With outstanding museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and historic attractions, Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the great cities of the Midwest. If you’re planning a trip to KC anytime soon, keep in mind these suggestions on where to visit, where to stay, and where to eat.
Must-See Kansas City Attractions
From a historical perspective, the most important Kansas City attraction is the World War I Museum, which chronicles the battles and legacy of that great conflict. Visitors can see grenades, torpedoes, and other artifacts that were used by troops from various countries.
While you’re there, ride the elevator to the top of the 217-foot Liberty Memorial, built in 1926, for panoramic views of the city.
Also worth checking out is the free Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. More than 80 years old, the facility hosts collections of European and American paintings, Chinese statues and sculptures, Native American artwork of all kinds, and modern American photography.
Summer is a great time to see Kansas City. If you’re in town during baseball season, try to catch a game at Kauffman Stadium, home of the 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals.
Under the Radar Sights
Don’t miss lesser-known, but wonderfully quirky attractions, like the Toy and Miniature Museum, which has a massive collection of classic games and toys. The museum’s collection includes more than 72,000 objects, most of which are on public display.
Next up is the National Airline History Museum. Learn about the history of commercial aviation and step into a hangar with several old planes, including a Douglas DC-3 from 1941.
Finally, consider visiting the Steamboat Arabia Museum, where guests can see perfectly preserved vintage goods recovered from the Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856 and was unearthed in 1988.
Kansas City Neighborhoods Worth Visiting
Image via Flickr by quirkytravelguy
The city’s coolest neighborhood might be the historic 18th & Vine District, the epicenter of the Kansas City jazz music scene in the 1930s. Today, the area is thriving again thanks to the restored Gem Theater, the American Jazz Museum, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Westport offers entertainment options like piano bars, comedy clubs, and movie theaters, while also boasting some of the best eating and drinking in the city. The nearby Volker neighborhood is similar but has more of a hipster vibe, with quality coffee shops and boutique stores.
If you’re traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, take advantage of everything the city has to offer! And if you happen to be visiting during the coldest months of the year, consider our list of fun things to do in Kansas City in winter.
Lodging and Dining Options
For overnight or longer visits, search for the best lodging in the Kansas City area. National chains and local boutique hotels can be found in the Crown Center area next to the World War I Museum, in the Country Club Plaza shopping district, and on the southeast side of the city near the baseball and football stadiums.
In terms of dining, the city has a growing number of restaurants that feature local, organic ingredients, including Blue Bird Bistro and the Farmhouse. Take a break from the healthy cuisine at least once to indulge in authentic Kansas City barbecue, which typically consists of slow-smoked meats slathered in a thick, tangy sauce.
