How the Mississippi River Left Kaskaskia, Illinois, Stranded in Missouri

How the Mississippi River Left Kaskaskia, Illinois, Stranded in Missouri

When Kaskaskia, Illinois, served as the first state capital in the early 1800s, its population was somewhere between 3,000 and 8,000. Today, the population is fewer than 25, and the only way to access this Mississippi River town is through Missouri. Only accessible through Missouri? That curiosity alone made us want to check it out.

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Exploring Historic Mills of the Missouri Ozarks

Exploring Historic Mills of the Missouri Ozarks

Road trips are our thing. Add history and nature, toss in a little culture, and it’s a perfect combination. That’s what we found as we explored the historic mills of the Missouri Ozarks. The mills date back as far as the 1800s.

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Exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail

Exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail

Midwest Wanderer Explores… Latest Issue

When the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail launched last year, we couldn’t wait to experience it. The trail is made up of four Kansas cities that were mentioned often in the old radio and television Gunsmoke series— Wichita, Dodge City, Hays, and Abilene—and includes lots of Old West-related attractions.

Our latest Midwest Wanderer Explores e-zine issue, “Kansas Gunsmoke Trail,” includes twelve articles about our experiences on the trail, plus links to related blog posts we’ve published in the past.

  • Discover Dodge City’s Wild West legacy through immersive exhibits at the Boot Hill Museum…
  • Trace the footsteps of frontier defenders at Historic Fort Hays…
  • Ride the oldest operating C.W. Parker carousel and see Wild Bill Hickok’s gun at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum in Abilene…
  • Sip a cold sarsaparilla in the saloon while watching showgirls dance at Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita…

…and so much more.

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Cowtown to Carousels: Explore the Dickinson County Heritage Center

Cowtown to Carousels: Explore the Dickinson County Heritage Center

Old West history… The oldest operating C.W. Parker carousel… An Extensive Telephone Exhibit… These are three things that stood out to me at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum in Abilene, Kansas.

We arrived as the museum was opening for the day, and the first thing I did was to practically run through the building and out the back to where the carousel stands. I scored a private ride on the carousel, and staff member Wade Needham related the history the C.W. Parker carousel company.

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Historic Fort Hays: Tracing the Footsteps of Frontier Defenders

Historic Fort Hays: Tracing the Footsteps of Frontier Defenders

The United State established Fort Hays (originally called Fort Fletcher) as a U.S. Army post in 1865. The fort’s function, like other frontier forts, was to protect railroad workers and settlers as they traveled west. They were also tasked with enforcing treaties with Indian tribes.

The fort grounds included 7,650 acres of land, but its 45 buildings were situated on just 65 of those acres. Today only four buildings remain, as well as a visitor center, on a fraction of the original fort property.

Honestly, when we first saw the property, we thought it would be a quick visit. But, besides the four buildings, there are several foundations that outline other former buildings. Those foundations, together with signage throughout the property and exhibits inside the existing buildings, make a great self-guided tour. We ended up spending several hours exploring Historic Fort Hays.

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Home of Stone: The Mueller-Schmidt House – A Living Heritage

Home of Stone: The Mueller-Schmidt House – A Living Heritage

The Mueller-Schmidt House is the only building in Dodge City built of limestone. It’s also the oldest building in the city still on its original foundation. Built from 1879 to 1881, owner John Mueller wanted it to be one of the most impressive homes in the city. Although nowhere near a mansion, many of its unique features stand out as special. Even more special is the story behind the two families who lived in the home—and some of the family members who may still live there in spirit.

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