Weather Map For Kansas City
Introduction
Kansas City, located in the heart of the United States, is a vibrant destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture seeker, this city has it all. Known for its barbecue, jazz music, and friendly locals, Kansas City is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of the Midwest.
Top Attractions
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the top cultural attractions in Kansas City. The museum houses an impressive collection of more than 35,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculpture, and photography. Be sure to check out the famous Shuttlecocks installation on the lawn outside the museum.
Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is a great place to visit with the family. With more than 1,700 animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, and penguins, there’s something for everyone at this popular attraction.
Worlds of Fun
If you’re looking for thrills and excitement, head to Worlds of Fun. This amusement park features more than 100 rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions. Be sure to check out the new Nordic Chaser ride, which opened in 2018.
Hidden Gems
The Strawberry Hill Museum
The Strawberry Hill Museum is a hidden gem in Kansas City that’s worth a visit. This historic home, located in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood, was built in the 1880s by Catholic immigrants from Eastern Europe. Today, the museum offers tours that give visitors a glimpse into the lives of these early settlers.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is another hidden gem in Kansas City. This museum is home to the remains of the Steamboat Arabia, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856. Visitors can see artifacts that have been preserved from the ship, including clothing, tools, and even pickles.
Food Scene
Kansas City Barbecue
No trip to Kansas City is complete without trying the barbecue. The city is known for its slow-smoked meats, which are often coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. Some of the top barbecue restaurants in Kansas City include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Arthur Bryant’s, and Gates Bar-B-Q.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company is a must-visit spot for beer lovers. This brewery, which was founded in 1989, offers a wide range of craft beers that are brewed on-site. Be sure to take a tour of the brewery and sample some of the beers in the tasting room.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Attractions
There are plenty of free attractions in Kansas City that won’t break the bank. Some of the top free attractions include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Country Club Plaza.
Cheap Eats
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of affordable dining options in Kansas City. Some of the top cheap eats include the tacos at El Camino Real, the burgers at Town Topic, and the pizza at Minsky’s.
Outdoor Adventures
The Missouri River
The Missouri River is a great place to explore the outdoors in Kansas City. You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the river on your own, or take a guided tour with one of the many outfitters in the area.
The Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 240-mile-long trail that runs through Missouri, including a portion that runs through Kansas City. This scenic trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding.
Historical Landmarks
The National World War I Museum and Memorial
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is one of the top historical landmarks in Kansas City. The museum features exhibits that tell the story of World War I, as well as a memorial that honors the men and women who served in the war.
The Liberty Memorial
The Liberty Memorial is another important historical landmark in Kansas City. This towering monument was built to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I, and it offers stunning views of the city from the top.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Legoland Discovery Center
The Legoland Discovery Center is a great place to visit with the kids. This indoor attraction features a range of Lego-themed activities, including a 4D cinema, a Lego car-building station, and a miniature Lego city.
The Science City at Union Station
The Science City at Union Station is another family-friendly attraction in Kansas City. This interactive science museum features hands-on exhibits that teach kids about everything from space exploration to the human body.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The West Bottoms
The West Bottoms is a historic district in Kansas City that’s worth exploring. This area was once home to a thriving meatpacking industry, and today it’s filled with antique shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
The City Market
The City Market is another off-the-beaten-path experience in Kansas City. This outdoor market, which is open on weekends, features fresh produce, local crafts, and international foods from around the world.
Natural Wonders
The Lakeside Nature Center
The Lakeside Nature Center is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Kansas City. This nature center features exhibits and programs that teach visitors about the local wildlife, including birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians.
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is another natural wonder in Kansas City. This 300-acre park features more than 1,700 species of plants, as well as walking trails, a children’s garden, and a pond.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Power and Light District
The Power and Light District is the place to be for nightlife in Kansas City. This downtown entertainment district features a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as live music and events throughout the year.
The Westport District
The Westport District is another popular nightlife destination in Kansas City. This historic neighborhood is filled with bars and restaurants, as well as live music venues and comedy clubs.
Local Markets
The River Market
The River Market is one of the top local markets in Kansas City. This outdoor market features fresh produce, handmade crafts, and international foods, as well as live music and events throughout the year.
The Brookside Farmers’ Market
The Brookside Farmers’ Market is another great place to shop for local produce and handmade goods. This market is open on Saturdays from April through October, and it features a range of vendors from around the region.
Beaches and Mountains
The Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for beachgoers in Kansas City. This large lake, located about two hours from the city, offers swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities, as well as a range of resorts and vacation rentals.
The Ozark Mountains
The Ozark Mountains are another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas City. This scenic region, located about three hours from the city, offers hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural Immersion
The American Jazz Museum
The American Jazz Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in the culture of Kansas City. This museum features exhibits and programs that celebrate the city’s jazz heritage, as well as live performances by local and national musicians.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is another cultural attraction in Kansas City that’s worth a visit. This museum tells the story of the Negro Leagues, which were formed in the early 20th century to provide opportunities for African American baseball players.
Art and Music Scene
The Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is the place to be for art and music in Kansas City. This neighborhood is filled with galleries, performance spaces, and music venues, as well as a range of restaurants and bars.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is another top destination for music lovers in Kansas City. This stunning venue, which opened in 2011, features two performance halls that host a range of concerts, operas, and other cultural events throughout the year.