museum store offers many historical books, period style toys and games, and other fun souvenir keepsakes.The Jesse James Bank Museum is operated by the Department of Clay County Parks, Recreation, Historic Sites and Tourism.See more..
Step back in time and experience the lives of the men and women who secured the American frontier at the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark. Built in 1808, under the direction of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Fort Osage served a dual roles as both a military garrison and a trade center. Today, authentically attired historical interpreters take visitors on a journey through Fort Osage’s past. Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of the reconstructed historic site that overlooks the Missouri River as they learn about the daily life of military, civilian and Native American populations at Fort Osage and explore museum exhibits at the Fort Osage Education Center.See more..
See where “The Buck” started at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. Visitors can view the small frame house where the future President was born, and see furnishings that reflect what a house in western Missouri would have looked like during the time Truman lived in the house.See more..
Come tour the Historic Truman Courthouse, which was originally built in 1838. See where Harry S Truman began his political career! Tours given Tuesday-Friday at 11AM and 2PM. Groups larger than 10 should reserve a tour in advance.See more..
Travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Valle house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts that show the American influence on the French community of Ste. Genevieve after the Louisiana Purchase. The Bauvais-Amoureux House, built in 1792, is one of several other historic homes in the site, nestled within historic Ste. Genevieve.See more..
The "St Joseph Museum" is actually the 1879 Wyeth-Tootle Mansion and is operated by St Joseph Museum, Inc. The photo above is from the Patee House. This mansion/museum is only open on Fridays & Saturdays and is worth the visit. The first floor, with its large rooms opening into the central hall, was originally used mainly for entertaining and is now available for rental and is used for events like wedding receptions and dinners. The rooms are beautiful. The second floor was the family bedrooms, and now features a restored Victorian bedroom and exhibits portraying aspects of St. Joseph history including exhibits on the Civil War in St. Joseph and the life and death of Jesse James. The third floor, originally the servants quarters, now contains exhibits on the natural history of the area.See more..
Nothing says “Missouri literature” like Mark Twain. And nothing says “Mark Twain was here” like the state historic site that bears his name. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site has the two-room rented cabin Samuel Clemens – Twain’s real name – was born in, first editions of many of the author’s works, a handwritten manuscript of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and many of the furnishings from Twain’s Connecticut home. The site also has a public reading room for personal study and research.See more..
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red barn. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis. John H. Morse built Sandy Creek Covered Bridge using the Howe-truss design, named for William Howe. Howe patented his design in 1840, which featured the use of vertical rods to draw wooden members tight against the top and bottom of the bridge. Three of the four remaining covered bridges in Missouri were built using the Howe-truss design, including Sandy Creek, Burfordville and Locust Creek covered bridges.See more..
Explore a piece of America’s military history at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site and learn about the experiences that molded a Laclede country boy into one of the nation’s legendary generals. Pershing and his family moved into the nine-room Gothic-style house in Laclede when he was six. Prairie Mound School, where Pershing taught prior to his admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is also on the site and includes a unique exhibit that allows visitors to pass through many of the same doorways Pershing passed through on his journeys from Missouri to Mexico and France.See more..
The Battle of Carthage was the earliest full-scale battle of the Civil War, preceding Bull Run by 11 days. Battle of Carthage State Historic Site contains a quiet meadow and the spring that made the area an encampment for both the Union and Confederate troops during the battle. The area is little changed in its appearance since the battle was fought on July 5, 1861. A few minutes off of Interstate 44, the site interprets the battle that set the stage for a decisive showdown a month later at Wilson’s Creek.See more..
4.5Bushwhacker Museum(28 reviews) - Excellent museum Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
County and regional history museum focusing on the Civil War, Native Americans, railroads, U.S. military, and former State Mental Hospital. Tours also include the first Vernon County Jail,which is on the National Register of historic places.See more..
Step on to the peaceful grounds of Confederate Memorial State Historic Site and experience where the last voices of the “Lost Cause” lingered. The site was once home to the Confederate Soldiers Home of Missouri, which provided comfort and refuge to 1,600 Civil War veterans and their families for nearly 60 years. Today, visitors can visit the restored chapel and the Confederate cemetery, as well as three other historic buildings. Visitors will learn about the Confederate Home and the role it played in post-Civil War Missouri. The site’s 135 acres include numerous lakes to fish in as well as walking trails and places to picnic.See more..
A red mill set on the blue waters of Huzzah Creek is as pretty a picture as there is in Missouri, and that’s the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. The site interprets one of the state’s best-preserved gristmills, completed in 1908. Most of the machinery in the mill is still intact and original to the building. If you like the outdoors, the site’s location on Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks provides plenty of opportunities to fish, hike, picnic or just dream about the past.See more..
4.5Bo's Hollow(27 reviews) - Fantastic place to visit - well worth the stop. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites
Tour the 1930s Village at your on pace. So many interesting things to see in Bo's Hollow. Ride in a Model A Ford. Have a picnic on Ashley Creek. Working Farm, Log Cabin, Wind Mill, Covered Bridge, Gas Station, Hardware Store, Post Office, Barber Shop, Hoosegow, Gift Shop, T- Shirts. Hickory smoked B.B.Q. Sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Hot Dogs and Pickles. Our on Beef Jerky, BBQ Sauce, Apple Butter, Salsa, Fudge, Caramels. We are located two miles south of Montauk State Park. Tour the Model A restoration barn. A reservation is required for shop barn tour. We are open: May through October. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check out our Webpage for more information and directions. Visit our Facebook page for daily pictures and up to date information. Let it B has delicious Pork Rinds and Brownies! Come on out and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the Ozarks.See more..
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a now-vanished part of Missouri: The stately Bootheel mansion. Filled with original pieces and furnished in the style it was in during its heydays of the 1860s-1880s, the ornate mansion provides a history lesson in every corner. In fact, most of the original furnishing purchased by Amanda Hunter, the house's first owner (with her husband William) are still in the house.See more..
4.5Historic Phelps House(23 reviews) - Beautiful Home With Some Surprising Features Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
It is well worth booking an appointment to see this historical mansion. Interesting stories about the Phelps Family and we were surprised to see that this original house had indoor bathrooms with a full bathtub, had electric as well as gas lighting, and plenty of pictures and furnishings so that you can get a glimpse of what life must have been like living in this wonderful home. Free admission but it is definitely worth giving a nice contribution at the end of the tour to help with the upkeep of the house.See more..
3.5Ravenswood(23 reviews) - A peek into the past Historic Sites
Historic home, built in 1882,and farm still owned and preserved by the Leonard family.See more..
Nathan Boone was a genuine Missouri icon – a hunter, soldier, surveyor, and businessman. Boone carried his father’s name – he was the youngest son of Daniel Boone – deep into the Missouri wilderness. His last home, preserved at Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site, is now a place to travel back to the 1830s. Come explore his home and the cemeteries associated with it and learn more about one of the families that defined early Missouri.See more..
