Guided Walking Tours

Join the City of Liberty and Historic Liberty, Inc. for the annual Historic Walking Tour Series. These architecture and history tours highlight Liberty’s historic features and stories of the past. 

Tours are led by a variety of volunteers and local experts and feature a different topic each month. The tours are a favorite among history and architecture buffs across the metropolitan area. These tours are free and open to the general public. 

May 6 - Liberty During the Civil War

Have you ever wondered what Liberty was like during the Civil War? Tony Meyers presents an overview of our small town during a time of national upheaval. Starting  at the Clay County Archives, the group will then visit the Jesse James Museum to experience the first foray of James Gang into an outlaw life. The tour will meet at the Clay County Archives at 10 a.m. (corner of E. Franklin St. and N. Leonard St.). 

Unlike most of the monthly tours, this one has a $10 participation fee to cover the cost of the museum tour. Any remaining funds will be donated to the Clay County Archives. Please reserve your spot on the tour in advance by emailing Jeanine Thill by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 5. This tour will be capped at 20 participants.

June 3 - Arts Tour: Downtown Murals and Sculptures

On this tour we will explore all the amazing artwork housed in Historic Downtown Liberty. From murals to sculptures, guide Greg Duncan will walk us through the rich history of each of these pieces. The tour will meet at the corner of Water St. and Mill St. by the Lewis and Clark mural at 10 a.m.

August 5 - The Dougherty District

Liberty is rich with history. From the historic downtown square to the five local historic districts, you're sure to run into a historic marker walking through our streets! On this tour we will explore the fascinating history behind the Dougherty Historic District in the early years of Liberty. Guide Chris Harris will also introduce attendees to the architecture styles seen throughout this neighborhood. The tour will meet at the Rotary Plaza (corner or West Franklin and Gallatin) at 10 a.m.

October 7 - African American Heritage Tour

Join Cecelia Robinson, Historian with the Clay County African American Legacy, Inc., as she takes you on tour of the African American Legacy Memorial and the Garrison School. This tour will begin at the entrance of the African American Legacy Memorial on the east side of Fairview Cemetery (the cemetery is bounded by Terrace Avenue and West Shrader Street) at 10 a.m.

Attendees will then drive to the Garrison School (502 N. Water St.) to learn more about the newly added and updated exhibits.

There is so much history to explore in Liberty! Check out these self-guided walking tours: