Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum

Baxter Springs, Kansas

KansasMuseum

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Just a block off Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum invites travelers to dig into the rich history of the area. Housed in a two-story, 23,000-square-foot building, this museum takes visitors on a journey through time, uncovering the stories, struggles, and successes that shaped this corner of the Ozarks.

This community-powered museum, run in collaboration with the City of Baxter Springs and the Baxter Springs Historical Society, showcases the spirit of the region through immersive dioramas, one-of-a-kind artifacts, and full-scale recreations, from a bustling 1870s main street to storefronts from the 1930s.

With 13,000 square feet of exhibits to explore, friendly volunteers to guide your visit, and surprises around every corner, it’s easy to lose track of time as you take it all in.

Exhibit highlights Include:

  • Route 66 & Baseball History
  • Native American Culture & the Black Dog Trail
  • American Civil War & the Battle of Baxter Springs
  • World War I and World War II
  • Victorian Life & Century of Style
  • Tri-State Mining District with a Full-Scale Lead/Zinc Mine Model
  • Tri-State Area Culture & Community Life
  • Firefighting History & a 1926 LaFrance Fire Engine
  • Recreated 1870s Street & 1930s Business Window Displays
  • 1910s Farmhouse & Full-Sized Barn

Beyond the museum walls, the Heritage Center also oversees two nearby historic sites: the Route 66 Service Station, built in the 1930s to serve travelers on the Mother Road, and Fort Blair, the site of a pivotal Civil War battle right here in Baxter Springs.

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Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66

Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum

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Address:

740 East Ave #740, Baxter Springs, KS 66713

Hours:

10:00am - 4:30pm (Tuesday - Saturday)
1:00pm - 4:00pm (Sunday)
Closed (Monday)

Cost:

Free, Donations Accepted

Phone Number:

(620) 856-2385

Official Website Get Directions
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Photos of the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas

Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Bank teller facade Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Our Local Heroes Exhibit at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Lincoln School old-fashioned school set up at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Antique living room set up at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Route 66 Exhibit at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Baseball and Music exhibits at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
1930s Kitchen and the Evolution of Irons Exhibit at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Old Metal Jail at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Old Barber Shop at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Miniature townscape at Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66
Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas on Route 66

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum in Baxter Springs, Kansas, here are some things to know before you go.

What is the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum?

The Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum is a large local history museum that tells the story of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and the surrounding region through artifacts, exhibits, and research collections.

Where is the museum located?

The museum is located at 740 East Avenue in Baxter Springs, Kansas, just a short drive from Route 66 through town.

Where can you park to visit the museum?

Parking is available in the attached lot.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes. An onsite gift shop has merchandise, including items from area craftsmen.

Is the museum accessible?

All museum exhibitions are accessible by wheelchair. The lower floor of the Heritage Center & Museum is accessible by stairs or via stair lift.

Where to Stay Near the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest with a stay at one of these hotels near this Kansas Route 66 attraction.

Rose Cottage

Rose Cottage in Baxter Springs provides a romantic B&B experience on Route 66. With three air-conditioned guest rooms, WiFi, coffee and tea makers, turndown service, and complimentary continental breakfast, it makes a perfect night’s stay in Kansas.

Boots Court Motel

The Boots Court Motel in Carthage, Missouri opened in 1939. This historic Route 66 motor hotel hosted actor Clark Gable numerous times.

Stay on 66

With only 13 miles of road, there aren’t too many motels on Kansas Route 66. Stay on 66 fills a need with boutique B&B experiences. With properties like the The Old Riverton Post B&B in Riverton and The Mollie Retreat on Route 66 in Galena, you have warm options if you want to spend the night in Kansas.

Attractions Near the Baxter Springs Heritage Center & Museum on Route 66

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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