Freedom's Frontier

The 22-acre Atkins-Johnson Farm and Musuem includes the restored original farmhouse—now serving as a museum—farm outbuildings, and cemetery all dating back to the 1830s. The farmhouse museum highlights the property’s original log home encased in its walls.

Throughout the house traveling exhibits on 19th century history are mixed with permanent exhibits on rural Missouri farm life.

Visitors will enjoy walking the short trail across the beautiful property which connects the historic Big Shoal Cemetery to the site’s heirloom vegetable and herb garden. Planted nearby the trail are rows of blueberries, raspberries, and a small apple orchard. The farm also keeps local bees and sells honey to support the site.

Restored and opened to the public in 2013 for the first time, the museum now offers wide ranging special events and programs for families and home schoolers. Tours inside the house are available during regular seasonal hours.

Parking is free and located at the main entrance off NE Antioch Road. Disabled parking is provided, walkways and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Visitors with disabilities will have access to portions of the main floor of the farmhouse, but not the parlor, living room and foyer. Docents will be available to provide additional information on rooms with restricted access. Service animals are permitted inside the museum and on the grounds.

Visitors are also welcome to tour the Big Shoal Cemetery. Free public parking is located off NE 64th Street. A self-guided walking tour brochure is provided at the cemetery's informational welcome kiosk. The cemetery is public property and always free to visitors.