Shawnee Indian Mission Kansas State Historic Site

This is a place I’ve driven past many times and I’ve always wanted to go visit. Well, I figured next time I pass it, I’d visit. And that would never happen. Well, having a little time, I decided to roll in the other day instead of saying «next time» yet again.
The Shawnee Indian Mission seems like it would be one of those field day trips for students in the MoKan area and I’m sure nothing’s changed since you were little if you did do this place. For those who haven’t, though, I really do suggest budgeting an hour of your time to check this place out. Whether you are a lover or hater of JoCo, you’ll find the history of the county interesting. For instance, did you know that Johnson County wasn’t named in honor of anyone, rather a guy gave his own name to the county? And that the area was all wild west and Indian land for some time?
The museum itself is not very big. It’s just the one building with a 20 minute video, a wonderful volunteer who will answer every question of yours (really) and an upstairs showing who settled the land. The kicker is that before the government bought this place out, it was dance hall and jazz club; quite the polar opposite from its initial use as a Methodist mission school.
On the flip side, I wish it had more information and history. It seems to just stop in the very early 1900s. I also wish that Johnson’s house wasn’t closed. Also, the $ 5 admission was a bit steep for what’s offered. $ 3 is more fitting for what is offered. Though it’s going to the upkeep of the place so that’s okish.
It’s all volunteers running the place so hours vary. Call beforehand to make sure it’s open.
All in all, 4 stars if you’re a huge regional history fan but it’ll probably fall to 2 – 3 stars if you aren’t.