I’m a sucker for history as that was my major in college and I love agriculture! I come from farming families and T is in the agriculture profession, so it’s something that I am very passionate about. When I found out we were going to visit the Agricultural Hall of Fame & National Center, Wyandotte County Museum, and the Grinter Place Museum…I was so excited to check them out!
Grinter Place Museum
Located in the heart of Kansas City and not far from the Kansas River sits the Grinter Place Museum! This home was built by Moses & Annie Grinter. Annie was from the Delaware Indian Tribe and so the Grinter’s served a key role in aiding the relationship between the white man and the Natives. Over the years, the Grinter’s trading business declined, family passed on, and the house was eventually sold! From 1950-1968, a private company owned the home and fried chicken dinners were served from the home! Eventually, the home was given back to the Kansas State Historical Society and it was restored to the condition it had been with the Grinter family owned it!
After our visit, I can tell you that the best part of our visit is Bill Nix of the historical society who is the historical interpreter representing Moses Grinter! He is fantastic at his job! Not once that we were in the house did he break character! He is very entertaining and knowledgeable of the Grinters! He alone is worth the trip to the Grinter Place Museum!
Wyandotte County Museum
Located in a beautiful park you will find the Wyandotte County Museum. It not only delivers exhibits showing their rich history with the Native Americans, but also the progression and history of the culture of the area.
The museum has a wide variety of displays. It features historical facts regarding Wyandotte County and also “pop” culture. Something will appeal to everyone in your group. One of the things I learned while visiting is that the Wyandotte Indians moved here from Canada, through Ohio, and then landed in Kansas & Oklahoma.
Upon arriving, you will find their friendly staff who are happy to answer any questions you might have! Explore the oldest history of Wyandotte County on one side of the museum. Then move to the other side of the museum to explore the more modern history! The 1903 and 1904 fire trucks on display along with the architectural firemen is my favorite display.
One of the greatest things about the museum is that there is something for everyone! You will find displays for adults as well for kids! Sara of Travel with Sara and Melody of Wherever I May Roam and I had a great time dressing up! There are several interactive displays for children, which is fantastic!
Agricultural Hall of Fame & National Center
Heading into the Agricultural Hall of Fame, I was excited, but had no idea what to expect! And, what I encountered was much more than I could have imagined. Check out the hall of fame, which features those who have made a difference in agriculture. Show kids what the world used to be like with their historic village. There is something for everyone!
Take a tour through the implement museum, enjoy the gardens (facilitated by Kansas State University & Kansas Extension), or take a train ride through the grounds!
You can wander through the historic buildings, or check out the traveling display. This is the 50th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz. We got the privilege of seeing an extensive private collection of memorabilia.
Thank you to the Kansas City, KS Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting our visit! All opinions are authentic, 100%, and my own. For full details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
I live just down K-7 from the Ag Hall of Fame, but have never been. Thanks for inspiring me to check it (and these other local gems) out!
Oh, you definitely need to visit!
Thanks for sharing, this is now on the list for when I get to Kansas City! Also love that you shared so much interesting history as a history major!
They are great stops! I love pretty much anything in history!