Planning for a Group Visit to the Missouri Historic Sites

Group Planning Checklist

Overview

Missouri is a popular destination for groups due to the key role it played in the Restoration of Christ’s gospel. For bus tours, school classes, or family reunions, careful planning and coordination with the historic sites’ guest services will help you have a better experience while visiting.

If your group consists of fewer than 25 people, you do not need to submit a reservation request, but you may still review the information on this page to aid you in planning your visit to the Missouri Historic Sites.  

1. Explore Things to Do



There are many things to see and do during your visit to the historic sites. We recommend checking out the Tours page and the All Locations page to explore the options. If you are coming with children or youth, the Planning for a Family Visit section has more specific recommendations for younger audiences.  

Given the sizes of the exhibits, guests may need to divide larger groups into smaller ones, and it may take longer to move through the exhibits. For groups of 25–50, please plan to spend one hour at each site. For groups of 50 or more, the group will be divided and rotated between locations. A missionary will work with you to estimate allotted times at each site.

2. Determine the Need for a Group Gathering Place



Depending on your group’s needs, there are a variety of places to gather or to reserve for special meetings during your visit to the historic sites. Not every facility or location is available on demand, and careful planning is required for large groups visiting during the busy summer months. When our facilities are not sufficient or unavailable, consider looking at venues not associated with the historic sites.  
 
Explore the possible gathering places listed below. Request a particular venue when filling out the Group Reservation Request. Please note that requesting a venue does not guarantee a reservation. Await confirmation of your group reservation request to verify if your requested venues are available.  
The Independence Missouri Stake Center is nearby. These facilities are managed by the local stake and not the historic sites. You can call the Independence Visitors’ Center for contact information to reserve these buildings through local stake representatives.  

There are picnic areas at the historic sites that do not require a reservation. Please be aware that they are first come, first served. Find out more information about these picnic areas below. 

3. Read the Group Code of Conduct

Guidelines for Historic Sites and the Community
  • Only missionaries may conduct tours; do not conduct discussions or classes for your group inside the historic sites.
  • Always provide youth and children with appropriate adult supervision.
  • Groups using a reserved outdoor gathering place must leave by 10:00 p.m., and groups using a reserved historic site must leave by 9:00 p.m.
  • Pay attention to your group’s noise level, especially after closing (10:00 p.m.).
  • Remain on sidewalks and designated trails, and stay off private residential property.  
  • Do not obstruct traffic or walk in the street.
  • Clean up after yourselves if you have outdoor activities, and do not litter at any time.
  • Obey posted signs and local traffic ordinances.
  • Park vehicles in designated parking areas only.
  • If you contract with a bus company or drive your own large RV, instruct all drivers to always follow bus routes and to park only in designated bus parking areas. Do not unload passengers while stopped in a street.

4. Submit a Group Reservation Request


Please fill out the Group Reservation Request for the Missouri Historic Sites to tell us about your group and your plans. After submitting the form, a missionary will contact you to discuss what is available at the sites for the dates you request and to finalize your reservation. Please be aware we cannot arrange lodging, food, or transportation.

5. Read the Bus Driver Information

At each of these sites, there is parking for buses in designated parking lots. Buses may not park along the street at any of the sites. Buses also may not stop at any time on public streets to unload or pick up passengers.

6. Review the Group Visit Common Questions

 Only missionaries may give tours at the Missouri Historic Sites. Please limit discussions and classes to outdoor spaces or reserved gathering spaces.
We are unable to assist you with finding service projects for your group. If service is essential to your trip, please consider serving in your own communities before or after your trip. You may also consult JustServe.org for options, but it is difficult to accommodate large groups wanting quick service opportunities.
As you consider meal planning, be aware that there is no food for sale at the historic sites, and local cities near the sites may have limited eating facilities. It is also difficult for these dining establishments to manage large groups on short notice. Please advise restaurants if you are bringing a large group to their business so they can prepare for you.
Every Church-sponsored historic site is free. However, please be aware that tours of other sites related to the history of the Church that we do not own may charge an entrance fee. Please refer to their specific websites for details.