Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Kansas City is a vibrant and dynamic city that has something to offer every visitor. From its rich history and thriving arts scene to its delicious barbecue and world-class museums, there’s no shortage of unforgettable things to do in Kansas City. Here are 12 must-do experiences for your trip in 2024:
1. Explore Union Station
Built in 1914, Kansas City’s Union Station is an architectural marvel that has been restored to its former glory. Today, it houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Science City interactive science museum, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, and the Kansas City Symphony. Take a guided tour of the station to learn about its history and architecture, or simply wander through the grand halls and enjoy the atmosphere.
2. Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the most renowned art museums in the Midwest. The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years of art history, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings. Highlights include works by Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Admission to the museum is free, making it a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.
3. Attend a Royals Game
If you’re a baseball fan, no visit to Kansas City would be complete without catching a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals are one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball, and their home games are always a lively and exciting experience. Enjoy a hot dog and a beer while you cheer on the home team.
4. Walk Across the Liberty Memorial Bridge
The Liberty Memorial Bridge is a stunning pedestrian bridge that spans the Missouri River. The bridge is lined with 221 light poles, each representing a county in Missouri. At night, the bridge is illuminated with a beautiful display of lights. Take a stroll across the bridge to enjoy the views of the river and the city skyline.
5. Visit the American Jazz Museum
Kansas City is known as the “Birthplace of Bebop,” and the American Jazz Museum is the perfect place to learn about the city’s rich jazz history. The museum features exhibits on the history of jazz, as well as instruments that were played by some of the greatest jazz musicians of all time. You can also catch live jazz performances at the museum’s Blue Room.
6. Eat Barbecue
Kansas City is barbecue heaven, and there are countless great barbecue joints to choose from. Whether you like your barbecue saucy, dry, or burnt ends, you’ll find something to your taste in Kansas City. Some of the most popular barbecue restaurants include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Q39, and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque.
7. Shop at the Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza is an upscale shopping and entertainment district that is home to over 150 stores, restaurants, and bars. The Plaza is known for its beautiful Spanish-style architecture and its lively atmosphere. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening wandering through the Plaza, browsing the shops, and enjoying the restaurants.
8. Visit the Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from all over the world. The zoo is divided into different sections, each representing a different region of the world. You can see gorillas in the African section, tigers in the Asian section, and penguins in the Antarctic section. The zoo also has a variety of educational and interactive exhibits, making it a great place for families to visit.
9. Explore the Kansas City Power & Light District
The Kansas City Power & Light District is a vibrant entertainment district that is home to over 50 bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The Power & Light District is a great place to go for a night out on the town. You can start your evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants, and then dance the night away at one of the nightclubs.
10. Take a Day Trip to Weston
If you’re looking for a day trip from Kansas City, Weston is a great option. Weston is a historic town that is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and wineries. You can take a stroll through the town square, visit the Weston Historical Museum, or go for a hike in the Weston Bend State Park. Weston is also home to several wineries, so you can enjoy a wine tasting or two while you’re there.
11. Visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Civil War steamboat artifacts. The museum tells the story of the Arabia steamboat, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856. Over 200 tons of cargo were recovered from the wreck, including furniture, clothing, and tools. The museum’s exhibits showcase these artifacts and provide a glimpse into life on the Missouri River in the 19th century.
12. Attend a Sporting KC Game
Sporting Kansas City is one of the most successful soccer teams in Major League Soccer. The team’s home games are played at Children’s Mercy Park, which is located in Kansas City, Kansas. If you’re a soccer fan, attending a Sporting KC game is a must-do experience. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric, and you’ll be sure to have a great time cheering on the home team.
Culture
Kansas City has a rich culture that is influenced by its Midwestern roots and its diverse population. The city is home to a thriving arts scene, with a number of museums, theaters, and music venues. Kansas City is also known for its barbecue, which is some of the best in the country. The city is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, the Kansas City Irish Fest, and the Kansas City Fringe Festival.
Best Months to Visit
Kansas City is a great place to visit year-round, but the best months to visit are April through October. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, Kansas City can get very hot and humid in the summer, so it’s important to dress accordingly.
Nearby Transportation
Kansas City is easily accessible by air, train, and car. Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located about 20 miles from downtown Kansas City. Amtrak provides train service to Kansas City from Chicago, St. Louis, and other cities. Kansas City is also located at the crossroads of several major highways, including I-70, I-35, and I-435.
Local Food
Kansas City is known for its barbecue, but there are many other great local dishes to try. Some of the most popular local dishes include:
- Barbecue
- Burnt ends
- KC strip steak
- Fried chicken
- Pork tenderloin sandwich
- KC-style pizza
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels to choose from in Kansas City. Some of the most popular hotels include:
- The Kansas City Marriott Downtown
- The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
- The Hilton President Kansas City
- The Loews Kansas City Hotel
- The Hotel Kansas City, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Conclusion
Kansas City is a vibrant and dynamic city that has something to offer every visitor. From its rich history and thriving arts scene to its delicious barbecue and world-class museums, there are countless unforgettable things to do in Kansas City. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Kansas City is the perfect destination. So come on down and experience all that Kansas City has to offer!