“No place is a place until the things that have happened
in it are remembered.”
  Wallace Stegner

The Bushwhacker Museum takes great pride in preserving the memories of Vernon County, Missouri.
Located in Nevada, Missouri. It is widely regarded as one of the premier small town museums in the Midwest.

Now Open to the Public!

Now Open to the Public!

Summer Hours: May - October
Wednesday - Friday 10AM - 4PM
Saturday - 10AM - 1PM

The Bushwhacker Jail is located at 321 N. Main St. while the Bushwhacker Museum is one block south in the lower level of the Nevada Public Library building on the northwest corner of the Nevada Courthouse Square.

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Check out the Museum Gift Shop!

Check out the Museum Gift Shop!

The gift shop includes local and regional history books along with souvenirs, clothing, woodworking items and more!

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2025 Calendar of Events

2025 Calendar of Events

This year, the Bushwhacker Museum has worked hard to bring you special events like our Children's Summer Reading Programs, Lunch and Learn Tuesdays, and our normal Quarterly Programs

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The Bushwhacker Museum . . .
is designed to appeal to all ages, with an informal atmosphere and many interactive exhibits. Children seem to be especially fascinated by the Native American exhibits, and enjoy playing “school” in the old child-sized classroom.

With over 10,000 square feet of exhibit space, the Bushwhacker also caters to a wide range of interests. Exhibits include everything from prehistoric tools and fossils to antique medical instruments and women’s wedding finery. You will find Civil War artifacts, antique carriages, old handmade quilts, children’s toys, antique sidesaddles, early fire department memorabilia and so much more … Come take a stroll with us through Vernon County's past!

The Bushwhacker Jail . . .
is a rare example of prison facilities in the late nineteenth century. It is the oldest structure in Nevada, and one of the few buildings spared when Federal Militia burned Nevada to the ground in 1863. You can tour the beautifully restored jailer’s family quarters, step inside a grim, dark jail cell, or marvel at the graffiti in the old drunk tank. This is an unusual adventure for the entire family.