Celebrate the history of the trails - National Frontier Trails Museum reopens Nov. 1

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The City of Independence today announced that the National Frontier Trails Museum is preparing to open on Wednesday, November 1. The new location in the Truman Memorial Building can be found at 416 W. Maple on the lower level. The doors will officially open at 10 AM.  

"The Trails are an important part of the story of our country, but also a vital part of our community,” Mayor Rory Rowland said. “As the Queen City of the Trails, we are excited to once again share the pioneering spirit, entrepreneurship, and courageousness of our earliest residents.” 

The transition of the National Frontier Trails Museum to its new space provided an opportunity for a new attraction, the Missouri Model Railroad Museum, to fill the former Pacific Ave. location.  

Along with a new layout and address, you’ll find a new admission price – free! Now there is no cost to tour the National Frontier Trails Museum, but donations toward the new museum are encouraged.   

The National Frontier Trails Museum features Independence as the jumping-off point for the Lewis & Clark, Santa Fe, California, Oregon, and Mormon Pioneer Trails. Visitors can learn more about the challenges pioneers faced, the equipment needed to make the months-long trek across the trails, the important economic impact the trails had on our country, and the stories of the individuals themselves.   

“We are thrilled to offer our visitors a chance to experience the trails’ history in our temporary location,” Assistant Director of Tourism Services Frank Buhro said. “This is a great example of the evolving nature of history, we learn new things about the trails, the hopes, and dreams of those who braved them. We hope their stories inspire our visitors on their journeys wherever it may lead. We look forward to continuing to share this experience with visitors for years to come.” 

The Museum boasts new hours of operation. The Museum has extended its open hours at the temporary location. 

Business hours are:  

• Mondays & Wednesdays 10 AM – 6 PM  

• Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 AM – 7 PM  

• Fridays & Saturdays 10 AM – 5 PM  

Closed on Sundays.   

The last tour each day begins one hour before the scheduled closing time, so please plan accordingly. Tours outside of scheduled hours are available by appointment.