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 […]
Tucked in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, the American Jazz Museum, at 1616 E 18th St., is where music history comes alive. From the moment we walked in, the energy was electric—photos of jazz greats lined the walls, the soft hum of saxophones filled the air, and interactive exhibits invited us to dive
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Tucked away in Kansas City, Kansas, the Wyandotte County Museum is a hidden gem filled with rich local history. Located at 631 N. 126th St., this FREE museum offers an insightful journey through the past, showcasing artifacts and stories many locals may not even be aware of. As lifelong residents, Crystal and I were eager
Kansas City is a treasure trove of unique experiences, and its museums showcase a rich tapestry of culture, history, and innovation. Beyond the usual tourist stops, this city boasts a collection of one-of-a-kind museums that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore something new, these six uniquely Kansas
We consider ourselves blessed to reside in a city with many diverse attractions. Museums are one of our favorite destinations, and the Museum at Prairiefire fits a specific niche in this category. The museum is inside the Prairiefire neighborhood at 5801 W. 135th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. The building is the first in North
Let’s see a show of hands of the people who knew there was a TWA Museum in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. An unseasonably warm Saturday morning was the perfect chance to check it out. Located at 10 Richards Road, in the Charles B. Wheeler Airport, this unique museum highlights the 75-year lifespan of the airline.
When we think of the Wild West, visions of chuckwagons, cattle drives, and lonely cowboys play out in our minds. The steam engine, invented in the early 1800s, impacted the path of history. As the country raced to build railroads across the wide expanses, the age of steamboats arrived. Living on the confluence of two
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What do you get when you combine delicious food and an astonishing collection of sports memorabilia? Located in North Kansas City, Missouri is Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum. This sports fan Mecca opened in 1986 and has drawn visitors from far and wide. Notoriety has come from many directions, including lots of the top sports
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The National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is not a memorial to the war. This national treasure is a reminder of the human spirit and the never-ending fight for peace. Life in the trenches was filled with short periods of sheer terror followed by long spans of boredom. Stretching across the horizon, these muddy, rat-infested trenches
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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
For decades, schoolchildren from around the metropolitan region made the annual field trip to the Kansas City Museum. I remember visiting during the time that it focused primarily on our hometown’s history. It also featured hundreds of taxidermized animals in lifelike settings. In 2008, the museum was closed for a complete renovation and repurposing. When
I have to admit that there’s a little kid in me that can come out at the most inopportune moments. To limit the silliness from becoming too rampant, I find it best to shower my inner child with periodic visits to kid-friendly attractions. Kansas City just happens to be home to quite a few of
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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
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
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
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
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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
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
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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
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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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Being from the Midwest means that we can find lots of historical sites within close proximity to our hometown. While it may not be Crystal’s favorite, I am particularly intrigued by the Civil War battles and skirmishes in the region. These are numerous, so she has learned to make the best of it, and look
Staying at our home base during the holiday season offers us a chance to visit some of the great attractions found throughout Kansas City. A recent visit to the 18th & Vine area gave us an opportunity to meet with Bob Kendrick, the president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. On a chilly Saturday morning,
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
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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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
The National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, Missouri is dedicated to teaching the history of the three main trails heading West. On a damp Saturday morning, we headed to 318 West Pacific, in historic Independence, to see what this trails museum has to offer. We want to thank the National Frontier Trails Museum for their hospitality. Rest
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Kansas City, Kansas has the distinction of being known as “The Melting Pot of the Midwest”. A visit to the Strawberry Hill Museum, at 720 North 4th Street, showcases the contribution that Slavic nations have had on our growing city. The area was originally named Splitlog Hill after the wealthy mill owner, Mathias Splitlog. He parceled out the land
Just about everyone who has driven by 931 Broadway, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, has seen the bright red awning over the entrance of The Majestic Restaurant. The building started life over 100 years ago as the Fitzpatrick Saloon. Built in 1911, the same year Jim Pendergast (Boss Tom’s older brother) passed away, it housed the saloon and a
Kansas City, Kansas isn’t as old as some of the other large Midwest cities. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have just as colorful a history as the others. A recent visit to the Huron Indian Cemetery, on 7th Street just north of Ann Avenue, reminded us just how unique our beginnings were. The name Huron was a
Nestled in the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, the Rosedale Memorial Arch is a quiet yet powerful tribute to the sacrifices made by those who served in World War I. For many locals, including myself, the arch isn’t just a monument; it’s a poignant reminder of the bravery and dedication of our community’s heroes. This
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