Certified Sites on the Mormon Pioneer NHT

The Prairie Trails Museum features an excellent Mormon Trail exhibit about William Clayton and the Mormon Anthem "Come, Come, Ye Saints." In addition, it provides numerous other exhibits, including an intact, rescued log cabin built in 1853; horse-drawn farm artifacts, early settler’s tools, and farm machines (some are over 100 years old); and exhibits about Corydon's history.

The Brigham Young-led Vanguard group of 500 wagons camped in this area from March 7-19. Richardson's Point contains the burial sites of the first two of three deaths on the Mormon Trail. This site was used as a stopping point for Mormons traveling for an additional 7 years.

Crossing the frozen Mississippi River here at Montrose Landing was the first hurdle the Mormon Pioneers faced during their exodus from Nauvoo.

The historic trails passed through this area in the field that is directly across from the National Frontier Trails Museum. Evidence of the trails can still be seen in the field in the form of swales, which marks the exact route used by emigrants as they traveled westward. The museum is currently temporarily located at 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence, MO 64050.

Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park an important spot for American Indians. Centuries ago, a ferocious battle between the Pawnee and Lakota Sioux took place here for control of the valley. Years later, this valley, and its spring water, also became an important stop for emigrants making their way west.

Fort Kearny was the first Western military post built to protect emigrants on the trails west, and it later served as the headquarters for a number of small outposts along the emigrant trails. The fort was also a place where emigrants could resupply and a Pony Express station.

Located on the Oregon Trail, legacy of the Plains Museum is a destination for people interested in stories of human and agricultural history in the North Platte Valley and High Plains. Fine new state-of-the-art and interactive exhibits.

Located along the Sweetwater River, almost at the edge of the Continental Divide, Burnt Ranch was a key spot along the route to the west coast. Geography and human events made it one of the places contributing significantly to the growth and ultimate power of young nation.