Historical Tours

Kansas City’s history is rich and colorful. Known for its dominance in the heyday of the American Railroad, as the birthplace of TWA airlines and as a city where jazz clubs and gangsters once thrived, Kansas City has many stories to tell. Nearby Independence is the hometown of one of America’s Presidents and the place where three pioneer trails heading west, began. Here are some of our favorite places for groups to visit.

Arabia Steamboat Museum

400 Grand BoulevardKansas City, Missouri 64106800-471-1856www.1856.com

Allow 90 minutes

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is home to a true time capsule of frontier life in the 1800s. The Arabia was headed up the Missouri River in the fall of 1856 when she struck a tree snag and sank just north of Kansas City. Her cargo hold was full of 200 tons of supplies bound for general stores and pioneer settlements. As the years passed, the river changed course and left the Arabia buried beneath a Kansas cornfield. In 1988 a group of modern-day adventurers uncovered the lost Arabia and her magnificent cargo. They were amazed to find fine dishware, clothing, and even bottled food all preserved in remarkable condition. Their find has been called the King Tut's Tomb of the Missouri River. Guided tours begin every 30 minutes. Discounts are available for groups of 25 or more.

Union Station

30 W. Pershing RoadKansas City, Missouri 64108877-SCI-CITYwww.unionstation.org

Allow at least 2 hours

Kansas City's beautifully renovated 1914 train station features a science center, a giant-screen movie theater and a permanent exhibit on the history of the American railroad which includes an extensive model train display. Group activities include a walking tour of the historic building or a guided tour of the railroad exhibit. The Station also hosts one-of-a-kind traveling exhibits several times throughout the year. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more.

National Archives

400 W. Pershing RoadKansas City, Missouri 64108816-268-8000www.archives.gov/central-plains/kansas-city

Allow at least 45 minutes per exhibit

Located next to Union Station and across the street from the National World War I Museum, the National Archives at Kansas City is one of 14 facilities nationwide where the public has access to federal archival records. It is home to more than 50,000 cubic feet of historical records. This includes documents, photographs, maps and architectural drawings from the 1820s to the 1990s created or received by federal courts and more than 100 federal agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Guided tours of the Archives’ special exhibits are available for groups. Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Visit the web site for a list of current exhibitions. Admission is FREE.

National WWI Museum and Memorial

100 W. 26th StreetKansas City, Missouri 54108816-784-1908theworldwar.org

Allow at least 2 ½ hours

Groups visiting the National WWI Museum and Memorial will experience an extraordinary emotional and intellectual experience. The museum honors the men and women of the “War to end all wars”. The technology and interactive exhibits let visitors experience the trenches and bomb craters. This state-of-the-art complex at Liberty Memorial uses highly-interactive technology to bring history to life, and to foster timely discussions of ethics, values, decision making and conflict resolution. The museum was designated by Congress as the nation’s official WWI Museum. Group pricing is available for groups of 15 or more. Tickets allow guests access to all galleries, special exhibits and the Liberty Memorial Tower. Tickets may be used on two consecutive days. If purchased Sunday, the second day is Tuesday.

The Kansas City Gangster Tour

Public Tours Every Saturday at 10am and 1pmPrivate Tours available for 15 Guests or more on requestPick up and Drop off at Union Station816-471-1234www.kctg.com

Allow 90+ Minutes

The Kansas City Gangster Tour is an interactive experience that tells the story of the Boss Tom Pendergast Era of Kansas City. Tour guide Johnny Holiday, with the help of some friends on Gangster TV, conducts the Tour. Guests will see the locations of speakeasies, sites of infamous murders, pictures and video from the period, and learn the meaning of "Wide Open Town". During this period in its history, Kansas City had it all and you will hear the full story. The Kansas City Gangster Tour is celebrating 20 years as the longest running historic tour of Kansas City. Sounds like an "offer you can't refuse."

Airline History Museum

201 NW Lou Holland Dr., Hangar 9Kansas City, Missouri 64116800-513-9484www.ahmhangar.com

Allow 1 hour

The museum collection of photographs, artifacts, printed materials and displays are the essence of an age gone by and include uniforms, galley items, instrumentation, logbooks, personal mementos and so much more. The timeline, beginning with the Wright's first flight through the propeller-driven era of general and commercial aviation, comes to life with an extensive collection of Kansas City's home airline, TWA. In the hangar, several unique aircraft are also on display. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more and when booked in advance. Tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance.

Historic Independence

Approximately 30 minute drive east of Kansas City866-657-6338www.visitindependence.com

Allow 2 hours to all day

Spend an entire day in this historic town or pick out one or two of your favorites. Independence, Missouri has a rich history including the home and library of America’s 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. Other historic highlights include the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home and Museum, the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the world headquarters for the Community of Christ. Great shopping and dining options are available downtown on the historic town square, including Clinton’s Soda Fountain.

Fort Osage

107 Osage StreetSibley, Missouri 64088816-650-5737 or 816-650-3278www.jacksongov.org/fortosage

Allow 1 hour

Step back in time—back to when Missouri was way out West in the wilderness—and experience the lives of the men and women who secured the American frontier. Built in 1808, under the direction of William Clark, co-leader of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Fort Osage served a dual role. It was both a military garrison and trade center. Overlooking the Missouri River, this historic site has been reconstructed to portray Fort Osage as it was in 1812. Authentically attired interpreters can give groups living-history insights into the daily life of both the military and civilian populations.