Just northwest of Springfield, there is a fascinating piece of history nestled in fields of grass and groves of trees, with walking trails, picnic spots, and a nearly 200-year-old home you can explore.
With creaking floorboards, rope beds, and massive cast-iron cauldrons tucked into fireplaces, the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead will give you and your family a little taste of pioneer life. It’s a perfect outing for history lovers, field trippers, or adventurous souls looking for novel walking trails outside of Springfield.
The 400-acre, state-owned historic site has a staffed office, bathrooms, a covered pavilion, and clearly marked, well-maintained trails for the public.
The longest walking trail is only 2.4 miles, making it an easy and laid-back outdoor destination perfect for families looking to enjoy good weather. Go early and hit up Maple Lane Bakery in Ash Grove first (it closes by 10 a.m. most mornings) for coffee and delicious baked goods before hitting the trails.
Who were Nathan and Olive Boone?
Nathan Boone, the youngest son of the famous pioneer Daniel Boone, helped shape early Missouri, measuring and mapping the land for the government, serving as a captain of the Missouri Rangers in the War of 1812, and helping write the Missouri Constitution.
His wife, Olive, managed their household and raised a family of 14 children through his frequent, lengthy absences. They settled near present-day Ash Grove in 1837. Their homestead offers a glimpse into frontier Missouri’s family life and farming — and the enslaved labor that sustained the Boones’ agricultural success. Both Nathan and Olive are buried on the property, which also preserves a separate cemetery containing graves of people enslaved by the family.
Field trip ideas
Planning a field trip? This site is a great fit for Springfield-area students studying westward expansion, pioneers and frontier life, Missouri statehood, the War of 1812, and slavery in Missouri.
How to visit the house at the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead?
This modest and extremely old home was once referred to as the “Boone mansion” by local residents, showing modern visitors how differently people lived in the pioneer days of the 1800s. The homestead is unlocked during all hours that the historic site’s office is open and staffed. Hours are:
April through October (On-Season)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday
1-4 p.m., Sunday
November through March (Off-Season)
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday
1-4 p.m., Sunday
How to tour the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead?
You can self-tour the site during the above hours, scanning QR codes on signs along the way to learn about the homestead.
For guided tours, these can be reserved online on the state park reservation website, calling 417-751-3266, or visiting the site office directly.
Guideed tour fees are as follows:
Adults (18 and older): $5
Youth (ages 6-17): $3
Child (ages 5 and under): free
Group discounts are available.
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