Visitors at the Jesse James Birthplace can see where the legend began. The museum displays the world’s largest collection of James family artifacts - Jesse’s boots and Frank’s surrender letter tend to captivate visitors. Guests then follow the paved winding trail to the farmhouse and walk along the creek where, as young boys, Frank and Jesse spent much of their time playing. In the yard of the family home is Jesse’s original burial site, the place where his mother once sold souvenir rocks from his grave for twenty-five cents.

Explore living history: 1860s style at Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm, Olathe, KS, the last remaining stagecoach stop open to the public on the Santa Fe Trail. The house is the original built by James ‘Beatty’ Mahaffie and his son, William, in 1865. Today, you can explore the dining room and full kitchen in the cellar where numerous stagecoach passengers took a meal.

Ranked as the No. 1 attraction in Kansas City by TripAdvisor and as one of the top 25 museums in the nation, the National WWI Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impacts on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period, while sharing deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America’s official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.

Cultural Museum honoring the legacy of Negro Leagues Baseball.

Shawnee Town is a living history museum located in Shawnee, Kansas. Step back into the 1920s and experience life in Shawnee, a truck-farming town located just 10 miles from downtown Kansas City! Visitors of all ages can explore our interactive historic Main Street's local businesses and an original truck farm - chickens included!

The region’s only accessible, non-profit children’s museum dedicated to providing STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math – educational experiences for young children and their families. Wonderscope features 30,000 square feet of indoor exploration and 1/2 acre of year-round outdoor adventure, all with a unique Kansas City theme. The museum is easily accessible via public transportation and major roadways.

The Vaile Mansion, Museum and Arboretum was built by Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Vaile in 1881. It was described as "the most princely house and the most comfortable home in the entire west," by the Kansas City Times in 1882. Situated on North Liberty Street, a mile north of the historic Independence Square, the three-story Gothic-like structure today sits in solitary splendor, an architectural anomaly among the surrounding Midwestern homes. The 31 room mansion includes 9 marble fireplaces, spectacular painted ceilings, flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank, and a 48,000 gallon wine cellar. This mansion is one of the best examples of Second Empire style architecture in the United States. It was rescued from demolition in 1983 and has been restored to provide tours to the public. Vaile Mansion is closed most of November, and all of January, February and March. Please confirm hours before planning your visit!