National Frontier Trails Museum - Independence Missouri

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The National Frontier Trails Museum - Independence Missouri

Independence, Missouri is the home of the National Frontier Trails Museum. Located at 318 West Pacific, it is considered a museum, an interpretive center and also a research library. The goal of the National Frontier Trails Museum is to give visitors a sense of the history of the western trails of America. The details of overland migration in the nineteenth century by wagon trains are one of the most interesting pieces of America’s past. The hardy pioneers that attempted these journeys faced many different dangers along the way, and there were those that did not complete the journey. The main trails that these people used were the Santa Fe, the Oregon and the California trails.

The Santa Fe Trail was a 900 mile overland trade route began in 1821. The Oregon Trail was 2000 miles long and was used by settlers looking to build a new life on the frontier. The California trail led to the famous California gold fields, where many a man went to seek his fortune. Each of these trails contributed greatly to the history of America.

Independence, Missouri was considered the gateway to the American West. The National Frontier Trails Museum was completed in 1990 to tell visitors about the way that the American West was settled. The museum utilizes part of the Waggoner-Gates mill as part of the structure.

There are a wide variety of things to do at the National Frontier Trails Museum. Visitors can start their visit with the award-winning film, "West." This short film introduces the subject of westward expansion. The many exhibits at the museum are interesting and fun, and include artifacts and original illustrations. Outside the museum, visitors can see actual wagon ruts, or swales. The paved pathway curves around the swales and provides informational signs to learn more about them. The museum also features covered wagon rides. The wagon rides are seasonal, and combination tickets for both the museum and wagon ride can be purchased for $10 for those 12 and older and $7.50 for ages 6-12.

The museum hosts many fun and interesting activities to further the learning of area residents and visitors. They have several great children’s programs, as well as many community activities.

Also on the museum grounds is the Chicago and Alton train depot which was built in 1879. The depot has been completely restored and is operated by the friends of the Chicago and Alton depot.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays, the hours are from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The admission prices are $5 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, youth ages 6-17 are $3, and children age five and younger are free. It generally takes about one to one and a half hours to tour the exhibits.