Visit the only working stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail. Relive the adventures of early stagecoach passengers. Tour the home, blacksmith shop, and farm. Mahaffie offers many events throughout the year, including hands-on programs for children, stagecoach rides and living history days. The stone farmhouse built by James B. and Lucinda Mahaffie in 1865 is one of the few stagecoach stops left on the Santa Fe Trail, and the only one preserved as a public historic site. Along with the farmhouse, the stone ice house (also built in 1865) and the original timber-frame barn (probably the oldest building on the site and built around 1860) are all listed on the National and Kansas Registers of Historic Places. The site is also designated as an official component of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail by the National Park Service.
1860s Regular Living History Activities:
- Stagecoach rides: 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m. (no 10:30 a.m. stagecoach ride on Sunday)*
- Blacksmith demonstrations: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.
- Farmer at Work: 11:45 a.m. & 2:15 p.m. Work activities change daily, depending on the need. You may be able to help care for animals, help water the garden, or see an animal power demonstration. (no 11:45 a.m. Farmer at Work on Sunday)
- Help with evening chores at 3:30 p.m.
- Enjoy visiting the exhibits in the Heritage Center and Agricultural Heritage Livestock barn. Watch videos about the Mahaffie family and the Border/Civil War and visit the Mahaffie Market gift shop.
- All activities included with admission: $7/adults, $5/children ages 5-11, children 4 & under are free, Olathe residents receive $2/off admission
- Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Accessibility Notes: The Historic Center is accessible and part of the historic grounds are accessible, but there are stairs in the buildings.
