We thought we’d share some information on what could make for a really fun day or weekend! Did you know that Independence, MO is known as the “Queen City of the Trails?” It’s where 3 pioneer routes, all leading west, began. In case you need to brush up on your US history–those routes are the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails.
You can learn more about traders and pioneers crossing the plains and their brave families at the National Frontier Trails Museum, located at 318 W. Pacific in Independence. And, even better, the museum is presenting a number of special programs tied to a Christmas Theme this year. You can start by signing up for this Saturday’s (Nov. 14, 2009) Corn Husk Doll Workshop, where participants will make one-of-a-kind gifts. On December 5, 2009, the museum will feature a Laura Ingalls Wilder re-enactor, who will share memories of her childhood Christmas celebrations on the prairie. In addition, covered wagon rides are included with paid admission on Dec. 5! December 12 showcases our early Christmas symbols and traditions (“In Search of Christmas Past”) and you can learn how the early explorers marked the holidays on December 19 in the presentation “Lewis and Clark Celebrate Christmas.”
The museum store will offer discounted frontier and pioneer-themed presents from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve! Every Saturday before Christmas will feature live music, Father Christmas visits, cider and cookies! How much fun! Hours are 9am-430pm M-Sat and 1230-430pm Sundays. Cost is $5 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 ages 6-17, and under 6 gets in FREE!
As if on cue, Kansas City’s own Coterie Theatre does it again! “Little House on the Prairie” began November 3 and runs through December 29, 2009. You’ll remember that the beloved Ingalls family sells their home, leaves the Big Woods of Wisconsin and heads west in their covered wagon. They end up in Indian Territory, near Independence, KS. The Coterie’s performance recounts the chapters of the book, Little House on the Prairie. Two fiddles, a guitar and lots of singing make for wonderful period music!
Ticket prices vary, as there are individual prices, discounted holiday pricing, group discounts, and the ever-popular TARGET Saturdays–featuring a FREE ticket with purchase! (Some restrictions apply, see website for all ticketing prices and details.)
TEASER ALERT!!! Don’t think we’re going to let the opportunity pass for another family-friendly ticket giveaway! Stay tuned and keep watching…this one’s going to be on Facebook again! And it’s going to be soon!
Hooray for the trails museum! Kids can also “pack” their own wagons here and learn what it would take for the journey in a hands on activity. Grateful I wasn’t a pioneer and that it was my ancestors who crossed the plains in covered wagons. A great article (and photo too.