Planning a Visit

There's plenty to do at the Frontier Trails Museum. Watch a film in our theater, tour the exhibits, see real wagon ruts, or enjoy a wagon ride. Check our calendar of events for other activities.

The museum is located at
318 W. Pacific Ave.
Independence, MO 64050

Hours
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Saturday
12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Sunday

Admission
Adults $5.00
Seniors (62 and older) $4.50
Youth (6-17) $3.00
Children 5 and younger are free.
We offer a AAA discount. For group fees, contact us.

 

Directions
The museum is located south of the Historic Independence Square, 3.3 miles North of I-70.
Personalize your directions using Mapquest.

Group Tours
The museum welcomes your group tour. For group tour information and bookings, contact the Independence Tourism Department.

 

 

Film and Exhibits
Begin your visit by viewing the museum's award winning film, "West." This 17-minute film gives an overview of America's westward expansion. The 24-minute film, "More Precious Than Gold: Contributions of the Mormon Battalion," is available upon request.

The museum's exhibit gallery recreates the story of those who traveled the trails by using quotes from journals and diaries, original illustrations, and artifacts they left behind. The exhibits also include the explorations of Lewis and Clark, the vital role of fur trappers and traders, the unique story of Mormons looking for religious freedom, and the transcontinental railroad which brought the overland wagon trails to an end.

Most visitors take about 1 to 1½ hours to tour the exhibits.

Trail Swales
During the trails period, thousands of wagons rolled down the hill from the Courthouse Square and passed over the property where the museum now sits. Evidence of the migration can still be seen today in the form of swales, or wagon ruts, left in the field directly across the street from the museum campus. A 1/4-mile long asphalt pathway circles around the swales. Interpretive signs give information about the swales and what it was like to begin the long trail journey. Handicapped accessible.

Covered Wagon Rides
Add to your museum experience by taking a covered wagon ride! The museum offers Combination Tickets that include museum admission and covered wagon rides through part of Historic Independence. Wagon rides are provided by Pioneer Trails Adventures. Wagon rides are seasonal and subject to weather conditions.

Combination Ticket prices are:
Ages 6-12 $9.00
Age 12 and older $12.00

Chicago and Alton Depot
This two-story train depot, built in 1879, has been restored on the grounds of the museum. The Depot is operated by the Friends of the Chicago and Alton Depot. For information about hours and tours, call 816-325-7955.