Pioneer Adventures

For early pioneers heading west on the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails, Kansas City, Westport and Independence played vital roles as jumping off points and port cities for the Missouri River.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farmstead in Johnson County brings the 1850s to life with tours and programs all year, including stagecoach rides, family programs and a working blacksmith shop.

Spend a day in Independence, MO, at the National Frontier Trails Museum loading a wagon, listening to the memories of pioneers and learning about westward expansion. For a truly historic experience, take a wagon tour with Pioneer Trails Adventures and discover the history of Independence, from the early settlers to Truman.

For a remarkable living history experience, journey back to the 19th century at Missouri Town 1855, where more than 20 historic buildings have been restored creating a pioneer village with fantastic living history events all year long.

In the Northland, Shoal Creek Living History Museum is a small historic village presenting hands-on history through educational programs, including a working grist mill.