The American Royal Museum and Heritage Center
At A Glance
Hours: Tuesday through Friday 10am – 4pm
Price: Varies by Show
History/Overview
The American Royal is an annual event held in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the American West. The event includes a variety of competitions, including a livestock show, horse show, rodeo, and barbecue competition. The event is held from September to November each year and is a staple of Kansas City culture.
The American Royal has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1899 as a cattle show in the Kansas City Stockyards. The event was inspired by a similar event in England, called the Royal Show, and was given the name “American Royal” by a beef industry publication.
Over the years, the event has grown to include multiple horse shows, and even played a role in the founding of the Future Farmers of America (now the National FFA Organization) in 1928.
The American Royal complex was rebuilt in 1992 and features a museum, visitor center, and various exhibition halls. In 2020, some events moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2016, the American Royal Association announced its relocation to Wyandotte County, Kansas. Groundbreaking was expected to start in early 2020 and the complex was expected to open in November 2021.
What to Expect at The American Royal Museum and Heritage Center
A visitor to the American Royal Museum and Heritage Center can expect to experience the history and culture of the American West through a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. The museum features exhibits on the history of the American West, including the role of cowboys and cattle drives, the impact of the railroad on the West, and the history of Native American cultures in the region. Visitors can also see artifacts and memorabilia from the American Royal event, which is a livestock show, horse show, rodeo and barbecue competition held annually in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
In addition to the museum exhibits, visitors can also attend events and programs that celebrate the history and culture of the American West. These may include lectures, workshops, and demonstrations on topics such as horsemanship, ranching, and Native American culture. Visitors may also get the opportunity to see live performances of traditional Western music and dance.
The American Royal also features a visitor center that provides information on the history of the event, as well as information on upcoming events and programs. Visitors can also find souvenirs and memorabilia related to the American Royal and the history of the American West at the gift shop.
As American Royal is moving to Wyandotte County, Kansas, the new complex will features new amenities such as a state-of-the-art equestrian center, a rodeo arena, an outdoor concert venue and a barbecue competition area. Visitors can also expect to see more events and activities related to the American Royal, such as livestock shows, horse shows, rodeos and barbecue competitions, as well as educational programs and cultural events that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.
FAQs
What is the American Royal?
The American Royal is an annual event held in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the American West. The event includes a variety of competitions, including a livestock show, horse show, rodeo, and barbecue competition. It is held from September to November each year and is a staple of Kansas City culture.
What can I expect to see at the American Royal Museum and Heritage Center?
A visitor to the American Royal Museum and Heritage Center can expect to experience the history and culture of the American West through a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs. The museum features exhibits on the history of the American West, including the role of cowboys and cattle drives, the impact of the railroad on the West, and the history of Native American cultures in the region. Visitors can also see artifacts and memorabilia from the American Royal event.
Will the American Royal be moving to a new location?
Yes, in October 2016, the American Royal Association announced its relocation to Wyandotte County, Kansas. Groundbreaking was expected to start in early 2020 and the complex was expected to open in November 2021. The new complex will feature new amenities such as a state-of-the-art equestrian center, a rodeo arena, an outdoor concert venue and a barbecue competition area.