Far West Historic Site Missouri Travel Guide

Far West Historic Site is a Missouri State Historic Site located in rural Caldwell County in northwestern Missouri, near the small town of Kingston. The site preserves the remnants of Far West, a city platted in 1836 by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) who were seeking a place of refuge after being expelled from other Missouri counties.

At its peak in the late 1830s, Far West was a substantial frontier settlement with hundreds of homes, a public square, and ambitious plans for a large temple. The Missouri Mormon War of 1838, culminating in Governor Lilburn Boggs's infamous Exterminating Order (Executive Order 44), forced the entire Latter-day Saint population to abandon the town in the winter of 1838–1839 and flee eastward, primarily to Illinois.

Today the site is largely open agricultural land. Cornerstones were laid for a temple that was never built, and those cornerstones — along with interpretive signage — are the principal physical features visitors encounter. The landscape itself conveys the scale of what was lost: a planned city that vanished almost overnight due to religious persecution, making it a place of quiet, sobering historical reflection rather than a conventional tourist attraction.

Far West Historic Site is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (verify current access, hours, and any entry requirements at the official Missouri State Parks website before your visit, as conditions at small historic sites can change). There is no significant visitor infrastructure on-site — no gift shop, no staffed interpretive center, and very limited restroom facilities, so plan accordingly.

The site sits on gravel county roads in rural Caldwell County. Cell service may be limited, and GPS routing can be imprecise in this area. Download offline maps and confirm your route before leaving a larger town.

What to bring:

• Water and snacks — there are no food or drink vendors at or near the site
• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground and grass
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) as there is little shade on the open grounds
• A camera — the sweeping Missouri landscape and the understated memorials photograph well
• Printed or offline directions as a backup

Visitors with a specific religious interest in Latter-day Saint history should also be aware that the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) has historically maintained a presence and interest in Far West sites; verify locally for any organized tours or interpretive programs they may offer.

Far West Historic Site is located in Caldwell County, roughly 60 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri. The nearest significant city is Kansas City, which has a major international airport (Kansas City International Airport, MCI) with connections across the United States and select international routes.

From Kansas City, visitors typically drive northeast via US-36 or US-69 and then follow county roads toward Kingston. The drive is approximately 60–75 miles and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your exact route. There is no public transit serving this rural area — a personal or rental vehicle is essential.

Smaller regional airports in St. Joseph, Missouri (approximately 50 miles to the northwest) may offer limited service and could be worth checking for some travelers. Verify current routes and schedules with carriers directly. Once you leave the highway, roads become rural and less clearly marked, so take care with navigation.

A personal vehicle is the only practical means of getting around this part of Caldwell County. The historic site itself is compact and explored entirely on foot once you park. The surrounding area is rural farmland with very few services.

Kingston, the Caldwell County seat, is the nearest small town and has minimal services — verify locally what is currently available before relying on finding fuel, food, or assistance there. Hamilton, Missouri (approximately 15 miles south), is a slightly larger town and a better bet for fuel and basic supplies before heading to the site.

The Temple Cornerstones

The most significant features at the site are the cornerstones laid in July 1838 for a temple that was never constructed. Interpretive markers explain the historical context of the site and the events of the Missouri Mormon War. This is a quiet, contemplative spot rather than an action-oriented attraction.

Self-Guided Historical Reflection

The open landscape of the former city plat is walkable. Interpretive signage helps visitors understand where structures once stood and how the city was laid out. The contrast between the ambitious 1830s city plan and the quiet fields today is the central interpretive experience.

Caldwell County Heritage Exploration

For visitors with a deep interest in early American religious and frontier history, Caldwell County itself holds historical significance. The county was specifically organized by the Missouri state government in 1836 in part to give Latter-day Saints a designated area to settle. Combining a visit here with reading on Missouri frontier history enriches the experience considerably.

Photography

The open Missouri sky, rolling farmland, and understated memorial markers make for evocative documentary-style photography, particularly in morning or late-afternoon light.

There are no food or beverage options at or immediately adjacent to Far West Historic Site. Visitors should bring their own water and food. Hamilton, Missouri (roughly 15 miles south) has basic dining options including local diners and fast food — verify what is currently open before you visit, as small-town businesses change frequently.

The city of Chillicothe, Missouri (approximately 30 miles northeast), and Richmond, Missouri (approximately 30 miles southeast) offer a wider range of dining choices and are reasonable stops on a broader day-trip itinerary through the region.

Emergency services: Rural Caldwell County has limited emergency response infrastructure. In a genuine emergency, call 911. Cell coverage can be patchy — be aware of this before you go and let someone know your itinerary.

Restrooms: Verify whether facilities are available at the site with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources before visiting. Do not assume facilities will be present.

Admission: Missouri State Historic Sites are generally free to visit, but verify current policy on the official Missouri State Parks website before your trip.

Accessibility: The site involves walking on grass and uneven ground. It is largely flat, but the terrain may present challenges for visitors with mobility limitations. Confirm accessibility details with the managing agency.

Best season: Spring and fall are most comfortable. Missouri summers can be hot and humid; winters can bring ice and mud on rural roads, which may affect access.

Far West Historic Site is a quiet, low-risk destination. The primary practical concerns are rural isolation (limited cell service, no nearby services) and Missouri weather, which can include severe thunderstorms, particularly in spring and summer. Check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven ground. In warm months, be mindful of ticks and chiggers common in Missouri grasslands — wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, and check yourself after visiting. Insect repellent is advisable in summer.

Far West carries deep significance in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Community of Christ. For members of these faith traditions, the site is a place of pilgrimage and solemn remembrance. Visitors of all backgrounds should approach it with the same respect they would give any site connected to religious persecution and forced displacement.

The history of the Missouri Mormon War — including Governor Boggs's Exterminating Order — is a recognized episode of religious intolerance in American history. In 1976, Missouri Governor Christopher Bond formally rescinded the order. The story told at this site is a nuanced one about frontier America, religious freedom, and civic conflict, and it rewards thoughtful engagement rather than a quick walkthrough.