EXPERIENCE 180 YEARS OF HISTORY
VISIT
The 12-acre campus of the Shawnee Indian Mission includes three historic buildings, native and demonstration gardens and the largest expanse of greenspace in northeast Johnson County. During its 185-year history, these buildings and grounds have served many purposes – a school, a legislative chamber, Territorial capitol, a military encampment, a supply station – that reflect changing times in the history of Kansas. The Mission is located at 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS 66205.
HOURS
Open Year Round
Wednesday through Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Closed on federal and city holidays
The Research Library in the North Building is open on Wednesdays, 10am – 4pm
Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and visit the gardens from dawn to dusk.
Please remember to pick up after your pets.
FEES
Donation to tour the East and North (on Wednesday) buildings:
$5.00 – Adults
$1.00 – Children, 4-16
ACCESSIBILITY
The East Building is ADA accessible with elevator access to the second floor.
PARKING
Free parking is available on the east side of the main (East) building. Enter off West 53rd St in Fairway.
TO SCHEDULE A GROUP OR SCHOOL
Every year, the Mission welcomes hundreds of school groups, scout troops, church groups and civic clubs. To schedule a group tour or class field trip, please contact Jennifer Laughlin at least one week in advance.
For school field trips, there is a charge of $2.50/student; adult chaperones are free.
FIELD TRIPS
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.
4th – 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, there is a separate cost for this educational experience. *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)