Liberty, Missouri has a charming downtown square, several local historic districts, and three museums. The Liberty Heritage Festival, the July 4th Celebration, and the Fall Festival are annual events that are fun for all ages.

Liberty's three museums highlight different aspects of Missouri history.  In the 1830's the Latter Day Saints came to Missouri to find their Zion and were met with threats and violence that escalated into the 1838 Mormon War. The Liberty Jail, built in 1833, is known for housing Joseph Smith, founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints and six of his followers during the winter of 1839. The reconstructed jail includes a cut away on the west side so visitors can see the upper area and the lower dungeon which has mannequins representing Smith and his group.

After the civil war, violent gangs of outlaws continued to skirmish with authorities. Brothers Jesse and Frank James, Cole and Bob Younger, formed one such gang that was blamed for numerous crimes. Liberty, Missouri was the site of the first daytime bank robbery in the United States during peacetime. The James gang has long been thought responsible for the robbery and the Bank building has been preserved with period furnishings and the original vault.

The Clay County Historical Society Museum has an interesting collection of artifacts illustrating the history of the community and surrounding area.  A former drugstore built in 1865, it served as a doctors office from 1908 - 1963. The Museum features 3 levels of displays and period rooms depicting 19th century mid-western life.

The Liberty Heritage Festival, held each May, includes a reenactment of America’s first daylight bank robbery, crafts, art and antique booths and exhibits, entertainment, food and children’s activities while the Fall Festival, every September, has a parade, carnival, car show, barbecue and beer garden, music, dancing and more.