If you are seeking to tour Olathe this summer, make sure to add Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm to your list of stops. This 1860s living history museum is the last place on the Santa Fe Trail where you may take a stagecoach ride. Visitors travel from around the world to learn more about this fascinating time in Kansas history! Olathians who take time to visit are always quick to understand the draw to this charming working farm set in a time before train travel was possible to their town.
Mahaffie offers two programs weekly in June and July with a few more special programs on the calendar. One of the weekly events is named Days Out with Frank and Ella and it takes place Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each week a different topic related to childhood of the 1860s is discussed with corresponding activities for children and adults to enjoy. Admission is $7 per child ages 5 and up, one adult is admitted free with each paid child. Additional adults are admitted for $9. Admission includes all activities.
The second event offered each week is called Family Fun Nights and it takes place Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Thanks to help from the Mahaffie Foundation, these events are free to attend! A different theme is explored each week, making it possible for visitors to be entertained with new activities during repeat visits to the farm.
At Family Fun Nights visitors will discover more in-depth conversations related to the weekly theme in the form of workshops. These workshops are $10 per participant to cover materials, but anyone may listen in on the discussion at no charge. Remaining workshops for the year are Painting on China on July 13, Bread Baking on the Fire on July 20, and Toy Wagon Workshop on July 27. Registration may be found on Mahaffie.org, or cash can be accepted at the events. All workshops begin at 7 p.m.
This Saturday, July 1, Mahaffie staff are recreating a party given at the 1865 limestone house by Mr. and Mrs. Mahaffie and calling it Mahaffies’ Independence Day Celebration. During this event that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. participants will meet Uncle Sam and Lady Columbia, play Vintage Base Ball, and listen to the Declaration of Independence followed by cannon fire. Root beer floats will be available for purchase. Visitors can decide how laid back or action-packed they want their visit to be. Picnics, lawn chairs and ground blankets are welcome; please leave pets at home. Admission is $9 per adult, $7 per child ages 6 to 11, and free for children ages 4 and under. Olathe residents receive $2 off admission, which is another reason to take time to visit this site in your own backyard!
The Family Fun Night on Thursday, July 6 is extended to about 10 p.m. to make room for the 1860s Fireworks display! The grounds open with free admission at 6 p.m. as on any Family Fun Night. The Olathe Civic Band performs at 7:30. Patriotic music begins at about 9:15 and fireworks begin about 9:30 p.m. Spectators must be on the grounds to be able to view the fireworks as they are non-aerial. Pie, ice cream, and root beer will be available for purchase. As always, lawn chairs, blankets and picnics are welcome on the farm.
Follow @MahaffieFarm on Facebook or Instagram to stay up to date with upcoming events. Questions can be directed to mahaffie@olatheks.gov or 913-971-5111 during business hours, Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.