One of the best stops in Indepdence. A great museum and very friendly and helpful workers. The railway station and tour guide was excellent!! Glad I visited!!

We were looking to fill time before a concert and Google led us here. I'm glad we stopped by, I learned a lot. If you like to read everything, I recommend allowing at least two hours. My only complaint is the entrance wasn't well marked. The staff was very friendly.

This museum is the starting point for several historic trails. The exhibits cover the Oregon trail, California trail, Santa Fe trail, Lewis & Clark trail and Mormon pioneer trail. The museum is laid out well but feels in need of an update. There are no multimedia areas like modern museums have. I was disappointed that the museum was entirely focused on the trail pioneers, with very little reference to the Native Americans already occupying the land. There were many missed opportunities to add context with the native people interacting with the pioneers. Even Sacajawea was barely mentioned in the Lewis and Clark stories. The gift shop has a neat collection of books and souvenirs. I was sad to see that all the Native-inspired goods were made in China. I would love to see this shop actually showcase indigenous culture rather than selling imitations. Overall it's not a bad introduction to the trail histories but if you're already a history buff, there won't be much to learn.

Excellent museum displaying history and explanations of some of America's most famous WESTERN TRAILS including dioramas, paintings, antique collections, etc. There are other historic buildings on the property including a log cabin and a train station. We visited the day it happened to reopen since Covid began (8-7-21) and the 2 employees were more than eager to answer questions. The museum is self-guided and only cost @$5/pp. They have a nice small gift shop and a separate room for theater, demos, shows, etc. There is another historic home up the street you can tour also.

As long as you're a history buff who wants to understand westwards immigration patterns and realities, you came to the right place... You'll find out about a number of waves of immigration West, what routes were best traveled at what time periods, and the directions and travails of each route. In combination with a unique opening video, your history lesson gets rolling! Air-conditioned, FREE, well laid out, entertaining... Checked all the boxes for us...

Awesome museum tucked into the center of Independence downtown. We had planned the WWI museum, but it is closed on Mondays. If you are into what made America, this is a great tradeoff. Lots of information and replica artifacts on life revolving around the trek West. All trails West came through here, and the stories and hardships they faced are well thought out and displayed to interest all ages. My favorite was the Veteran Hall outside the main exhibit. WWI and Vietnam tribute as well as a local Medal of Honor Korean War Veteran tribute. This was worth the few hours we spent here and should be part of your trip here.

Having grown up on the west coast I have always been fascinated with the westward expansion of America during the 1800s. This museum definitely tells that story. The museum exhibits are laid out perfectly and informative. Learned about the other trails (Santa Fe trail) and what it was like for the travelers through their journals/letters on that are on display. I was actually surprised to hear that over 90 percent of the travelers made it. Highly recommend this museum to anyone who loves America history!

I am starting my trip to Idaho and planned to follow the Oregon National Trail. Since Independence Missouri was the starting point for several other National Trails also, this was a nice museum to visit. There is a 20-minute video with several exhibits. There is a small gift shop with a simple variety of items associated with the pioneers. Overall it is definitely worth the stop to learn about what the settlers had to endure on their journeys west.

Nice small museum about Frontier trail history. Free admission. Starts with 17 min film. Lots of reading. A few interactive elements.

This is a one hour to hour and a half self tour. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable. There are bits and pieces of Sante Fe, California, and Oregon trails history. It is a nice modest collection of history on each and some Lewis and Clark info as well. There is a 15 minute introductory video that is a good overview. The museum has recently moved (it has the correct address in maps) and many of the photos in the reviews are from the old location which appears to have better suited the museum collection.

Looks like it has been closed down since covid started in 2020. It's now May 2021. Went went by when we were in town. It looks well kept, and would be awesome to go in a see everything. Looking through the windows it appears they have kept everything in great condition. Would definitely recommend if they were open.

I took a quick trip there right before closing so I didn't get to watch the video but they were nice enough to give me a return pass so I could check it out. They had a lot of information and some great interactive displays for kids. Gift shop was great too!

Wonderful staff, very reasonably priced gift shop, and tons of information on westward expansion!

Great little tour, of some important American history! The building has been beautifully restored, and the tour is by donations !

Please note almost all the photos on Google are of the OLD location. This NEW location is larger with more exhibits and more centrally located. Please still go to the old location to visit the great railroad museum in the old Aton RR depot.

Fascinating information nicely displayed! A nice area for purchase of related books & items.

Very interesting museum. Right now in a temporary location so their collection is not fully displayed, but it explains the trails and the exerpts from personal journals are very interesting and descriptive about a rather romanticized journey.

This is a “temporary” location, but they have done wonderfully! Much of the museum is transcripts taken from letters and journals about the various notable locations along the various trails taken by pioneers. Wonderful staff/docent to offer information. The museum is free but well worth leaving a donation. Enjoy!

Considering the volume of information available on the trails, this museum does an amazing job of making trail history accessible. Big, colorful displays, first personal accounts, and interactive exhibits guide you through the experience of being on the trail. The gift store is fun, too. I'm currently recommending this museum a lot.

I visited this museum on a Monday in July 2024. It's a small museum but packed with historical interesting information about early American history and it's endeavors to go west. Most fascinating was learning about the Donner family and the contributions made by African Americans.

Fun for kids and adults everyone should come here

It was a smaller size Museum but it took me 1 1/2 hours to go through it. They showcased each of the frontier trails with first place observations from those who actually travelled on them. The artifacts they had were well displayed too.

As an Oregon Trail enthusiast, I greatly enjoyed myself getting to read all the signs and admire the artifacts. I came by myself and took my time; it took me about 80 minutes to get through everything, which is quite reasonable for the six dollar entry. The exhibits are very family friendly, but they have more academic-oriented books for sale in the gift shop that provide deep dives on the grittier nature of pioneer life, such as the archaeology on the Donner Party camps that I am currently reading. The lady at the front desk was hopeful about the museum receiving a good modernizing overhaul in the next few years as funding becomes available, though I found it to still be quite informative as-is. If you’re into historic site road trips, don’t miss grabbing the free auto tour guides published by the National Park Service on your way out.

The National Frontier Trails Museum is an exceptional institution that provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of the pioneering era in America. I recently had the opportunity to visit this museum, and I must say it exceeded my expectations in every way. From the moment I entered, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The museum's layout is well-designed, guiding visitors through a chronological journey of the frontier trails that played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, offering a wealth of information and captivating artifacts that bring the history to life. One aspect that impressed me greatly was the museum's dedication to inclusivity and diversity. It recognizes and acknowledges the experiences of not only the European settlers but also the Native American tribes, African Americans, and other groups who had significant roles in the development of these trails. This comprehensive approach provides a well-rounded perspective of the era and fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of the time. The museum offers a range of interactive displays, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history. From simulated wagon rides to hands-on activities that replicate the challenges faced by the pioneers, there is something for everyone to engage with. The staff members are knowledgeable and passionate, readily available to answer questions and provide additional insights. Additionally, the National Frontier Trails Museum offers educational programs and special events that further enhance the visitor experience. These initiatives cater to a diverse audience, including students, families, and history enthusiasts, making the museum a valuable resource for both learning and entertainment. In conclusion, the National Frontier Trails Museum is a gem that showcases the pioneering spirit of the American West. Its well-curated exhibits, interactive displays, and commitment to inclusivity create an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you have a deep interest in history or simply want to explore a fascinating chapter of America's past, this museum is a must-visit destination.

A wonderful museum and story worth telling of the pioneer history that started in Independence, MO. By understanding our history we can educate future generations. This museum needs the support of our City, State and Nation - NOW at a critical time in this Cities History to recognize it’s Past.

Fascinating tour with a very knowledgeable lady who took us through the whole building imparting great stories and history of the station and the C&A Railroad! Would highly recommend to train buffs of all ages. The station was moved years ago to it's present location and lovingly restored and loaded with period train and housing items to give the viewers a better appreciation of the times.

Such a fun museum to explore the pioneer spirit. We were very impressed. Lots to see and interactive things to do.

Nice museum with historical value. Nice displays and intro video. Nice Lewis and Clark facts of exploration.

Great places. If you have any interest in the Oregon trail or the other trails west this is a great museum with lots of displays and information. Nicely done!