Discover Warrensburg: Museums, History and Recreation

Warrensburg offers a range of options for your trip: historic sites and collections, art, outdoor recreation and seasonal activities. The selection ranges from exhibitions and historic buildings to trails, water activities and golf. This lets you decide which themes will shape your stay by choosing specific places to visit.

Museums, Art and Local History

At the Johnson County Historical Society Museum Complex, everyday history and local topics come together. Exhibits include artifacts from early pioneer life and handcrafted furniture from the region. Other exhibits explore topics such as letter writing, women’s fashion and homemaking, medicine and health, music, schools, and Pertle Springs. A visit offers a variety of ways to learn about the history of the area and its surroundings.

The McClure Archives and University Museum is UCM’s official archive. Its collections include ethnographic, historical and textile artifacts from around the world, as well as materials relating to UCM history. It presents up to six exhibitions a year; the number may vary from year to year. The museum also offers lectures, public programs and educational activities for schools and community groups. If you are interested in visual art, the UCM Gallery of Art & Design presents between twelve and twenty exhibitions each academic year, featuring local, national and international artists.

The Retrograde Charitable Toy and Videogame Museum offers a different perspective, with a collection of retro video games, collectibles, toys and board games. Interactive experiences featuring original retro hardware, toys and accessories complement the exhibits. Museum tours are available by request.

Historic sites and buildings also offer their own highlights. The Johnson County Courthouse on Old Public Square is in the Federal style. The original Warrensburg town square, at 302 N Main, is home to the original 1838 Johnson County Courthouse, the Mary Miller Smiser Heritage Library and Museum, Elm School, a one-room schoolhouse, and the Culp Building. The 1838 courthouse was the site of the Old Drum trial; its basement is furnished as it was in 1870 during the trial. The Old Johnson County Courthouse has been restored to its appearance of around 1870.

Other historic sites tell different aspects of the city’s history: the Grover Street Victorian Historic District includes nine homes, most dating from the Victorian era. Blind Boone Park is a former segregated park. It was named after composer and pianist John William “Blind” Boone, who was born and raised in Warrensburg.

Trails, Parks and Recreation

There are a variety of ways to get active and enjoy nature. The Spirit Trail is a combined walking and cycling trail that stretches about 11 miles between Warrensburg and Knob Noster. Trail conditions can change, so check them before your trip. Culp Park features a three-mile walking trail, a natural area and a lake with a pier. In total, Warrensburg has nine parks covering more than 400 acres.

Pertle Springs has been a place for recreation since 1886. Fishing is allowed in all of Pertle Springs’ bodies of water; fishing regulations can change, so check them before fishing. If you prefer golf, Warrensburg is home to Mules National Golf Club, a public 18-hole course. The different details about trail lengths and course formats can help you compare options based on the activity you have in mind, without treating them as equivalent.

Water activities are available at seasonal and indoor facilities. Nassif Aquatic Center features two water slides, a diving board, a large swimming area, a zero-depth-entry splash area and water playground for children, cabanas, a snack bar and a lazy river. The facility is seasonal; opening dates and operations may change. Check current opening information before your visit. Warrensburg Community Center has an indoor pool with a swimming pool and spa, as well as a splash pool with a slide.

Seasonal Activities

The Warrensburg Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday in downtown from May through September. It offers locally grown fruit and vegetables, eggs, grass-fed meat, bread and baked goods, granola and honey. Handcrafted goods by local artisans are also available. Vendors’ offerings may vary by market day; check the dates before your trip. This makes the market an option for your seasonal itinerary, while museums, historic sites and recreational activities offer other ways to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Knob Noster

For the broader travel overview: Johnson County.