Interesting Historical Activities To Do In Kansas City
Kansas City has a rich and varied history, so while you’re in the area, take the time to explore some of its historical attractions.
Shoal Creek Living History Museum
7000 NE Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64156
Website
Shoal Creek is an 19th century pioneer village with actors demonstrating the historical style of life through craftsmanship, fashion, conversation. Buffalo roam the land while guests can speak with the town doctor, or visit the schoolhouse or the mill. The volunteers are excellent at tailoring their speech to different age groups so everyone in the family will enjoy the visit.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
Website
One of the leading museums for World War 1 memorabilia, it’s well worth visiting to learn about the “Great War”. You’ll get to know some of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the USA through personal stories and artifacts. Between interactive displays and various movies to watch, the museum knows how to drive home the emotional impact of being in such a large war, and you’ll walk away with a newfound respect for the troops who fought overseas.
Kansas City Gangster Tour
1300 Lydia, Kansas City, MO 64106
Website
Take a bus tour to see the mob hangouts and crime scenes of some of the United States’ most infamous mobsters, like Boss Tom and Johnny Lazio. The tour guide, Johnny, is excellent at delivering the tales with flair, and while you can’t get off the bus for most stops, you still get to see parts of the city you may not have visited otherwise. It’s an amusing and informative trip back into town, and will be interesting for all ages.
The Turbulent Twenties
March 13th to August 24th, 2019
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212
Website
The Turbulent Twenties is a temporary exhibit at Johnson County Museum that focuses on the darker aspects of the Roaring 20s, such as the 1918 flu epidemic, the return of WWI soldiers, the adjustment of society to the coming Modern Age, and the beginning of the Ku Klux Klan. It’s powerful to see beyond flapper dresses and Prohibition to the underlying social currents that were causing division and anger upon the population. It’s a hard-hitting exhibition that provides a more well-rounded view of a romanticized time.
What do you know about Missouri history? Are you excited about any of these activities?
