See where key chapters of our nation’s history occurred – from the opening of the west along the Lewis and Clark, Oregon and Santa Fe National Historic Trails – to the early battles that started the Civil War in the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. This is the land of pioneers where you’re sure to discover a great vacation in the Heart of the West!
Today, the park offers walking and biking trails, an education pavilion, open-air encampment theater and outstanding views of downtown Kansas City. Murals and signage recognize the area’s history and Native American tribes.
Kansas City, KS is home to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Kansas Speedway, Sporting KC and an array of exciting attractions, unique-themed restaurants and shopping experiences. The Village West area boasts 400 acres of shopping. Find big bargains at Legends Outlets Kansas City, Cabela’s and Nebraska Furniture Mart. History comes alive at the Quindaro Overlook, Old Quindaro Museum, John Brown Statue and the Underground Railroad Museum. All are a part of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area in eastern Kansas.
Eastern Kansas has many Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area historic sites
The Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth features a Lewis & Clark exhibit and houses one of the best collections of 18th century military weapons and equipment. The inspiring Buffalo Soldier Monument memorializes the African American officers and troops who helped bring peace to the frontier. The Fort’s cemetery is one of the first 14 national cemeteries established by President Abraham Lincoln. An audio driving tour leads visitors to 10 different historic sites in the area. The Leavenworth Landing Park Walking Trail includes sculpture displays and wayside tour exhibits along the waterfront.
Topeka also features Old Prairie Town, the Great Overland Stage Museum and the Combat Air Museum. The historic Ritchie House, the Topeka Zoological Park and the Ted Ensley gardens are popular destinations.
Home of the University of Kansas and the Haskell Indian Nations University. The mounted remains of the cavalry horse Comanche, who was the lone survivor of the Battle of the Little Bighorn is on display at the University of Kansas’ Natural History Museum.
Attractions include the exhibits and documents at the Dole Institute of Politics, the Booth Family Hall of Athletics, the University of Kansas’ Natural History Museum, the Lawrence Art Center, and the Lied Performing Arts Center as well as the Watkins Community Museum of History.
Shawnee Town helps visitors re-live life on the farm in the old days while the Wonderscope Children’s Museum opens young minds to the future.
Take a stroll through the beautiful Museum at Prairiefire, the only location outside of New York to host American Museum of Natural History exhibitions. Get an adrenaline rush at iFly! Their 120 MPH wind tunnel allows to you experience free-fall conditions as you skydive indoors. Explore Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens or the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art for a more cultural experience. Overland Park’s charming downtown is home to eclectic shops and local restaurants… all just 20 minutes from Kansas City, Missouri.
It has been welcoming Santa Fe Trail travelers since 1858. Visitors can take stagecoach rides, visit a working 19th century farm and discover what life was like on the Kansas frontier.
Gardner’s Historical Museum features displays and exhibits that remember those pioneer days.
John Brown’s log cabin home and the Osawatomie Battlefield are important historic destinations in the Freedom’s Frontier National Heri-tage Area which includes historic sites, battlefields, and museums along Kansas’ eastern border from Fort Leavenworth above Kansas City to Fort Scott Historic Site in Southeastern Kansas.
The historical museum complex showcases the ongoing history of the community.
The Chanute Historical Museum includes more close-to-home displays.
The Elk City Lake is just northwest of the community.
The Aviation Heritage Museum includes exhibits that showcase the early days of barnstorming and the development of aviation as a major business in the community and the state.
Baxter Springs is also on the Historic Route 66 Byway.
The Frontier Military Historic Byway on US 69 includes the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site, the Linn County Historical Museum, the Trading Post Museum, the Marias de Cygnes Massacre Site and the Miami County Historical Museum on all provide important insight on the Civil War and the confrontation between the states.
The fort has been restored and brings to life its role during the westward expansion and the Civil War years.
For more information, go to: FreedomsFrontier.org / VisitKansasCityKS.com / VisitLeavenworthKS.com / TravelKS.com
For other Lewis and Clark Trail adventures in the area, go to: www.LCGreatRivers.org