Missouri Town Living History Museum

10/21/2026

10/04/2026

Fort Osage will be closed on Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Looking for a patriotic celebration? Visit Missouri Town Living History Museum at 8010 East Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64064, for live music, historic demonstrations, family activities, and more!

10/04/2026

We're back with another Jackson County Parks + Rec Historic Site Building Feature!

During the 1800s, this summer kitchen helped families prepare meals without heating up the main house during the hot summer months.

Originally built around 1840 by Joshua and Susan Dillingham, the Dillingham-Fields Summer Kitchen began as a family home near present-day Blue Springs. The one-and-a-half-story structure featured a sleeping loft above the main living area. In 1860, the property was home to the Dillingham family of 11, as well as five enslaved individuals.

In 1964, the building was relocated from what is now Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area to Missouri Town Living History Museum, where it continues to tell the story of everyday life in 19th-century Missouri.

Today, you can find the beautifully restored summer kitchen behind the Withers House. After undergoing a major restoration in 2024, it's ready to welcome visitors during the 50th Annual Fall Festival on October 3 & 4!

10/04/2026

We’re back with another story about one of Missouri Town’s Historic Buildings!

The West Deister Barn was one of two barns donated to Missouri Town Living History Museum by John and Robert Deister in 1970. Built sometime after 1848, the barn was originally located outside Riverside, Missouri.

Inside, you’ll find a log crib once used for grain storage and 10 stalls that housed horses or mules. Today, the West Deister Barn is home to Missouri Town’s collection of antique and reproduction farming equipment.

Have photos or stories about the West Deister Barn before or after it was moved to Missouri Town? Share them in the comments or email us at [email protected].

Come explore this building and many others at our 50th Annual Fall Festival!
8010 East Park Road, Lee’s Summit, MO
October 3 & 4 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

10/04/2026

Americana Corner’s Preserving America Partners initiative has committed $125,000 over five years to support Missouri Town Living History Museum’s 'Cultivating Connections: Bringing Mid-1800s Agriculture to Life' project.

Find out more about how the Missouri Town Living History Museum is preserving the authentic experience of 1800s Western Missouri agriculture. Visit https://www.americanacorner.com/partner-projects/missouri-town

10/04/2026

We’re almost there! Jackson County Parks + Rec's 50th Annual Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music is THIS WEEKEND!

Use our festival map to plan your day and explore handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, historic demonstrations, great food and unique experiences throughout Missouri Town Living History Museum

Try your hand at old-fashioned games, pan for gold, hop aboard a free tractor ride and explore the historic village. While you’re there, meet Star & Bright, our American Milking Devon oxen, made possible through the Cultivating Connections program with support from Americana Corner and the Friends Of Missouri Town 1855.

📅 Oct. 3 & 4 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 8010 East Park Road, Lee's Summit, MO, 64064

First time visiting Missouri Town? Admission to the Fall Festival is by vehicle because guests drive into Missouri Town to access the event. It’s $15 per vehicle — not per person — and everyone in your vehicle is included. Vans and buses are $25, with no additional parking fee.

Come celebrate 50 Years of Fall Festival with us, and !

09/30/2026

09/23/2026

Did you know Jackson County Parks + Rec is home to many places where history comes alive?

From Fort Osage National Historic Landmark and Missouri Town Living History Museum to Cave Spring Historic Site and Lone Jack Civil War Battlefield, there's always something new to discover. https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Events-Attractions/Historic-Sites

Step into these remarkable places where the past comes alive. Wander through historic homes, meet heritage livestock, experience living history demonstrations, and discover what life was like for the people who helped shape our region.

Whether you're feeding your curiosity, spending time with family, or just enjoying a peaceful day outdoors, there's something timeless around every corner—every path has a story, every building holds a memory, and every visit becomes part of history.

Come make history part of your day at !

09/23/2026

50 YEARS OF FALL FESTIVAL! 🍂

Step back in time and celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Missouri Town Living History Museum Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music.

📅 Saturday, Oct. 3 & Sunday, Oct. 4
⏰ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Missouri Town Living History Museum
🚗 Admission: $15 per car | $25 per van or bus

Enjoy a fall weekend filled with historic cooking and craft demonstrations, unique handmade goods from local artisans and makers, live music, fresh-pressed apple c***r, and living history throughout the village.

🐂 Meet Star & Bright!
Be sure to visit our American Milking Devon oxen, Star and Bright! They are part of Missouri Town’s Cultivating Connections program, made possible with support from Americana Corner's Preserving America Grant Program and the Friends Of Missouri Town 1855.

Bring the family and help us celebrate 50 years of Fall Festival!