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- Kansas City Has Something For Everybody
Kansas City is one of two Missouri cities that straddles two states; the other is St. Louis. Missouri and Kansas lay claim to this city, but Missouri, interestingly, got the bigger share, not the city’s namesake. Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city and only the third-largest in Kansas. However, these two states genially share the city, with many people crossing the border daily. Some work on the Missouri side and live on the Kansas side.
Fun facts aside, Kansas City tells more than a tale of two states. This city is a fascinating tourist destination steeped in history and culture. Some museums tell the tale of the First World War, others hark back to the days of the Civil War, and, of course, a few highlight this city’s passion for the arts. The Kansas side, although smaller, has some thrilling attractions like the Kansas Speedway, a massive hub for motorsport, and its smaller sibling, Lakeside Speedway.
Tourists can also cross over to the Missouri side and experience firsthand the people’s love for the arts at spots like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. For those planning a trip to this city with two borders, this ultimate guide to Kansas City highlights everything there is to know about this destination.
UPDATE: 2023/12/16 10:58 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Kansas City Has Something For Everybody
This article has been refreshed with four new things to do in Kansas City, as well as expanded talking points. Whether you want to spend a long weekend here or even stay for a month, Kansas City offers something for every type of traveler throughout the four seasons. Be safe, and have fun!
Things To Do
Kansas City isn't short of things to do, from motorsport to historical tours. Here's a list of things a tourist can experience in this one-of-a-kind Midwestern city.
1 Arabia Steamboat Museum
Something fun to do while in Kansas City is to explore the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Here, visitors can enjoy the property boasting a time capsule of the American Pioneer era and mid-19th century artifacts, history, culture, and interactive displays.
Many things showcased in the museum were salvaged from Arabia: a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856. It's a massive complex and usually takes guests a couple of hours to scale.
- Address: 400 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (12-5 on Sundays)
- Tickets: $16.50 per guest
2 Kansas City Scavenger Hunt
The next fun idea for tourists in Kansas City is embarking on the Kansas City Scavenger Hunt: River Market Riddle Raiders tour. This interactive and self-guided experience takes place in the city, targeting the vibrant River Market neighborhood in a series of scavenger hunt-type activities.
During the tour, people can expect to learn about sunken steamboats, architecture, history of the city and explore significant spots like the Water Department Building.
- Run Time: 1.5 hours
- Distance: 1.7 miles
This tour will be through a smartphone, offering you a self-guided experience while in Kansas City. Through mapping and GPS, guests of the tour can travel between historic monuments, as well as find new places to eat, shop, and unwind.
3 Jacob L. Loose Park
The next idea for those in Kansas City would be to check out the ever-beautiful Jacob L. Loose Park. Here, visitors can enjoy a public green space offering 75 acres of lush trees, grass, nature, and quiet. This is also where many events, like festivals, take place in the city, turning into a community hub throughout the year.
It's also worth mentioning that there is zero fee to enter or spend time in the park, and nearby parking is available for those coming in cars. Whether you want to enjoy a game of tennis, the waterpark, or let the kids play in the extensive playground, Jacob L. Loose Park is a great spot to find solace during the vacation.
- Address: 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Hours: Open daily from 5 AM to 12 AM
4 The National Museum Of Toys And Miniatures
A super fun (and miniature) to do in Kansas City is to visit the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Here, people will experience the property boasting the world's largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and other historic toys and artifacts.
Location-wise, people can find the museum on the University of Missouri Kansas City campus, making that a nice second stop. Luckily, much of Kansas City is in a cluster, so walking around and finding a spot for lunch/dinner could be fun after touring this absolutely whimsical complex.
- Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112
- Hours: Wednesday through Monday from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Tickets: $10 per guest
5 Enjoy Motorsports At Kansas Speedway
The Kansas Speedway is found on the Kansas side of the border, and it’s a popular motorsport venue in not just the state but the entire country. This venue, which NASCAR owns, boasts a 1.5-mile-long racetrack and a seating capacity of a whopping 48,000 people.
Besides enjoying motorsport events, visitors can tour the garage area by getting a Pre-Race Pass or FanWalk ticket.
- Address: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States
- Fees: Pre-Race Pass: $75; FanWalk Ticket: $15
6 Check Out The Historic Sites
Kansas City’s history goes back to the mid-1800s, so there are a lot of sites from that era. On the Kansas side, visitors can explore sites like:
Grinter Place
This house was constructed in 1857 as a farmhouse. Today, it enjoys a place on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as an event space. Visitors can also take tours of the building.
- Address: 1420 S 78 St, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States
- Hours: Wed-Sat: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Sun - Tue)
- Fees: Adults: $6; Children (5 - 17) $3; Seniors (65+): $5
Sauer Castle
Construction of this castle started in 1871 and lasted for two years. Today, the building still stands, although the ravages of time are evident from its dilapidated state.
Sadly, visitors cannot enter the castle, but they can view it from behind a fence surrounding the property.
Rosedale Memorial Arch
The Rosedale Arch was built in 1923 to memorialize the men who served in the First World War. The arch is found in Mount Marty Park, so visitors can check it out while hiking the park’s trails.
- Address: Mount Marty Park, 3602 Springfield St, Kansas City, KS 66103, United States
- Hours: 5 am - 10 pm (daily)
- Fees: Free
7 Go Bowling At KC Bowl
For some bowling fun with the family, KC Bowl is the place to be. However, this is more than just a bowling alley; there’s also a gaming arcade. This spot also hosts parties for kids, adults, or even corporate parties.
- Address: 8201 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112, United States
- Hours: Mon & Wed: 11 am - 9:30 pm; Sun & Tue: 12 pm - 9 pm; Thu & Fri: 9 am - 12 am; Sat: 12 pm - 8 pm
- Price: Daytime to 5 pm: $4 per person, per game; After 5 pm: $4.75 per person, per game
8 Enjoy Wine Tasting At Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery
Rowe Ridge boasts an area of 5 acres covered with grape vines made up of 9 grape varieties. Visitors can sample their ten wines in their tasting room. They also sell their wines by the bottle, with some costing as low as $16. Tourists can also explore the vineyard and hang out at the vineyard pond.
- Address: 11255 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS 66109, United States
- Hours: Tasting Room: Thu - Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed from Mon-Wed)
- Wine tasting fees: $8 for up to 8 wines
9 Shop At Legends Outlets Kansas City
Legends Outlets Kansas City, a premier shopping destination, offers visitors an exciting mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Located in the heart of Kansas City, this expansive outlet mall features over 100 designer stores, including popular brands like Nike, Coach, and J.Crew.
In addition to shopping, guests can indulge in various dining choices, such as Yard House, Chiusano's Brick Oven Pizzeria, and Dave & Buster's. For entertainment, visitors can catch a movie at the state-of-the-art AMC Legends 14 Theater or enjoy seasonal events and live performances.
- Address: 1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 11 am - 6 pm
10 Try Your Luck At The Hollywood Casino
Located at the Kansas Speedway, the Hollywood Casino is a popular entertainment destination for those seeking thrilling gaming action. This expansive casino features over 2,000 slot machines, 52 table games, and a live poker room, offering endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
Several dining options, such as the Final Cut Steakhouse or the Boulevard Sunset Bar, offer live music performances on select nights. For sports enthusiasts, the casino also houses a sportsbook where guests can place bets on their favorite teams.
- Address: 777 Hollywood Casino Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours (daily)
- Age Restriction: Must be 21 or older to enter
11 Explore The Wyandotte County Lake Park
Wyandotte County Lake Park is a picturesque oasis in Kansas City that spans over 1,500 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The park features a 400-acre lake, perfect for fishing and boating, while the surrounding trails cater to hikers and nature enthusiasts.
For those interested in birdwatching, the park is home to diverse species, making it a haven for wildlife lovers. Families can take advantage of the playgrounds and picnic areas, allowing them to create memorable moments in this serene setting.
- Address: 91st St & Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS 66109, United States
- Hours: 6 am - 12 am (daily)
- Cost: Free entry; fees may apply for specific activities and rentals
12 Visit The National Agricultural Center And Hall Of Fame
The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame is a unique attraction that celebrates the rich history and contributions of American agriculture. Established in 1960, this fascinating center features a museum, historical exhibits, and interactive displays that showcase the evolution of farming practices and equipment.
Visitors can delve into the world of agriculture by exploring the Farm Town USA exhibit, which replicates a 19th-century rural village, or admire the impressive collection of antique tractors and farm machinery. The center also hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Tractor Cruise and the Antique Tractor Pull.
- Address: 630 N 126th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, United States
- Hours: Thu - Sat: 10 am - 2 pm (closed from Sun-Wed)
- Cost: Donation of $5 minimum
13 Learn About The Area’s History At The Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center
Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, the Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center showcases the diverse traditions of the Eastern European immigrants who settled in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As visitors wander through the elegantly furnished rooms, they'll find an array of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of these early settlers and their contributions to the community. The museum also hosts various cultural events and programs throughout the year, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
- Address: 720 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS 66101, United States
- Hours: Sat & Sun: 12 pm - 3 pm (closed on weekdays)
- Cost: Adults (12 and older): $10; Children (6 to 12): $5; Children (5 and under): Free
14 Check Out The Attractions On The Missouri Side
Missouri’s side arguably has more attractions to see. Thankfully, these attractions are just a RideKC bus ride away.
The National WWI Museum and Memorial
- Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sun: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
- Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
- Fees: Adults: $10; Senior (65+): $9; Kids (5 - 12): $6; Kids (0 - 4): Free
- Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
- Fees: Adults: $10; Senior (65+): $9; Kids (5 - 12): $6; Kids (0 - 4): Free
- Address: Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Tue - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: 12 pm - 5 pm (closed on Mon)
- Fees: General admission: $14.50; Children under 1 yr: Free
- Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132, United States
- Hours: 9:30 am - 4 pm (daily)
- Fees: Adults: from $20; Children 7 Seniors (3 - 11 & 55+): from $19; Children (2 and under): Free
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
- Address: 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Ticket Office Hours: Mon - Thu: 10 am - 6 pm; Fri: 10 am - 5 pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
15 Best Time To Visit Kansas City, Kansas
Summer and autumn are the best time to visit Kansas City because of the good weather. However, this city is a year-long travel destination with lots to do whenever one chooses to visit.
Winter (December to February)
The average winter high is 42 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius), and temperatures dip to around 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius). Although the winter months get chilly, Kansas City still has many winter festivals, like the annual WinterFest in December, Restaurant Week in January, and Mardi Gras in Kansas City in February.
Spring (March to May)
Temperatures start to rise in spring, with average lows of 46.4 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) and average highs of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). However, there’s also a high probability of rain in spring, so visitors should keep an eye out for forecasts of showers.
Visitors will find events like the March St. Patrick’s Day parade and the April Kansas City FilmFest. Also, the NASCAR motorsport event rings in at Kansas Speedway in May.
Summer (June to August)
As expected, the weather is pleasant in summer, with lower chances of rain than in spring. Still, showers are most likely in June, so visitors should bring umbrellas and raincoats just in case.
July and August get quite busy, so hotel rates are hiked during this time. However, summer visiting yields many fun activities, including the KC RiverFest and Planet Comicon.
Autumn (September to November)
The summer crowds start to stream out to head back to work and/or school as autumn checks in. The weather remains pleasant, especially in September and October, with average highs of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). With the lower tourist numbers, hotel rates become more affordable, making this a great time to visit for those looking for bargains.
16 Best Ways To Get Around Kansas City
Kansas City is considered centrally located in the US, making it accessible from all major airports in the country. The city is served by the Kansas City International Airport, which is found on the Missouri side of the border.
Major interstates also cross through the city, making it easily accessible by road. Here’s a look at how visitors would find their way around Kansas City once they arrive.
By Bus
The public bus in Kansas City is operated by RideKC, which serves numerous routes around the city. As of 2023, it’s free to ride the buses, making public transport the most cost-effective way around Kansas City.
Street Car
The street car runs around the downtown area and is also a free service operated by RideKC. Those staying within Downtown Kansas City can take advantage of this service, which runs from 6 am to midnight on weekdays and from 7 am to midnight on weekends.
By Bike
Kansas City has bike trails all around the city, allowing cyclists to safely and easily get around the city. Visitors can rent e-bikes or regular bikes from RideKC Bike, a bike-sharing service. Plus, the buses are fitted with bike racks so cyclists can get around by taking the bus and riding their bikes between places.
By Car
Visitors planning to venture farther outside Kansas City can rent a car (or use their own) to get around. Rental companies like Enterprise and Avis are found at the airport, and they have offices around the city.
Bike rentals tend to be a cheaper way around Kansas City, as well as hailing cabs between attractions. Renting a car will save time waiting for taxis/rideshare, but it can be more expensive depending on the season.
17 Where To Eat In Kansas City
KC is known for foods like BBQ and the oddly-named Cheese Slipper, among others. Here are some recommendations on where to eat in Kansas City.
Breakfast: Eggtc.
This well-known joint in Kansas City specializes in breakfast and brunch delights. The name says it all; this eatery has dozens of egg dishes, like the traditional Eggs Benedict or the Florentine breakfast, which has two poached eggs alongside English muffins and other food items.
Visitors are also spoiled with various pancakes, waffles, crêpes, and sandwich options. Plus, breakfast isn’t breakfast without coffee, and Eggtc has it all, from latte to Americano.
- Address: 5107 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States
- Hours: 6:30 am - 22 pm (daily)
Lunch: Jack Stack Barbecue
Barbecue is Kansas City’s trademark dish, and Jack Stack Barbecue is one of the best places to enjoy this treat. The joint offers both eat-in and takeout options and catering services.
On reservation, guests can eat at their establishment in Kansas City and enjoy classic KC dishes like Burnt Ends and Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese.
Jack Stack also prepares sumptuous barbecued trout as well as the famous Kansas City Strip, among many other delights.
- Address: 101 W 22nd St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
- Hours: Mon - Thu: 11 am - 9 pm; Fri & Sat: 11 am - 10 pm; Sun: 11 am - 8:30 pm
Dinner & Drinks: Gram & Dun
This fancy establishment has a trendy setting that includes an interior and patio dining space. The restaurant serves various dishes and drinks, making it an ideal place to spend an evening.
The dinner menu is made up of sushi and entrées like fried catfish, seared scallops, and so much more. There are also some wood-fired meals, including Hanger Steak and grilled chicken.
Happy hour starts at 3 pm to 5 pm, with cocktails like Horsefeather, Mule Variations, and Ginger Rogers making up the menu. Still, patrons have a variety of wines, beer, and cocktails to choose from past happy hour.
- Address: 600 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States
- Hours: Tue - Thu: 11 am - 10 pm; Fri: 11 am - 11 pm; Sat: 9:30 am - 11 pm; Sun: 9:30 am - 9 pm (closed on Mon)
18 Where To Stay In Kansas City, Kansas: Neighborhoods & Accommodation
Rosedale
The neighborhood of Rosedale is found in the southern part of Kansas City, Kansas, a 6-minute drive from Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This neighborhood’s location is close to many attractions on both the Kansas and Missouri sides of the border. Plus, Kansas City International Airport is just a half-hour drive away.
Where to Stay
Mid-Tier: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kansas City Ku Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
- Address: 3932 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, 66103, United States
- Amenities: Fitness center, meeting facilities
- Price: From $149
Luxury: Quiet Home With Big Backyard
- Address: Kansas City, KS 66112, United States
- Amenities: 4 bedrooms, pet friendly, full kitchen
- Price: From $250
Victory Hills
Victory Hills is home to the Kansas City Community College, and it’s just 5 miles from the Kansas Speedway. On the other hand, Downtown Kansas City is about 13 miles away, a drive that takes roughly 20 minutes.
Where to Stay
Luxury: Disability-Friendly Townhouse
- Address: Kansas City, KS 66112, United States
- Amenities: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, laundry facilities
- Price: From $175
Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham near Kansas Speedway
- Address: 7721 Elizabeth Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66112, United States
- Amenities: Fitness center, vending machines
- Price: From $58
Piper
Piper is surrounded by attractions like the Kansas Speedway, which is just 5 miles from the heart of the neighborhood, and Wyandotte County Lake Park, found just 4 miles away. Those who stay here also enjoy proximity to golf clubs like Dub’s Dread Golf Club and Falcon Lakes Golf Club.
Where to Stay
Budget: Warm Modern Farm Private Room
- Address: Kansas City, KS 66112, United States
- Amenities: Kitchen access, private bathroom
- Price: From $81
Mid-Tier: Residence Inn by Marriott Kansas City at The Legends
- Address: 1875 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111, United States
- Amenities: Business center, indoor heated pool, fitness center, vending machines, kitchen facilities
- Price: From $153
There are many neighborhoods in Kansas City, both on Kansas's side and Missouri's. However, staying downtown will put people closest to many of the attractions, restaurants, and shopping here, so that is where we recommend booking a room.
19 Tips For Visiting Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, make up the greater Kansas City Metropolitan, with the Missouri River flowing through this metropolis. The airport serving both sides is the Kansas City International Airport, located on the Missouri side.
However, those planning to stay on the Kansas side of the metropolitan area will only drive about 10 minutes to get to the heart of Kansas City, Kansas. Several interstate highways cut through the city. These are interstates 70, 635, 35, 45, and 29. The city is, therefore, easily accessible by road or air from most parts of the US.
If tourists have a car or can utilize public transport, getting in and around KC should be easy. However, traffic can be severe during the work week, like in any metropolitan area. Avoid major highways during Monday-Friday AM and PM rushes. It might be best to book hotels close to attractions you specifically want to see, ideally within walking or biking distance.
20 Spending The Perfect Day In Kansas City
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Start the day with a filling breakfast at one of the local restaurants, then explore the city’s historical sites, like the Rosedale Memorial Arch in Mont Marty Park, while hiking the trails for a brisk morning walk. Afterward, visit the Wyandotte County Museum to learn about the city’s growth since its early days. Then, grab a takeout BBQ meal for lunch to enjoy at Wyandotte County Lake Park before hiking the trails around the lake.
Afterward, head back to the downtown area for dinner, then enjoy an evening of bowling at KC Bowl. Later, end the day with some drinks at a local bar.
FAQ
Q: Why is Kansas City so famous?
Kansas City is famous for its love for jazz, which is showcased at the Kansas City Jazz Museum. The city is also famous for its BBQ dishes, for instance, the Burnt Ends dish.
Q: Is downtown Kansas City in Kansas or Missouri?
Both sides of the border have a Downtown Kansas City, but Missouri's downtown is bigger and more vibrant, and it's considered the main Downtown Kansas City.
Q: Is Kansas City worth visiting?
Yes, Kansas City is worth visiting as it offers travelers the chance to visit two states and explore the rich history and culture of the city. There are a number of fascinating attractions like the Kansas Speedway, the Kansas City Zoo, and Science City, among others.