There are few places in the world that boast a more storied past than Kansas City, Missouri. Founded by fur traders and later known as a key stop along the Santa Fe Trail, the city has seen its ups and downs over time. Today, this thriving metropolis is home to more than 300 historic sites, many of which can be found right in the heart of town at Shoal Creek Living History Museum. This museum is located at 7000 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64156. The self-proclaimed “Places to Go Before You Die” museum is known for its authenticity, with everything from costumed interpreters to period architecture. So if you’re ready to learn about our city’s fascinating history… read on! Discover More about Kansas City, MO
What to see at The Shoal Creek Living History Museum
Once you arrive at the museum, you’ll find yourself in a bustling 19th-century town. Here, you can wander the streets, shop at an 1890s mercantile, dine at a period restaurant, or visit Dr. Allen’s Sanatorium with its 1880s-era hydrotherapy spas. To learn about the people who visited this bustling town, check out the museum’s many interactive exhibits. You can even immerse yourself in the life of a 19th-century farmer, with hands-on experience at the farm, or try your hand at a variety of 19th-century trades and hobbies. Plus, you’ll also be able to get up close with the museum’s many historical figures and re-enactors, who will tell you their stories and share their stories with you.
The Story of How the Museum Began
In the early 1990s, volunteers began to collect artifacts and collect stories from the community. In 1994, they opened the museum on their own land, before the city acquired it in 1996. Since then, the museum has continued to grow and evolve, offering an authentic experience for visitors. One of the museum’s most notable moments came in 2012, when the city named it a “Places to Go Before You Die” museum, recognizing the city’s most important historic sites. The museum was even featured on the Travel Channel, giving it even greater prominence.
The “Shoal Creek” and its Marker Trees
When you arrive at the museum, you’ll notice the park is surrounded by trees that have special significance. These “marker trees” were planted in 1874, marking the original route of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail was used by a variety of goods, including gunpowder and firearms. Goods, like food and supplies, as well as people, were transported along the trail. The trail was also home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and American bison. With this in mind, you may be wondering how the trail traveled through such a diverse landscape. The answer has to do with Mississippi. At that time, the river was not what it is today, so the trail followed the river’s path.
Discovering the Stories of Our Visitors
The stories of the museum’s many visitors are fascinating, with everything from a visit from Princess Di to a re-enactment of the Emancipation Proclamation. As you walk around the museum grounds, you’ll come across a variety of interactive exhibits. You can also explore a number of exhibits that are designed to give you a better understanding of the people who visited the city. For example, you can learn about the events that led to the Civil War and how those events affected the people of Kansas City. You can also explore a variety of other events that have occurred in the city, including the construction of the Kansas City Stockyards. And, if you’re interested in learning more about the people who visited the city, check out the museum’s many exhibits that are designed to give you a better understanding of these visitors.
Final Thoughts
The city of Kansas City has a fascinating history, and The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is a great way to learn more about this history. Visitors will be able to explore the city back when it was a thriving 19th-century city, with authentic buildings and re-enactors. This is a great way to learn more about the city’s history, and you’ll find that the museum is also a great place to spend time with the family. Continue reading about Kansas City The Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum.