LDS Church History Sites Near Kansas City, Missouri

Some of you may know, although I suspect several of you don’t, that just outside the Kansas City area are several LDS church history sites. Each of them is open to the public and anyone can visit them. So If you would like to learn more about the history of the LDS church then follow this small tour and hit each of these sites that mean so much to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Before we get started I want to clear some things up as you may read several names in this post. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the proper name for the church that was started by Joseph Smith and still exists today as a worldwide church with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. There are several nicknames that have been given to members of the church but I think the most common are Mormons, LDS or Church of Jesus Christ. All of them are referring to the same group of people.

The nickname Mormon comes from the fact that members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe not just in the Bible but in another inspired work called the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon tells the stories of God’s people in the Americas.

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints myself so feel free to ask me any questions you have and I am happy to answer them. Now let’s get to what you’re here for: LDS church history sites near Kansas City, Missouri.

The sites start the furthest away from KC and work their way back. Much of this information comes directly from signs that are posted at each sight and the Church of Jesus Christ’s Website where you can learn more and find answers to your questions.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.

Adam-ondi-Ahman

Adam-ondi-Ahman was established as an LDS settlement in 1838 for a short time before the saints were driven out by the locals. Although the LDS saints did not live here long the land, large enough to hold a small city, is sacred due to a revelation from the Prophet Joseph Smith that this is where Adam blessed his prosperity after leaving the Garden of Eden (churchofjesuschrist).

There are no remnants of the saint’s settlement but what is left is the quiet, peaceful land where you can go for reflection and thought.

The site is open from dawn to dusk and has picnic tables and restrooms available.

Address: 22379 Koala Rd, Jameson, MO 64647

Far West

Another Latter-Day Saint settlement was in a place called Far West. It was home to 4,900 saints and was the location of the church headquarters for a bit too. The site was dedicated as a temple site by members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1838.

A temple was never built but you can see the four original cornerstones that were placed. There are also signs and a monument that describes the events that took place in the area.

The area is fenced in and open all the time so feel free to visit anytime you have a chance. There are also restrooms on site if you need them.

Address: NW State Highway D Kingston, Missouri 64650

Historic Liberty Jail

There was a lot of persecution directed at the church from the locals during their time in the Independence area. Joseph Smith and several others were imprisoned for four months in Liberty Jail during this time. The Prophet received revelation even while imprisoned that offered comfort and direction for the church.

A reconstruction of the Liberty Jail was built inside a visitors center in Liberty, Missouri. The rebuilt building is a “cutaway” that lets you see into the building and observe the living conditions of the jail while you listen to recorded audio as well as the stories told by your guide. Our guide was very patient and answered any questions we had throughout the tour.

You can visit the historic Liberty Jail and receive a guided tour from missionaries that volunteer there. It is a great opportunity to learn more about that trying time for the saints and see the Prophet.

The Liberty Jail Center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11am – 5pm and Sundays from 12pm-5pm. It is closed Mondays. There are restrooms and everything is indoors.

Address: 216 North Main Liberty, Missouri 64068

Independence Visitors Center

The Independence Visitors Center is the best place to go if you have limited time and cannot visit all of the LDS church history sites in Missouri. Here you can receive guided tours through exhibits that show what life was like for Latter-Day Saints in Western Missouri as they settled the area. Your guide will also tell you personal stories from real people that lived here during that time.

You can also learn more about what members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believe such as Jesus Christ, modern day Prophets and the Book of Mormon. There is a great kids section with log cabins and other toys where the kids can play.

Nearby are a few other areas of note like the temple lot (an empty lot of grass that was dedicated for a temple that never got built) as well as the church headquarters of the RLDS Church, a branch that broke off from the LDS Church.

The Visitor’s Center is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am – 5pm and Sundays 12pm – 5pm. It is closed on mondays.

Address: 937 West Walnut Independence, Missouri 64050

More To Do in Kansas City

KC Temple

Although the Kansas City Temple is not a historic LDS church site in Missouri it is still a special place to the saints. After waiting a long time for a temple to be built in the Kansas City area of Missouri the temple was announced in 2008 and construction was completed in 2012.

You are free to walk the temple grounds and feel the peaceful spirit that resides in the temple. However, you may only enter the temple if you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that holds a current temple recommend.

LDS Temples are holy places used to perform sacred ceremonies (called ordinances) essential for eternal families. You can learn more about what goes on inside temples here or by talking to LDS Missionaries and members. The temple is a house of the Lord and “stands as a symbol of our faith in life after death” (Russel M. Nelson).

Address: 7001 Searcy Creek Pkwy Kansas City MO 64119

Other LDS Church History near Kansas City

These are other, lesser known LDS church history sites that you can visit in Missouri.

Hawn’s Mill/Hauns Mill

Hawn’s Mill is the site of a massacre that occurred at the mill by some locals against the Latter-Day Saints that worked at the mill. The mob killed 14 men, three young boys and wounded 14 more.

Nothing remains here of the mill, just the land and trees. But you can visit to pay your respects or feel the peaceful reflection. The area floods often during times of rain making it impossible to get to. Make sure you plan accordingly and try to go when it hasn’t rained.

Address: NE Hauns Mill Dr, Fairview Township, MO 64624

Three Witnesses Monument

In Richmond, Missouri at the site of Oliver Cowdrey’s grave is a small monument commemorating the testimonies of the Three Witnesses. The Three Witnesses saw the Book of Mormon and testified of its existence and truth.

David Whitmer, another of the Three Witnesses is buried nearby in the Richmond City Cemetery.

Address: 701-759 N Thornton St, Richmond, MO 64085

Eight Witnesses Monument

There is another monument commemorating the testimonies of the eight witnesses. The monument talks about two events: the discharging of Zion’s Camp and the calling of early Church leaders in Missouri.

The site of the monument is also the location of the graves of Christian Whitmer and Peter Whitmer Jr. two of the eight witnesses.

Address: Campbell Dr, Liberty, MO 64068

Map of LDS Church History Sites near Kansas City

The Church of Jesus Christ website has a wonderful interactive map of the LDS Church history sites in Missouri. I recommend looking at it.

What to Expect at the LDS Church History Sites

For the majority of these LDS Church History Sites in Missouri there is not a lot to do. They are places to come, see, read a few signs and then move on. The thing that will take the most time is driving between the sites. You could bring a picnic to eat at Adam-ondi-Ahman or the Far West Temple Site too if you wish too.

However, at both the Independence Visitors Center and the Liberty Jail there are tours and facilities to walk through and even a kids play area. If your time is limited these are the ones I would recommend visiting.

Each spot has a unique spirit and is worth visiting if you have the time.

Practical Info For Visiting Kansas City

Find accommodation, sign up for a local tour, or buy your Missouri Travel Guide.