National Frontier Trails Museum 5.0 (reviews)

The National Frontier Trails Museum is a museum, interpretive center, and research library all dedicated to telling the rich history of America's principle pioneering western trails - and YOU can visit on your next family day out!

You can learn all about the famous trails in Oregon, Santa Fe and California, and how Independence, Missouri (where the museum is located) is a key "jumping off" point for hundreds of thousands of pioneers who risked everything for a new life out in the American west!

During your time at the National Frontier Trails Museum, you can learn all about the overland migrations across the American wilderness during the 1800s, with thousands of wagon trains making their way slowly across the rugged trails, prairies and deserts.

Just imagine what they went through, with storms, mud, swollen rivers, wildlife and many other dangers!

You can start your learning experience at the National Frontier Trails Museum by viewing their award-winning film "West", offering a great overview of the westward expansion before you explore the gallery exhibits.

These exhibits tell the story of those who traveled, with quotes from journals and diaries, as well as original illustrations and even artifacts they left behind - it's a wonderful way to actually attach real people and real stories to such an iconic event.

Also at the National Frontier Trails Museum is an exhibit on Lewis and Clark, and the vital tole of fur trappers and traders at that time, and even the unique story of Mormons who were looking for religious freedom.

If you want to actually take a covered wagon tour, you can do so at an additional admission price, taking you through part of history Independence!

With a historic two-story train depot dating back to 1879, as well as evidence of migration still left over out on the trails, the National Frontier Trails Museum is a day out where history comes to life, and kids can learn all about a series of events that completely shaped the future of the United States!