When one thinks of a vacation, or touring a place of significant historical or geologic value, we tend to forget to visit those places that are right next door. It may seem like a joke to say many New Yorkers have never been to the Statue of Liberty, or that many Missourians have never visited the St. Louis Arch, but this tends to be true. We seem to make the mistake that doing these sort of things are reserved for vacations, a chance to get away from it all (including anything that resembles home).
It’s time to reclaim our weekends, those days off where we think there isn’t enough time to do anything besides veg out in front of the TV. There are plenty of places to visit locally- So no matter where you live, there are things to see and do, many for free or nearly-so.If you haven’t found them, you aren’t looking hard enough (or your taste for interesting places to visit is too picky and you’ll starve no matter where you live….Get cultured, people!)
While there are many different types of places to see in Missouri, my home state, today I will focus on Historical Homes. These are a very small collection of the places you can visit near by…. there are many others I have yet to enjoy, and I plan to do so some day. History, and namely historic architecture, has always been one of my many interests. I especially love stairs, antique door knobs, and windows…. If you ever get a chance to review my photography you’ll note how many pictures I take of these. Many of these places I enjoy simply because of the architecture, but they are preserved because of their history and cultural importance.
If you live in Missouri, or if you plan on visiting Missouri, consider these places for a quick visit. They will educate you (and your children if you have any), inspire you, and stimulate your understanding of the world that was.
While I certainly advocate travel to increase your breadth of knowledge, sometimes staying near home is the only thing in the budget. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: There is absolutely no excuse, even money, for you to not get out and enjoy all that the world has to offer. Enjoy those things that are foreign, and those of your locale. You may discover something new about yourself.
-Nicole
Bothwell Lodge of Sedalia, MO
What I paid for tour: $6*
An old board game in Bothwell Lodge. The mansion is furnished with such time appropriate items (furniture, games, books, etc)The terrace at Bothwell Lodge of Sedalia, MO. Overlooks 65 hwy in the far distance. An architectural sketch of Bothwell. The first wing was completed in 1897. This mansion was even equipped with one of the earliest versions of electricity. (Yes, you get to see the old batteries that made lighting possible on the tour)
Ravenswood near Boonville, MO
What I paid for tour: $4*
Ravenswood Historic Home. Another favorite part of historic homes: The library. A doorknob at Ravenswood Historic homeOne of the late resident's dresses. Ravenswood is still in the same family it was built by- AMAZING considering very few remain that way.Yes, ghost hunters LOVE historic homes. Ravenswood is no different.
The Jesse James Farm & Museum near Kearney, MO
What I paid for tour: $10*
Jesse James Farm & MuseumFact: Jesse James was a good boy, who stayed out of the gang, until the corrupted law killed his family. Where Jesse James was born, his childhood home.
The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site in Lexington, MO
What I paid for tour: $6*
The Battle of Lexington's Anderson House, which served as a hospital during the Civil WarThe Battle of Lexington State Historic Site's Anderson House
Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton, MO
It is FREE to visit this site!!!
Snyder's castle in Ha Ha Tonka S.P. seems to have been cursed. Robert Snyder began construction in 1905, died in 1906 before it was completed, his sons finished it finally in 1922, but it burned down only 20 years later in 1942....Today the stone remains as a likeness to castle ruins.Snyder Castle Ruins in Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Pertle Springs in Warrensburg, MO
It’s FREE to visit this site!
While walking on the trails of University of Central Missouri's Pertl Springs Park this is what you see most of the time...but if you look harder you will find... (see next picture)....In Pertle Springs you will find the ruins of what was once a grand resort, where hundreds flocked to drink the mineral waters of the natural spring and relax in a hotel or cabin, see the caged bear and other animals, or ride the trolley that ran on tracks from downtown Warrensburg to the Pertle Springs resort...
*Please note that while I visited all of these sites within the past 2 years, prices are subject to change- Please contact these places prior to leaving if you need to know exactly how much it will cost.
