grinter place state historic site

very peaceful setting, overlooking the river. Not a lot to do here unless it's Applefest, then you'll get some delicious apple butter, Apple pie ect.

This place IS Kansas in it's hayday. So beautiful and majestic I had to get married there. So I did..really worth the visit. They have meals made on a wood stove and lots of folks who share the history of the Grinters

Okay, I am going to admit this off the bat...I am biased. I am a historian, both by trade and as an extracurricular. As my work and personal life revolves around history, I am going to pretty much give any historic site a good rating, unless I have an absolutely awful experience there! Thankfully, nothing awful at this site. :) It's a lovely home, and very well-maintained. It was fortunate to have only had a few owners, including the state, so it has been well loved over the years. I drug my husband here in May to take the tour. It's inexpensive, $3 per person, not a budget breaker. The site manager Joe gave us the tour. Be prepared to be interactive. If you don't ask questions, it's a very short tour. There are only 4 or 5 rooms in the house, so he can only say so much about them. Now, he may not volunteer the information himself, but if you ask him, he'll tell you about some ghostly experiences folks have reported there. Make sure you go out front to the little garden area and look at Thomas Elliot's grave! Just remember that you'll get out of this visit what you put into it. If you just want a quick tour, then just zip through and get the quick tour. If you want to spend a little more time there and learn a little about the area before highways and electricity, then slow down and ask questions about anything you like. Joe was very knowledgeable about the site and the items in the building, and I am sure you will learn something!

A real nugget of local history that will help you understand the development of the West back in the 1800s. Nice preservation and restoration of the home of a pioneer into the Indian Territory that established the first ferry across the Kansas River to serve military and settlers.Nice visitor center and a very informative guided tour. Good for kids!

We lived down the street from this historic sight for 17 years. It has a fascinating history and would be right at home in the middle of the Shawnee Indian Mission complex, but instead it's in it's original location, overlooking the Kaw. The best time to visit -- hands down-- is at Apple Fest in September when there are historic interpreters, crafts, musicians and other activities going on. Then it really comes to life.

I'm a history buff and thought this place was completely uninteresting and boring. There was nothing original to see. The neatest part was about the wagon trains stopping there for supplies.

Interesting historical house but I didn't feel connected to the family that once lived there. Seems to me that there should be a lot more personal info on a white man marrying an Indian woman. Were they unique or were these marriages common? How did the couple meet? Maybe I should've asked more questions but I was afraid of not being politically correct/racist.The trees at the bottom of the hill block the view of the river so you have to use your imagination about the ferry business plied there.I was glad I visited but wish I had learned more.

This is a very nicely done historic home, and the guides are really great! It wasnt crowded when we visited, and the location is so close to the sppeedway and Legends shopping area, so it was very convenient too.

Informative guides and period furnishings of the time. Easy to invision the river crossing from the property

People are so much taller now...what is low doorway for me was the norm then...very unique.

This house was built well before Kansas became a state. The best time of year to visit is in the fall for AppleFest. It can be rented out for weddings.

We really enjoyed touring the Grinter Place. The home was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Our tour guide, Joe, was very informative and shared his knowledge of the house and area with us. This is a must see for those who are in the area and would like something to do for an hour or two. You will learn about Moses and Annie Grinter, their connection to the Delaware Tribe, and the history of the house that was built in 1857. For those who are passing through the area on I-435, stop and take a break, they are located a mile or so east. Thanks so much Joe for the tour and for the opportunity to learn about the area and the Grinter family.