For those looking to enjoy what Kirksville, Mo., has to offer without spending a cent, check out these cost-free activities.

Kirksville Arts Center. The Kirksville Arts Center, located downtown, brings art directly to the community. The gallery is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the public to experience the work of painters, sculptors and photographers.

The gallery brings in local and traveling artists from diverse backgrounds. The last artist to display work, watercolorist Paul Jackson, is currently continuing on to France after his gallery closed Oct. 31. Every April, the gallery features outstanding student work from Kirksville High School during a special two-week exhibit.

In coordination with the gallery shows, the KAC also schedules open receptions with the artists, giving patrons a special chance to talk with them about their work.

“We invite community members to come to any event whether it be an exhibit, reception, performance or artistic workshop,” Kirksville Arts Association Executive Director Judy Neuweg says.

All galleries, receptions and events are open to everyone, though the KAC does offer multiple membership opportunities. The benefits of membership, which costs as low as $25 per year, include invitations to member-only events and 10 percent off all workshops offered by the Kirksville Arts Center.

For more information on the KAC gallery, contact kvarts@sbcglobal.net.

Observatory. The Truman State University Stargazer’s Club opens the observatory two nights each month for anyone seeking to explore the night sky.

The observatory, located at the University Farm on Boundary Street, has a 14-inch telescope for viewing planets, the moon and deep sky objects, which include galaxies, nebulae and globular clusters. Club members also set up smaller telescopes during the open house, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own telescopes. Aside from blankets and jackets during winter, however, guests don’t need much.

“Visitors don’t really need any background in astronomy,” says Vayujeet Gokhale, faculty advisor to the Stargazer’s Club. “If they know a few things, that helps certainly. But even if they don’t, we try to explain what’s going on and we answer questions as well.”

From those looking for an introduction to astronomy to those wanting to expand their already vast knowledge, the open houses offer a visual and educational experience. Gokhale explains a few of the must-see sky objects include the moon, Saturn and Orion.

“Most people are impressed, if they haven’t seen it already, with the moon because you can see craters on the moon, mountain range,” Gokhale said. “That’s impressive because everyone has seen the moon with their eyes but when you look at it through a telescope you are impressed with how much detail there is.”

For open house dates, times and directions, visit http://observatory.truman.edu.

 Adair County Historical Society Museum. For the historically inclined interested in an up-close and personal look at of the history of Kirksville and the surrounding area, be sure to check out the Adair County Historical Society Museum.

The museum, organized and run by volunteers of the Adair County Historical Society, features genealogical records of the county, which are open for visitors to research, as well as donated displays of items of historical significance to the county.

“Most people will come to the museum to see our artifacts,” Adair County Historical Society President Charles Frost says. “I think the Battle of Kirksville diorama is a must-see. Also, the artifacts pertaining to country life, such as the 1915 buggy and the photo gallery, are important because they give a glimpse into what life was like in the past.”

Although guests can explore the museum on their own, the volunteers working do not hesitate to describe the background behind how the museum attained particular pieces, or even pull items off display for closer viewing.

“I’m a volunteer, and I can give guided tours if that’s what people want,” John Sparks says.

Although the museum is small, it makes up for lack of space in personal attention and knowledge volunteers show guests. The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. For more information on the museum and the historical society, contact Charles Frost at cfrost@truman.edu.