If you’ve ever loved the smell of fresh cut grass and a cool breeze, then you’ll love Strawberry Hill. This hidden gem is one of the most picturesque places in Kansas City. Located at 720 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS 66101, in The Country Club Plaza, this gorgeous house brims with natural beauty and charm. It’s easy to see why it’s nicknamed Strawberry Hill. Strawberry Hill Museum And Center is a living history museum that brings together the architecture and history of the city’s elite hill neighborhood from 1871 to today. The original farmhouse, later known as “The Carriage House,” can be found on the site today and was saved from destruction during urban renewal in 1971 by Betty Fox. Fox took ownership of Strawberry Hill in 1972 and set about restoring it over the next two decades until all its original features were restored along with modern amenities such as air conditioning, central heating, and a fully functional kitchen. Today, visitors can explore the amazing history of this historic home through guided tours or self-tours offered throughout the day.
Features at Strawberry Hill Museum And Center
The Strawberry Hill Museum and Center exhibits furnishings and objects that tell the story of the lifestyle in the elite neighborhood of Strawberry Hill from 1871 to the present. The museum features the original 1871 farmhouse along with the carriage house, greenhouse, and garden, as well as a recreated town of Strawberry Hill. The upper level, connected to the greenhouse, displays the history of the city from the early days of the Plaza to the present day. The archives, located on the lower level, contain over 5000 historic photographs, maps, and documents that tell the story of Strawberry Hill, the city of Kansas City, and the surrounding areas. Visitors are able to trace the history of Strawberry Hill and Kansas City by looking at old maps and photographs, and reading the documents found in the archives.
Guided Tours of Strawberry Hill Museum And Center
Strawberry Hill Museum and Center offers guided tours of the property at varying times throughout the day to allow visitors to experience Strawberry Hill in a more comprehensive way. The guides are all volunteers who are passionate about the history of Strawberry Hill and the city of Kansas. The guides offer several different tours of Strawberry Hill, including a house tour, a garden tour, and a history tour. Each tour lasts approximately one hour, and guests are allowed to choose between an audio tour or a self-guided tour. If you’re interested in knowing more about Strawberry Hill’s architecture and history, it’s highly recommended that you take the guided tour. You’ll learn so much from the guides and from the archives found on the lower level of Strawberry Hill Museum and Center.
What to do on your visit to Strawberry Hill?
Visitors to Strawberry Hill Museum and Center can tour the museum, explore the archives, eat at one of the nearby restaurants, shop in one of the nearby stores, attend a concert at one of the nearby venues, and much more! The museum is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm. If you want to take a self-guided tour, you can enter the museum anytime during these hours. For those who want more information about Strawberry Hill and its history, there are plenty of books and other items for sale in the gift shop. You can also rent a private tour guide for your group to explore the museum and the rest of Strawberry Hill in a more comprehensive way.
Tips for Visiting Strawberry Hill Museum And Center
Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking a lot on the property of Strawberry Hill Museum and Center. It’s a great way to explore the grounds and learn about the history of Strawberry Hill. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The walking tour is great for getting exercise, but it’s still hot and sunny in Kansas City during the summer months. Be sure to stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun with SPF 30+. Bring your camera! At Strawberry Hill Museum and Center, you can explore the grounds and the buildings while taking pictures. You can even explore the museum with a 360-degree camera, allowing you to see the museum and the grounds from any angle. Visit the gift shop. You can explore the gift shop and buy books, posters, and other items related to Strawberry Hill’s history. You can even rent a private tour guide for your group.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Hill Museum and Center is a hidden gem. Located in the Plaza, it’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. If you love architecture, history, gardens, and nature, then you will fall in love with Strawberry Hill Museum and Center. The grounds are beautiful, the buildings are historic, and the guides are passionate about Strawberry Hill and the history behind it. If you have the chance to visit Strawberry Hill, you absolutely have to experience it yourself, A great post to read.