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Kirksville has a rich history and the area offers numerous opportunities to look into the past. From ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia to thousand-year-old ceremonial markings to the Civil War, Kirksville has many unique historical settings that are sure to satisfy any visitor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Attractions

Adair County Historical Society Museum

211 South Elson
Kirksville MO 63501
660-665-6502

The Historical Museum is open Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 p.m. and is filled with many artifacts including several pioneer items, Native American relics and arrowheads, and collections of military objects, including the cannonball that struck the courthouse in 1862 during the Battle of Kirksville.

 

Museum of Osteopathic Medicine

800 West Jefferson
Kirksville MO
660-626-2359

The museum showcases the evolution of Osteopathic Medicine from its beginnings in Kirksville until today. The collection of original documents and other artifacts span 150 years.

 

Exhibition of Amtrak History
at the Depot Inn and Suites

1245 North Brown Street
La Plata, MO
660-332-4669

The Exhibition of Amtrak History is an ex-Amtrak Mail Handling Car (MHC). It houses the complete collection of the Amtrak Historical Society and everything Amtrak related that TrainWeb.com has collected over its history, as well as everything that has been donated over the years.

 

Coal Miner’s Museum/Novinger Log Homestead

Novinger Renewal
15892 State Higway 6
Novinger, MO
660-488-5280

The Coal Miner’s Museum contains coal mining items, farm antiques and memorabilia from local businesses. Trace the history of coal mining in Northern Missouri from its peak into the mid-1900′s.

 

Native American Petroglyph Shelter

20431 State Hwy 157
Kirksville, MO
660-665-6995

Located in Thousand Hills State Park, rock formations containing historic Native American carvings can be found in a sheltered exhibit. Visitors walk on a path to read information about them along the walls and then match up the symbols on the actual rocks below. More information can be found here.

 

Historic Collections

100 East Normal
Kirksville, MO|
660-785-4051

At Pickler Memorial Library on Truman’s campus, the library has a variety of rare books and historic artifacts in their Special Collections, including ancient Cuneiform tablets.

 

Battle of Kirksville

North Osteopathy & West Washington Street
Kirksville, MO

In 1862, Kirksville was the site of an important battle which cemented northern Missouri for the Union. The mass grave of executed Confederate soldiers is marked in the Forest Llewellyn cemetery a few blocks west of Kirksville’s Square.

 

Ruth Towne Museum

Franklin and Normal
Kirksville, MO
660-785-4114

The joint Museum-Admissions combination offers a place for students and parents to become acquainted with Truman State University and its rich heritage. Additionally, the Museum is available to the general public and any visitor to campus to view the exhibits.

 

Veteran’s Memorial

The Veterans Memorial, located on Highway 63, commemorates the sacrifices of area men and women who have served in the military. Alongside the Veterans’ memorial is a WW I German Howitzer as well as a Civil War Cannon.