Information About Missouri Town 1855

Upcoming Events, History, and More!

Image Courtesy of Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department

Fans of yesteryear will appreciate what we have right around the corner in Lee’s Summit.   Missouri Town 1855 is a living history museum that is a recreation of a 19th-century farming town. It is designed to give visitors an authentic experience of life in rural Missouri during that time period.  Fans of “The Little House on the Prairie” books and other period publications will be able to appreciate the step into a simpler time.

Among a landscape of rolling hills and 30 acres, the town features more than 25 buildings, including homes, barns, shops, and public buildings. Each home is an authentic representation of homes from the time period that have been reconstructed on the site. The buildings were all originally built in Missouri during the mid-19th century, from seven different counties. They were moved to the Missouri Townsite and restored to their original condition. The restored structures are filled with authentic period furniture and tools that have been reclaimed.  All of this sets the perfect stage for reenacting the life that the original inhabitants may have led.  Visitors traverse from one building to another on a gravel lane that divides the property in two.  No pets are allowed in Missouri Town, as there are livestock and other animals that make their permanent home in Missouri Town.

Visitors to Missouri Town can explore the town's buildings and grounds, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades, and learn about the daily life of the people who lived in the town during the mid-19th century, on the eve of the Civil War. The town is staffed by costumed interpreters who portray the town's residents and provide information about the history and culture of the time period.

Missouri Town is open to the public seasonally, typically from April through October, and offers a variety of events and programs throughout the year. It is owned and operated by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, and admission fees are charged for entry.  In addition, there are many events held throughout the year that give visitors an extra special reason to visit Missouri Town.

Missouri Town is a popular field trip destination, and can also be rented for weddings and other special events.

In such a progressive and technology-based world we live in, it can be refreshing to look at how our ancestors lived their daily life, what was important to them, and the common challenges that they may have faced. In recent years, there has definitely been a rebirth of getting back to a simpler way of life. Many homeowners today raise their own chickens and plant gardens that supplement their household's daily vegetable needs. It is such a unique perspective when you submerse yourself into the atmosphere of an era that was once so familiar, especially in an area like Missouri.

Missouri Town 1855 Address

8010 E Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Upcoming Events

Sheep Shearing

Saturday, May 6th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

"Join us and see how wool goes from the sheep to a finished product. Watch our flock as they receive their annual shearing, try your hand at the different stages of fiber production, learn about the important role sheep played in the 19th century with our living history interpreters, and even purchase your own fleece!"

Spring Jamboree

Saturday, June 3rd, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

"Celebrate spring at Missouri Town Living History Museum! Could you do chores like Laura Ingalls Wilder? Or avoid them like Tom Sawyer? What about attending a one-room schoolhouse with a little lamb in tow? Try your hand at the important work and play of Victorian children and learn how it was cemented into 19th-century literature."

Fresh From the Garden

Saturday, June 10th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

"Learn how food was prepared and preserved in one of the kitchens of our 19th-century structures! Participants will practice cooking original recipes, then will have the opportunity to eat what they have prepared. Period clothing is encouraged, modern clothing should be made from natural fibers. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. ($25 per person, $20 for Missouri Town LHM members)"

Independence Day

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

"Experience how Missourians celebrated our nation's independence in the 19th century. Patriotic speeches, children's games, period cooking, and dancing are just a few of the many interpretive activities you'll find as you explore the mid-19th-century village. All are invited to join in the traditional Missouri Town Independence Day Parade at 12:00 noon."

A 19th-Century Picnic

Saturday, August 5th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

"Pack your blanket and picnic lunch picnic basket for a 19th Century Picnic on the lawn at the Missouri Town Living History Museum.  Enjoy period activities and lawn games.  Admission to the event is included with your paid site admission.”

Hot Weather Cooking

Saturday, August 5th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

“Learn how food was prepared and preserved in one of the kitchens of our 19th-century structures! Participants will practice cooking original recipes, then will have the opportunity to eat what they have prepared. Period clothing is encouraged, modern clothing should be made from natural fibers. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. ($25 per person, $20 for Missouri Town LHM members)”

47th Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts, and Music

Saturday, Oct. 7th, 2023: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday, Oct. 8th, 2023: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

“Explore the sights and sounds of the harvest season! Historic interpreters, artisans, musicians, and crafters will bring to life the hard work and celebration that took place as the crops came in. Hitch a ride on a wagon, play 19th-century games, and make memories to last a lifetime! If you are an interested vendor, there is an opportunity for food, craft, artist, and “lost art” vendors to apply for space at the festival.”

Paranormal Investigation

Saturday, Oct 28th, 2023: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

“Search for paranormal activity at Missouri Town Living History Museum with trained ghost hunters!  Missouri Town is a reconstructed village of buildings and artifacts dating back to the early 1800s, with histories all their own.  Did any spirits relocate to our historic village?  Join us to find out. For visitors aged 12 and up.”

Pies!

Saturday, Nov 18th, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

“Learn how food was prepared and preserved in one of the kitchens of our 19th-century structures! Participants will practice cooking original recipes, then will have the opportunity to eat what they have prepared. Period clothing is encouraged, modern clothing should be made from natural fibers. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited. ($25 per person, $20 for Missouri Town LHM members)”

A Christmas Celebration

Saturday, Dec 2nd, 2023: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

“Bundle up and kick off the holiday season at this annual event!  Warm up by the fire, help decorate our historic houses, join in with carolers, and say "hello" to Father Christmas, as you explore the traditions of Christmas in the 19th century.”

Worth the Visit

Adults and children alike can appreciate the historic setting in Missouri Town. It will indeed spark conversations as you compare how life was then and the sharp contrast to what it feels like now. Perhaps you will spark a fire in a history buff in the making, or perhaps renew an appreciation for life in both the past and present eras. Either way, it is a wonderful, and eye-opening experience in which to spend an afternoon!

*All information in regard to events is from the Missouri Town website.  Before embarking on an outing, be sure to visit the website for the most current and accurate information in regard to admission pricing, special event pricing, and event details.