Nestled in the historic 18th and Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum holds tales from the past. This Kansas City attraction is located at 1616 E 18th St, on the Missouri side of the city. It connects to the American Jazz Museum as a cultural cornerstone, setting the tone for a deeply enriching experience. […]
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The crackling of flames and the distant wails of the displaced filled the air as homeowners watched helplessly. Families were being torn from their farms. Their lives were reduced to smoldering ruins under the ruthless enforcement of General Order No. 11. It’s a stark image that encapsulates the deep scars left by the Civil War
The Johnson County Museum, located at 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas, offers visitors an immersive look into the region’s vibrant past. Housed in a historic landmark, this museum is a treasure trove of stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the evolution of Johnson County. From its tumultuous Civil War history to the suburban
Stepping into The History Museum in South Bend feels like walking onto the set of A League of Their Own. One big difference is that this isn’t Hollywood magic; it’s the real story. The museum’s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) exhibit brings the history of these groundbreaking athletes to life. It showcases their impact
The Real ‘A League of Their Own’ History in South Bend Read More »
A visit to Fort Michilimackinac, during the fall, offers a unique blend of history and stunning autumn scenery. This historic 18th-century fort, in Mackinaw City, Michigan, sits at the top of the Lower Peninsula. Many come to this city as a jumping-off point for visiting Mackinaw Island but don’t overlook a stop at this historic
Exploring Fort Michilimackinac in Fall: History and Stunning Autumn Views Read More »
The Central Midwest offers a captivating blend of history and culture, and a road trip to explore its historic forts is a journey back in time. Fort Osage, Fort Hays, Fort Scott, and Fort Leavenworth each hold unique stories that showcase the region’s pivotal role in shaping America. We found that each stop added new
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There’s something magical about stepping into a world frozen in time, and the Studebaker Museum in South Bend, Indiana, offers exactly that. Imagine walking through an era where horsepower was just that—actual horses pulling carriages—and then marveling as these wagons transformed into powerful automobiles. This isn’t just a car museum; it’s a living testament to
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Located in the picturesque Ozarks, Pea Ridge National Military Park is more than just a historical site; it’s a journey through time. As you tread the hallowed grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in 1862, the weight of history surrounds you. As a youth, my grandfather took me to Pea Ridge, where I heard
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These days it is too easy to forget about the earliest residents in the lands we call home. So much of our lives revolve around the daily activities that we have disconnected ourselves from our history. This is why visiting places like the Museum Of Native American History is important. Finding a destination that focuses
Being flatlanders doesn’t mean we have no resources for fun. With Kansas City as our starting point, we have a multitude of potential destinations within a 3-4 hour drive. On a beautiful Spring day, we hightailed it down the road for a Wichita adventure. The largest city in Kansas was calling our name and we
Being Midwesterners, we were looking forward to our visit to Old Cowtown. Wichita has a lot of similarities to our hometown of Kansas City. Both cities were frontier towns, that grew famous for their cattle trade. They also have the confluence of two rivers in the heart of their city. It was near this junction
The “David versus Goliath” story of the American Revolution influenced political ideas around the globe. How could a fledgling nation win its freedom from the greatest military force of its time? The victory did not come without sacrifices and was not unanimously supported by the colonists. Our visit to the Historical Triangle of Virginia included
It’s not as easy to be a capital city. Frankfort had to outbid neighboring cities to gain the title, in 1792. Twice the capitol building burned down, which allowed those other cities to attempt to usurp the seat of state government. Having a centralized location helped keep the capital in “Mainhattan” (Frankfort’s nickname). To learn
A summer adventure led us down roads we had never wandered. Our first stop, on this eastern adventure, landed us in Charleston, West Virginia. Being our first foray into the Mountain State, we chose the capital city as our starting point. Situated just a few steps from the state capitol, the West Virginia State Museum
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When we were young, there were frequent conversations that revolved around the fateful day in Dallas. It seemed like everyone could remember where they were when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. While I was just a toddler on November 22, 1963, the impact that this heinous act created has been reviewed over and over
Explore & Experience Kansas City Kansas City is a treasure trove of history, family-friendly fun, exciting day trips, and must-see annual events. Whether you’re uncovering the past at historic landmarks, seeking kid-approved adventures, planning a quick getaway, or looking for the best local festivals, we’ve got you covered. This page guides you in maximizing KC
A historic Independence, Missouri visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. Growing up in Kansas City, we were well aware of Truman’s ties to the area but had not really studied much about the man. Since the Truman Library had recently completed an overhaul, we felt it was
Nestled at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, Fort Smith began as a frontier military post. Barely a decade after the Louisiana Purchase, the new lands were still being explored. With over 200 years of history under its belt, the city has a lot to offer visitors. We dropped in to explore the
The Louisiana Purchase signaled many changes in the United States. The addition of 828,000 square miles of new territory nearly doubled the size of the young nation. Early explorers viewed the new lands as stark in comparison to the settled land to the east. It would be branded with the nickname “Great American Dessert” and
These days, St. Charles is often mistaken as just a suburb of Chicago. The reality of its beginnings is something far more interesting. To gain a better grasp of its history we spent a couple of days exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. With the Lincoln Highway running just to the south, it
War has been with us for as long as history has been recorded. The United States has seen its fair share of conflict in its relative short timespan. While many would liken war to a glorious quest, the truth is horrific. Soldiers, in the midst of the fight, will have a profound sense of purpose,
Real life is often more sensational than make believe. Being a fan of westerns, I was excited to finally visit Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was in this city that a real life legend held court during the Wild West days. While many are unaware of Judge Parker’s court, it left an indelible mark on the
The story of Fort Smith begins with the Louisiana Purchase. Before this, the lands along the Arkansas River were used by nomadic Native Indians. A military post, erected in 1817, signaled the beginning of the town, which sprung up along the eastern shores of the river. The fort, and subsequent city, were named after Thomas
3 History Lessons From Fort Smith Museum Of History Read More »
Like many frequent travelers, we have a list of destinations that we hope to visit in our lifetimes. Every once in a while, we will discover one that has flown below our radar. This was the case for Fort Smith, Arkansas. The city’s slogan is “Where the New South meets the Old West”. It is
In only 19 months, the Pony Express made a lasting impact on American history. Just the mere mention of this unique enterprise stirs images of racing ponies carrying wiry cowboys across the changing landscape. Facing pitfalls and hazards, along the way, many of these young men would etch their names in the history books. We
American history is filled with events large and small, but some created a reverberation felt throughout the country. While the Civil War had legally brought an end to slavery, it did not prohibit the inequality of segregation. Black people were told they were free, but real life didn’t represent this change. Jim Crow laws had
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With only half of a day to explore Natchez, we had to work quickly to see as much as possible. Even as we toured, we could already see a return visit would be required. With that in mind, we decided to hit the biggest highlights of Mississippi’s first city. A “must-see” for this short visit
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Are there places that you’ve been meaning to visit for years? We faced that same situation right in our backyard. The Shawnee Indian Mission has been a destination we have discussed visiting for quite some time. It seems like some other stop would always push this place to the back burner. We finally said “enough
Our visit to Fort Osage whisked us back over 200 years to a time when America was much smaller than it is today. Our nation’s freedom had been won in the American Revolution, and we were in the midst of a great expansion. The Louisiana Purchase had allowed the fledgling nation to increase its land
There are moments in history that stand out on the timeline of world events. On April 4, 1968, the world would be forever changed by the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Our short time in Memphis limited our ability to tour the National Civil Rights Museum, but we still carved out time for a
Gaining Perspective – National Civil Rights Museum Read More »
One of our favorite things about travel blogging is learning about new destinations. Our first visit to the state of Mississippi landed us in the oldest city. Natchez has sat high above the bluffs of the river since 1716. Of course, native people were already inhabiting the region long before the French settlers arrived. The
A visit to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop takes guests back over 150 years, to a time when the territory was just opening for business. With so much history at this site, we were scratching our heads wondering why we had never visited. Knowing that nothing can be done to change the past, we pushed ahead
Have you ever found yourselves with just one day to see as much of a new destination as possible? This would be the situation we faced when we made our first excursion into Alabama. A peaceful beach vacation is not something we can do, so we decided to add a day trip to the mix.
As Autumn descends on the Midwest, people will find an abundance of harvest-themed festivals. Welcoming Fall brings a change in the air, that signals the shortening of daylight hours. We find ourselves trying to savor every moment. Scanning the Kansas City calendar of events, we noticed the annual Fall Festival at Missouri Town 1855. Since
Exploring the Louisiana River Parishes offers visitors a glance inside the history of plantation life. Each plantation tour offers a different angle into the realities of enslaved life. Back in 1787, the lower Mississippi River Valley was prime acreage for the establishment of large farms. One of the first to be established was the Destrehan
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The stories behind each city we visit, help us to draw an image of how it achieved its current shape. Most places have a linear history that usually springs from just a few influences. Then, every once in a while, we will discover a history as broad as that in Mobile, Alabama. Having been influenced
Moving A City Forward – History Museum of Mobile Read More »
Wandering through the vast displays of beautiful tulips, we found ourselves immersed in the Dutch heritage of Pella, Iowa. Little would we imagine that this humble Midwestern city has a connection with the rowdy, wild west. Yet, as we made our way through the Pella Historical Village, we happened upon a house that at one
The Mighty Mississippi River snakes its way through the River Parishes of southern Louisiana. Each twist and turn drags a bit more mud into the murky waters. Along its path, landowners carved out their segments of land that would grow into massive plantations. The use of enslaved labor would eventually be the downfall of the
Conflict along the Missouri state line had been occurring throughout the second half of the 1850s. Far away in the East, the political battles were raging. After John Brown’s unsuccessful raid on Harper’s Ferry, some believed that signaled the end to the threat from the west. Little would anyone expect that the first significant land
While religious persecution was not unknown in Europe, Holland had long been a refuge of safety. By the mid-1800s, this dynamic changed. It signaled the beginning of an exodus for those seeking refuge. A group of about 800 immigrants set sail for America with hopes of a better life. Hendrik Scholte, their religious leader or
Tooling along the interstate, you will pass exit after exit for small towns all across America. How often do you wonder what these places have in store for visitors? Like many others, for years we would cruise by without so much as acknowledging their presence. In recent years we have learned that each of these
Can you imagine life in the early 1800s? With the need to furnish a vast array of your everyday goods, a homestead would need a sizeable footprint. When Waltus Watkins (say that three times fast) brought his bride to live in Liberty, Missouri, he set himself on a path that would change their lives. Watkins,
When you step into history, it can lead to just as many questions as it does answers. During a recent discussion, we pondered why people are so fascinated with the notorious desperados who grab the headlines. From gangsters to bandits, there is something fascinating about their stories. A trip to the outskirts of Kearney, Missouri
The city of Atchison, Kansas has a long history of rising to the challenge. Squatting along the banks of the Missouri River, the town was founded just a decade before the start of the Civil War. This Midwestern city of around 11,000 has seen its own struggles. Their delay in constructing a bridge to span
There are some names that stand out in American history. Just the mention of them will elicit images of the era in which they lived. This is certainly the case with past presidents, like Washington or Lincoln. It also applies to some other historic figures like Daniel Boone. Just the mere mentioning of his name
Boone County History Museum – Celebrating 200 Years Read More »
Crossing through western Kansas, we can imagine herds of buffalo charging across the plains. Large numbers were roaming the territory when white settlers first arrived. The end of the Civil War brought expanded interest and development to Kansas. The “Border War” was fought on the eastern edge of the state, and seemed like a distant
Hannibal, Missouri is known far and wide for its connection to Samuel Clemens. Many of you know him best by his pen name of Mark Twain. His stories reflect the life and struggles of growing up in a river town in the mid-1800s. While many of his tales are based on moments and memories from
The mere mention of the town of Hannibal, Missouri evokes images of Mark Twain. It seems his iconic identity goes hand-in-hand with this river town. Most of us have grown up on the literary works of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who penned the books we read in school. The characters he created kept us entertained with
Triumph Over Oppression – Huck Finn Freedom Center Read More »
The year is 1921 and the world is coming out of World War 1. America was coming out of these troubled times with a renewed vigor. With the prospects of the world looking up, people began looking for new ways to expand their horizons. The war had shown people how aviation was the transportation avenue
Take To The Skies – Nicholas Beazley Aviation Museum Read More »
When people in the Midwest refer to “Bloody Kansas” or the “Border War”, it usually elicits visions of localized skirmishes. A closer look will reveal that this newly formed territory was the “Birthplace of the Civil War”. While many history books focus on the battles in the east, it was the introduction of Kansas Territory,
The year is 1865 and the Civil War has just ended. While westward expansion had significantly slowed during the war, it did not take long for it to resume. As settlers pushed for new territories to be opened, it would spark a resurgence of the American Indian War. Out on the westerns front, in Kansas,
“Go West, young man, go west.” was a cry to push America’s westward expansion. When Horace Greeley first said these words, in 1865, he saw the potential of the fertile lands beyond the Mississippi River. As emigrants began their westward bound travels, new “roads” would spring up that led toward the setting sun. We love
Smoke hung heavy around the Oliver Anderson home. Bullet holes pockmarked the brick walls of the house. This early battle of the Civil War had been sparked by the seizure of money by Federal troops. Now they found themselves outnumbered and in short supply of a most important resource. The battle was entering its third
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Located in the heart of the state of Missouri, you will find the city of Boonville. While many pass by the exit along I-70, we went day-tripping in Boonville to learn more of the city’s historical significance. Transportation has seemed to have played a huge role in this Midwest destination, even before it was founded.
Exploring new destinations is always an eye-opening experience. One of our first stops is usually the local history museum. This helps us learn the background stories that are found in every community. That is how we landed at the Marshall County Museum in Marysville, Kansas. Pulling up in front of the 1891 courthouse had our
When we think about travel at the turn of the 19th Century, everything seemed so black and white. Much of that is because color photography had not yet been invented. Of course, from visiting museums, we also realize that many of the automobiles of the day were produced in one color. Until our visit to
How many times have you overlooked a small town, because you didn’t think it had much to see? If we are being honest, this happens too often, because we have been programmed to believe this. Creating our travel blog has opened our eyes and minds to the wonderful collection of artifacts found in villages and
It is vital that we examine our history, to let us not forget the lessons that we wish not to repeat. During our visit to Arrow Rock, we had a chance to examine a more sinister side of Missouri history. Growing up in Kansas City, we were taught about the Border War between Kansas and
Let Us Not Forget – African-American Experience Museum Read More »
Travel is an opportunity to escape the city we live in and to see new destinations with fresh eyes. 2020 has certainly presented an array of challenges to traveling, but not complete barriers. We are learning ways to enjoy the adventures we have grown to love while keeping ourselves and others safe. This is important
Traveling the interstate between Kansas City and St. Louis takes you through Boone’s Lick Country. If you are like us, you were completely unaware of this. On a sunny Saturday, we decided to make a day trip to Arrow Rock, Missouri to learn more about this area with an unusual name. While this small village
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When we first decided to visit Quebec City, we were excited to see what the “most European city in North America” would look like. Since we have never visited Europe, we were unsure of what to expect, but we hoped that it would be a pleasant experience. Little did we realize that it would become
By now, you probably realize that we truly enjoy visiting museums. There are so many varieties, but each offers the unique opportunity to learn. Having a chance to expand our horizons is intriguing, and we find that each destination adds to our overall understanding of the world around us. Quebec City had tempted us with
Variety keeps life from becoming boring. You can imagine what it would be like if every museum was exactly the same. Each would hold the same static displays and spout the same factoids. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. Each history museum has its own approach to telling stories from the past. We also have a
Seeing The Details – Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Read More »
Tours are a good way to get some background information at new destinations. While we will usually rely on our exploration, this doesn’t mean we are against guided excursions. Some places are limited to this type of visit, and we happily join in the group fun. This was the case when we stopped at the
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Whenever we visit a state capital, we try to include a stop at the state museum, as well. While each city and town will usually show a local perspective, these state-sponsored destinations have an overarching view. The unusual thing about the Missouri State Museum is that it resides inside of the capitol building. Since we
The idea of containing all of the history of a state in one location would be futile. Each one would be overflowing with a wealth of artifacts and information, that just couldn’t be gathered in one place. Of course, many of the state museums do a fantastic job at detailing a wide variety of the
On August 10, 1821 Missouri officially became a state. At that time the capital was in St. Charles, but plans for a new state capital were in the works. From what we could ascertain, Jefferson City was the only place specifically created to serve as the capital of a state. After the Missouri state legislature
This was our first visit to the southern High Plains region of Texas. With three days to explore, we planned on learning about the history of the region. The huge mesa that encompasses this portion of the high plains is actually named Llano Estacado. It is often translated as the Staked Plains. Using Amarillo as
Life In The Staked Plains – Panhandle Plains Historical Museum Read More »
Having an opportunity to add a new state to our blog is such a delight. 2019 brought more firsts for us, and our escape to Kenosha was our first Wisconsin city. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, this Upper Midwest city has so much to offer vacationers. When I was choosing our initial Wisconsin
It’s always a thrill for us when we get to visit the capital city of a state. Even though they all have a dome, each is unique in its own way. Our trip to Springfield, Illinois gave us a chance to find history galore, in this twin domed Midwest city. So many historical paths cross
A visit to Springfield, Illinois is an opportunity to dive into the long history of this Midwestern region. With only three days to soak in as much as possible, we found ourselves bustling between stops. As we approached the end of our visit, we found ourselves facing our final day of exploration. With daylight burning,
When you travel to Springfield, Illinois, you will find yourself transported to the Land of Lincoln. While he may not have been born in Illinois, much of his formative years were spent in this Midwest state. I have to tell you that I have been fascinated with the life of the 16th President since my
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When I added a visit to the Civil War Museum, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, I knew that Crystal wouldn’t be as excited as I was. This changed when we met Peggy Gregorski, who would provide us with an amazing tour. While I spent the majority of my time taking photos, Crystal took in the interesting narrative
Civil War Museum in Kenosha – The Upper Midwest’s Contribution Read More »
Kansas City developed much like other large metropolitan areas. Its expansion often came from incorporating nearby towns and neighborhoods, as it pushed its borders out from the urban core. Some of these townships retained their identity, even as the city limits pushed beyond their borders. We find that each has its unique history and local
We are always on the lookout for unusual sites when visiting a new destination. It is amazing what you can find when you dig deep enough into a city’s attraction. Fort Scott may seem like an unlikely place to learn about the worlds most unheralded heroes. A stop at the Lowell Milken Center for Unsung
When we planned our visit to Fort Scott, Kansas our itinerary included a variety of sites to see. The one site that had to be top of our list is the actual fort from where the city gets its name. One of a chain of forts built in the mid-1800’s, it was designed for keeping
We never cease to be amazed at the history we find in each city we visit. It’s true that every place is filled with its own set of stories, and it is up to the visitor to seek them out. A trip to Fort Scott, Kansas provided an opportunity to learn more about one of
Finding breakfast foods in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is about as easy as falling off of a log. It seems like every other restaurant is dishing up some country eats. With a day of Smoky Mountain hiking planned, we needed something that would stick with us and fuel our morning. Those early settlers in the region started
A visit to the Smoky Mountains offers travelers so many options. While it is easy to get caught up with shopping, hiking, and climbing, don’t forget to save time to learn about the people of the Appalachians. Who would be more native than the first residents to the region? A visit to the Museum of
Museum of the Cherokee Indian – A Smoky Mountain Side Trip Read More »
It amazes us when we visit a site that we have been so close to, for many years, but have never explored. The Frontier Army Museum, at Fort Leavenworth, is a prime example. Oh, we’ve been to Leavenworth plenty of times, and even quite a few on the Fort Leavenworth Army base. We just never
Understanding the background of the people in a region helps us to better connect with the residents we meet during our trips. To get this information, we find that a visit to the local history museum is a great start. The East Tennessee History Center is located in downtown Knoxville. Inside, we found plenty of
East Tennessee History Museum -The Appalachian Connection Read More »
On our first visit to the Crescent City, we had the pleasure of sampling Café Du Monde, which we consider a New Orleans staple. Our return coincided with the city’s 300th birthday, and we were ready to help them celebrate. This ages old restaurant has been serving up a simple menu since 1862. The original
We are pretty sure that most of you have heard of the Garden of Eden, but did you know there is one in Lucas, Kansas? When we first found out about this uniquely Kansas attraction, we knew a visit was in store. Samuel Dinsmoor, the creator of this site, built his masterpiece at an age
“I have to go to the bathroom!” It’s amazing the amount of dread that these seven words can create in a parent. How many road trips are interrupted in a mad pursuit of an acceptably clean public restroom? In Lucas, Kansas, the influx of tourists wanting to view the “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” created
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There is something engrossing about seeing history come to life. At Old Abilene Town visitors have the chance to witness this happen each weekend during the summer. This place is family-friendly and includes a mix of static museum-style displays with interactive activities. We dropped in on them on a Saturday afternoon and found that they
A visit to a botanical garden is always a new experience, since the plants change so much with each season. The spring is popular for the bright blooms, while fall brings the vivid foliage as it prepares to go dormant. Summer is the transition period, but we enjoy the textures and shades of green that
One of the things we most enjoy about traveling is the people that we meet. By interacting with the residents, we get a better understanding of what drives them through their lives. Our extended stay in St. Louis, Missouri gave us an excellent chance to mingle with some of the locals, as well as observe
11 Things That Make St. Louis The True Gateway City Read More »
Council Grove, Kansas opened up a wealth of historic sites for us. What we learned during our visit was that it wasn’t just limited to museums. Even the restaurants have stories to tell. Our stay in town was only long enough to sample three of their dining establishments, but it still gave us a historic
Council Grove, Kansas is a town that we have heard mentioned many times over the years, but had never visited. Like many small to mid-sized towns, it is filled with the history and stories of the people who persevered in the harsh environment of life on the prairie. In 1541, Coronado crossed the Neosho River
Being visitors from outside of St. Louis, we found the Forest Park area to be an amazing place to spend time. The lush landscape and numerous attractions beckon visitors to explore. The four crown jewels of the park include their zoo, art museum, science center, and the Missouri History Museum, which is the focus of
Kansas City is a metropolis filled with countless tales. Every corner of the city has its urban legends, myths, and tall tales. Somewhere along the way, many of these began with an inkling of truth and were merely stretched with passing time. Not long after the Civil War ended, many pioneers would pass through Independence
A visit to Des Moines, Iowa wouldn’t be complete without checking out the State Historical Museum of Iowa in the East Village. This place is dedicated to telling the story of the people who have inhabited the territory for as long as the history is known. It was a short walk from our hotel to
Iowa Through The Ages – State Historical Museum of Iowa Read More »
Kansas Citians are blessed to have so many things to do in the metro area. Of course, sometimes it is nice to get away from the city for the day and strike out to one of the nearby communities. With just a little planning, it’s easy to fill a day with new sights and some
On The History Trail in Miami County – A Kansas City Road Trip Read More »
The promise of a warm Spring day in Kansas City can often change quickly. Such was the case when we visited the National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas. We were meeting up with a group of social influencers who had been invited to an Instameet being hosted by Visit Kansas
What To Expect At The National Agriculture Center Read More »
There are varying opinions on the amount of enjoyment one can get from visiting a localized history museum. Some shy away from them, believing that they are dull and boring. Others, like ourselves, find that there are a multitude of personal stories just waiting to be uncovered. In Paola, Kansas we visited the Miami County
Why We Enjoy Places Like Miami County Historical Museum Read More »
Most Kansans have heard the name of John Brown. This iconic legend was a hero to some and a villain to others. Although he was not born in the state, many of his most notable actions occurred there. During our Miami County Road Trip, we stopped at the John Brown Museum to learn more about
A day trip to Osawatomie, Kansas was less than an hour drive from Kansas City, but landed us in a different era. This itinerary was designed to showcase a variety of historic sites in Miami County. The Osawatomie Museum Complex, located in the downtown, was one of our stops. This locally oriented twin museum tells
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St. Louis, Missouri has tons of places to explore, but all of that action means working up an appetite. After our visit to the Civil War Museum and Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, we needed to find a nearby restaurant. (You can read about the museum here.) Just a couple blocks away we discovered Cafe Telegraph, a locally
When the name of Joplin, Missouri is mentioned, many will think immediately of the 2011 EF5 tornado that devastated portions of the city. Joplin is so much more than that. It has a rich history reaching back before the Civil War. We stopped in the Joplin Museum Complex to learn more about this southwestern Missouri
When planning our visit to St, Louis, we wanted to make sure we included some stops that would help us better understand the history of the area. Jefferson Barracks happens to be the oldest operating U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River. On these grounds, the Missouri Civil War Museum has operated since 2013.
Missouri Civil War Museum – Remembering The Fallen Read More »
Our visit to Baxter Springs, Kansas occurred during the Route 66 Instameet sponsored by Travel Kansas. This was the last stop of the day, so we decided to wander off to explore away from the beaten path. Just a couple blocks from our meeting point, we found the Baxter Springs Historical Museum. We have visited
Many people are unaware of the integral role that mining played in the settlement and growth of communities in Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. The discovery of lead in the mid-1800s drew miners to the area. Our visit to the Joplin History & Mineral Museum allowed us a chance to learn more about the history
Living in Kansas City means that we have plenty of day trip destinations within a short drive from the metro. Lawrence, Kansas is only about 45 minutes away, but offers a dynamically different vibe. While many make this pilgrimage to witness the KU basketball team play at Allen Fieldhouse, we visited for a more historic
We find that the local history museums offer a great chance to get a better cultural experience in the cities we visit. In Lawrence, Kansas we made a stop at the Watkins Museum of History. Housed in the 1888 Watkins Land Mortgage and National Bank Building, this regional museum offers a view into the lives
If you are planning a visit to the Branson, Missouri or Eureka Springs, Arkansas areas, you may want to consider adding a stop at Top of the Rock, in Ridgedale, Missouri. We were made aware of it by one of our Kansas City readers, and loved the pictures they shared from their visit. Although we
Our November trip to Branson, Missouri was filled with firsts for us. Among these, was our first experience at Dixie Stampede. Branson is home to a wide array of entertainment options, and many of these are evening shows. Dixie Stampede kicks it up a notch by adding dinner to the schedule, so that guests can
When we pass the Grinter House, in Kansas City, Kansas, I try to imagine the life of the Grinters. Being one of the first homes in the area, they surely faced long periods of isolation. Built around 1857, it served as the home for Moses and Anna Grinter. A trail nearby led to the Kaw
When the name Hodge Park is mentioned in Kansas City, many only think of the golf course. Did you realize this is also home to the Shoal Creek Living History Museum? For years we had overlooked this unique attraction. We made up for this by spending the first Saturday in July with them. First Impression
What would you do if you saw a lion overhead? It seems like zoos are finding new ways to engage their visitors with the exhibits. Some use wide open expanses to simulate the natural environments of the animals that inhabit them. Others offer feeding and interactive experiences for their guests. The Philadelphia Zoo decided to
The timing for our trip to Philadelphia fell just a couple months after the opening of the new Museum of the American Revolution. This brand new attraction features over thirty audio-visual experiences for visitors. I have to admit that I was over excited when I heard it would be ready in time. Revolution Was In
Join Or Die – The American Revolution From New Perspectives Read More »
The 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home at 217 N Main St, Independence, Missouri, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century law enforcement. This well-preserved structure, once home to criminals and the marshal’s family, is a historical landmark reflecting the evolution of justice in the American Midwest. As one of the oldest surviving jails in Missouri,
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There were a lot of firsts for us during our visit to Philadelphia. A chance to tour the USS New Jersey was certainly a big first. Besides being our first travel opportunity in the Garden State, it was also our first steps on a battleship. To say it is an impressive ship would be an
Downtown Independence Square is easily walk-able, but a ride with Pioneer Trails Adventures is a great way to get a new perspective. We have visited this historic locale on many occasions, but never like this time. We had just completed a tour of the old jail, and now we were ready to experience a trail ride. A
One of our first stops in Wichita, was the Sedgwick Historical Museum. We know that a good way to get a quick understanding of a city you are visiting, is by making a trip to the local historical museum. Our arrival was on a bad weather day, so it made for a perfect indoor treat. Palace of
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Fantastic Caverns is one of fifteen caves that visitors can tour in Missouri. This number is small in comparison to the approximately 6500 known caves in the state. Because of it’s immense size, Fantastic Caverns has the unique distinction to offer guests a ride-thru experience. The cave is located just north of Springfield, Missouri at the end of
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Located along the banks of the Missouri River, St. Joseph is a city steeped in history, where each building and landmark tells a story of days gone by. Known for its role in the Wild West and the birthplace of the Pony Express, St. Joseph is a treasure trove for history buffs and curious travelers
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In St. Joseph, Missouri there are many wonderful old buildings, but only one National Historic Landmark. The Patee House Museum started life as a luxury hotel back in 1858. During the short life of the Pony Express (the Pony Express Museum is just down the road), part of the hotel served as the headquarters. Other memorable moments
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