Osage Village State Historic Site

Osage Village State Historic Site is a protected area in Missouri preserving remains of a settlement that once housed between 2,000 and 3,000 people in roughly 200 lodges. The site covers 100 acres and shows the layout and structure of this former Native American community.

Explorers first documented the settlement in 1673, and it became the home of the Big Osage people from 1700 to 1775. The community was later abandoned as its residents moved westward.

The people who lived here farmed corn, squash, and beans in their gardens and played a major role in the regional fur trade. These activities shaped how the settlement fit into the surrounding landscape.

The site offers outdoor walking trails and interpretive displays spread across its grounds that help visitors understand the former community's layout. Plan to explore on foot to see all areas and take your time reading the information boards.

Archaeological digs uncovered rectangular houses measuring roughly 30 to 50 feet long with doorways facing east. These discoveries along with pottery, weapons, and tools provide a detailed picture of daily life in the community.

Location: Vernon County

Inception: 1984

GPS coordinates: 37.98110,-94.20970

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06