Over 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark arrived in Sibley, Missouri, on their great expedition. It is there that they met the Osage Tribe. In 1808, Fort Osage was built to protect the newly purchased Louisiana Territory and establish trade with the Osage. With the Mighty Missouri River rolling by, it was an ideal spot for commerce with the new western frontier. Today, you can travel 45 minutes from Kansas City and two centuries back in time with a visit to Sibley...
Day Trip Diary:
Fort Osage:
Details: 107 Osage St. Sibley, MO 816.650.3278. www.fortosagenhs.com
Why I Recommend It: Fort Osage is one of the best historic sites to visit in the Kansas City Area... it is truly a step back in time. Fort Osage was one of the first forts built to protect the Louisiana Territory... it houses soldiers barracks, a trading post, blacksmith shop, and officer's quarters. Visitors learn about the expedition of Lewis & Clark, the Osage Tribe, the early frontier, and life in the early 1800s for soldiers and civilians. The Education Center (the newest feature at the site) features interactive exhibits on geology, history, and science. Children learn about native plants and animals, the life of the Osage and the study of archaeology, and the diaries of Lewis & Clark. My girls loved creating rubbings, seeing an original canoe, and watching the Missouri River through an overlook.
We then explored the fort, where we walked through the barracks, climbing up the wooden stairs to discover the lofts and how the soldiers defended the fort. We met a guide at the trading post where we guessed animal furs and learned about the goods and products traded among the frontiersmen and the Osage.
The frontier kitchen was perhaps our favorite part of the tour, where the implements and tools of hearth cooking were on display.
Fort Osage hosts several events throughout the year as they reenact the War of 1812, celebrate the 4th of July, and demonstrate authentic Militia Musters.
Admission to the Fort is $7.00 Adults; $4.00 Youth; $3.00 Seniors; Under 5 free.
Sibley Orchard:
Details: 3717 Buckner Tarsney Rd. Sibley, MO 816.650.5535. www.sibleyorchards.comWhy I recommend it: The Sibley Orchard is one of Missouri's great "U-Pick Berry Patches" (see our Guide to Kansas City Berry Patches for more!). You can pick your own blackberries and blueberries in the summer, or purchase pre-picked berries. The orchard also sells peaches, apples, pumpkins and vegetables according to the season. For added fun, call ahead to schedule a hayride! In the fall, enjoy some "fresh pressed Sibley Cider" for a delicious treat.
Other Attractions Nearby:
George Owens Nature Park: 8:30-5:00 Tues-Sat, Noon-5:00 Sun. (1601 S. Speck Rd. Independence, MO) 816.325.7115. Enjoy a small nature center, programs for children, fishing dock, and trails. One of the features is a "Storybook Trail" where you read pages from a giant children's book as you walk the trail. The stories are updated regularly.Family Friendly Dining in the Sibley Area:
Hawg Shed Bar-B-Q: 8 N. Central St, Buckner, MO 816.650.5626. Hawg Shed lives up to its name... housed in a "red shed" you'll find homemade Bar-B-Q. Sausage sandwiches, ribs, and barbecued chicken. Picnic tables outdoors are provided for "seating" or you may order your food to go.
Kristina Light loves exploring new sites with her family and especially enjoys historic sites!
More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!
- Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
- 45-60 Min. North: Weston: Autumn Splendor
- 1 Hour North: St. Joseph: Wild West in our Backyard
- 1 Hour Northeast: Lexington: Civil War in Missouri
- 1-2 Hours North: Jamesport: Amish Country
- 2- 3 Hours South: Carthage: Classic Rt. 66 Road Trip
- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West Kansas
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-45 Min. South: Louisburg: Apples, Autumn, and Astronomy
- 30-45 Min. West: Lawrence: Eclectic College Town & Family Fun
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space