FIELD TRIP INFORMATION
The Shawnee Indian Mission was established as a manual training school attended by boys and girls
from Shawnee, Delaware, and 22 other Indian nations from 1839 to 1862. The history of Johnson
County and the state of Kansas start here at the Mission. Visit this 12-acre National Historic
Landmark and learn the stories of those who lived there, as well as its role on the Oregon/Santa
Fe/California trails and the Civil War. At the height of its activity, Shawnee Mission was an
establishment of 2,000 acres with 16 buildings, including three large brick structures which still stand.
1st – 3rd grades
Native American Homes:
Study 3 different styles of homes with model replicas, as well as learn about pictographs and Native American symbols for communication.
4 th – 5th grades
Trails through the Mission (Jumping on the Oregon trail):
Classes are divided into family units, who must pack their wagons for survival and travel throughout the grounds of the Mission. There are pre-field trip materials for this program to create family units and
packing lists prior to arrival. This program is more extensive with restricted availability. Due to the time and nature of this program, cost is $5 per student. *As of 2024, this is a limited program for designated schools, but we hope to expand it in the future. Not currently taking additional reservations for Trails.*
6th -8th grades
Manifest Destiny
Learn about the movement West and the role of the Mission on the pioneers who moved towards more land and the Native Americans who were caught in the crossroads.
All grades
General tour of the East building and museum exhibits, and history of site/community including large scale replica tipis and pioneer wagon on the site grounds.
Contact Jennifer Laughlin, Site Administrator if you have questions or want to schedule a field trip.
jlaughlin@fairwaykansas.org
Field trips are $2.50 per student (adult chaperones are free)