Kansas City enfolds so many tourist attractions. It’s hard to believe how this largest city in Missouri state of the US tickles you with its shade of mischief and the perfect blend of elegance and beauty.
What Is Kansas City Popular For?
Firstly, the most striking factor of Kansas City is the wide variety of water fountains. Known as the city of fountains, they have hundreds of fountains built to provide the citizens with safe drinking water.
Thus, you may stumble upon a fountain every 100 meters which are very well designed and maintained.
Kansas City offers a visual feast for tourists, from its world-famous barbecues to a budding center of arts and culture. Firstly, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Arts is a major art museum and one of the city's top attractions. The Kemper Museum is mainly famous for the exhibitions they conduct throughout the year; the museum is one of its kind in the US. The district of 18th & Vine was the hub for a thriving culture in the 1800s, a key stop for Kansas City jazz history. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a popular family attraction in Kansas City; prices vary for elders and kids. Check the Kansas City Zoo website for current opening hours.
MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF KANSAS CITY
1.
Admire Country Club Plaza
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Photo by Dave Herholz on Flickr[/caption]
Do not frown when you hear about this ‘outdoor mall in Kansas City.’ This ain’t another ordinary mall, where you think of shopping until you drop. However, this is definitely a heaven for the shopaholics, but what stuns you the most is the astounding collection of murals, 30 statues, and tile mosaics that adorn Country Club Plaza of Kansas City.
The architecture of Kansas City Plaza reflects more on the Spanish influence. The architect of Country Club Plaza, JC Nichols had definitely brought a bit of Spain down to America with this great landmark of Kansas City. The main theme of the mall is Seville, Spain.
Country Club Plaza is also known as the first car-centric shopping plaza of USA.
What's Special About Country Club Plaza?
It is the immediate shopping center for everyone in Kansas City, incorporating mid-level retailers like Sears and Woolworth alongside high-end shops in the Country Club mall. The Plaza restaurants are numerous, which can make selecting one confusing.
The history of Country Club Plaza dates back to the 1920s. The most striking factor is its drive-thru bank, and motorists can ride inside the mall for shopping, making it a major hit.
If you visit during Christmas, do not miss “The Season of Lights,” starting from Thanksgiving night. The 55 acres where the Plaza is situated sparkles brightly during this two-hour televised lighting event.
Before you leave, pay tribute to the Country Club Plaza architect, J C Nichols, at the J C Nichols Memorial Fountain, built close by to the Plaza.
Explore Nelson Atkins Museum Of Arts
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Photo by Daniel X. O'Neil on Flickr[/caption]
There are so many facts about the Nelson Atkins Museum of Arts in Kansas City.
Secondly, it is a magnificent art house with more than 40,000 art exhibits with a wide collection of contemporary and traditional artwork. Thirdly, it has one of the top three Asian art collections.
Did you know that the entrance fee to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Arts is free? Which means this is one of the free things to do in Kansas City, MO.
The lush green lawn that sprawls in the front of the Nelson Museum of Kansas City, holds a place in America’s one among the “Top Ten Lawns with a View.” It is called Donald J Hall Sculpture Park.
This Atkins park has numerous bronze monuments by Henry Moore. However, if you have noticed the huge shuttlecock in front of the museum, it is found in this Nelsons Sculpture Park.
Nelson Atkin’s opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm.
3.
Understand The History Behind Union Station
Union Station of Kansas City is of great historical importance. This is one of the most popular Kansas City tourist attractions. Until you decide to pay a visit here, you wouldn’t be able to understand the importance of Union Station.
Did you know that the Union Station was once upon a time the largest railway express building of the nation? It provided steam and power to the trains that crossed this station in Kansas City.
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Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash[/caption]
Tourists of Kansas City marvel at the 95-foot hall Grand Hall of the Union Station. The marvel doesn’t get over here just at the size of the Grand Hall. There are three 3500 pound chandeliers, six-foot-high wide clocks that hang in the central arch.
You might be awestruck when you hear that the Union Station in Kansas City once upon a time had 900 large rooms and accommodated restaurants, cigar stores, railroad shops, etc. For instance, the exhibits inside the Union Station tells that many soldiers crossed this station during WWI memorial.
Union Station had to be closed in the 1980s and many even tried demolishing it. Later, it underwent renovation and was open to the tourists.
Hey, if you want to travel like how people used to 100 years ago, you can still take a train from the Union station’s Amtrak stop and head out of the country.
4.
The Must-Visit The National World War 1 Museum
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Photo by Joevare on Flickr[/caption]
The National World War 1 Museum of the United States, also known as the Liberty Memorial Museum, is a must-visit site in Kansas City. It is the only official museum dedicated to World War 1.
The war museum reveals hidden facts about the war, including the problems that led to it, the uniforms, and weapons. Its world-class collection of WWI memorabilia offers deep insights for history lovers.
If you need a break, take time for a magical view of Kansas City from the Liberty Tower, a monument commemorating the war’s heroes. For more travel inspiration, check out our guide to the top 10 National and State parks to see.
Jump, Dive, Slide Like A Kid At The Worlds Of Fun
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Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash[/caption]
Hop into the biggest amusement park of Kansas City, MO, Worlds of Fun! It has been open since the late 1970s. This park falls among some of the best fun things to do with kids in Kansas City.
If you have always refrained from going to amusement parks due to the crowd, you can relax here. This park is not as crowded as Universal or Disney.
Do not expect a gigantic amusement park. It is slightly compact compared to other American parks.
Fun things for kids include Dinosaurs Alive. Most kids want to explore the dinosaurs. Adults can ride the coasters and feel equally enthusiastic.
The Worlds of Fun tickets are inclusive of the Oceans of Fun water park, which is very near. Oceans of Fun has the record for being the world’s largest water theme park. After the rides, rejuvenate and chill at Oceans of Fun.
Get Stunned At The Kemper Museum Of Contemporary Art
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Photo by Ernie Murphy on Flickr[/caption]
The art lover in you cannot afford to skip this amazing Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City. This is the epitome of beautiful artwork which will leave you mesmerized.
There are more than 100,000 tourists that visit the Kemper Museum in Kansas City every year. The museum is one of its kind in the US.
Do note, however, that the opening hours of Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art are from 10 am to 4 pm.
7.
Visit The Jazz Lovers Paradise, American Jazz Museum
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Photo by Alex Zamora on Unsplash[/caption]
Kansas City, MO is a hot spot for jazz. People tapping their feet to the tunes of jazz isn’t an uncommon scene here.
Because of their love for this genre, Kansas City has preserved the culture of jazz by constructing an American Jazz Museum. All jazz lovers, it is time to get immersed in the jazz experience full throttle! If you have been wanting to know more about the history of jazz, various successful jazz bands, and singers, there isn’t any other place to be in the world other than this museum.
If you have been yearning for great live jazz performances in Kansas City, you have it here in the Blue Room of American Jazz Museum. The room takes you back to the 1930s where the interiors and styling cater to that era.
Read The Giant-Sized Books At Kansas City Public Library
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Photo by Paul Sableman on Flickr[/caption]
The Kansas City Public Library is one of the unique landmarks of Kansas City. Also, it is known as one of the oldest libraries in Kansas City.
Do you want to see a row of really huge books lined up on a shelf? The Kansas City Public Library’s parking garage is constructed in such a manner.
In other words, the books have a height of 25 feet and 9 feet in width. Consequently, each book has been given a name and some among them are “The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, etc.
This has been a jaw-dropping center for many tourists. Most importantly, Kansas City has managed to bring uniqueness and a beautiful character to the public library.
9.
Be A Baseball Fan At Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
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Photo by Ron Cogswell on Flickr[/caption]
If you aren’t that aware of the rich history of African American baseball, you have landed up in the right place in Kansas City.
You wouldn’t find any guides narrating history here, instead, you have so many multimedia exhibits, a wide array of photos and artifacts that explain at length the story of Negro leagues Baseball.
The most exciting thing about the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the 12 bronze sculptures and the museum store. All the Baseball lovers, please do not forget to pay a visit here.
Adore The Animals At Kansas City Zoo
Are you looking for a great family day trip inside Kansas City? Kansas City Zoo is a great option. This is also the best kids attraction in Kansas City.
The Kansas City Zoo is sprawled elaborately in 202 acres of land. As a result, it is home to more than 1700 animals. The zoo exhibits are divided into Kid Zone, Australia, and Africa.
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Photo by Amy the Nurse on Flickr[/caption]
Being one of the most popular tourist attractions of Kansas City, the zoo is widely popular for its Tiger trails. The zoo has become more famous after it recently brought the Koala Bears of Australia.
This zoo is a popular family attraction in Kansas City.
There is so much to see here, so be sure to allow an entire day for getting acquainted with every trial, nook, and corner of the Kansas City Zoo.
The Kansas City Zoo prices vary for elders and kids.
11.
See The Real Kansas City’s Crown Jewel
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Photo by Chris Murphy on Flickr[/caption]
The Kauffman Stadium is Kansas City’s Crown Jewel, home to the Kansas City Royals. Opened in 1973, it is one of the city's oldest ballparks. Its signature feature is the fountain and water display behind the outfield fence. The stadium offers a 360-degree view from any seat, so you won't get a poor view. The Royals Hall of Fame and an interactive kids area add to the experience. Over 70 million fans have visited. If you are planning a trip, consider using a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to pack accordingly, though Kansas City's climate is quite different. For more family fun, check out the top 10 National and State parks to see in the region.
Reminisce Your Childhood In National Museum Of Toys & Miniatures
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Photo by M W on Pixabay[/caption]
This toy museum in Kansas City is the world’s largest fine-scale miniature collection and one of the best fun things to do in Kansas City with kids.
If your kids are bored with the museums and libraries of Kansas City, take them to the National Museum of Toys and Museum, which will make them jump with joy.
This miniature museum is located on the hilltop of the UMKC campus. It is also the nation’s largest collection of antique toys, with a replica of almost everything under the sun.
13.
Watch The Splendid Independence Temple
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Photo by Coolvalley63 on Flickr[/caption]
The temple is designed in the shape of a nautilus shell. It took four years and 300 panels of custom-built stainless steel to complete construction. This is the headquarters of the Community of Christ Church. The temple sanctuary seats 1,600 people, and the auditorium seats 5,800. For those planning a longer trip, consider consulting a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy before heading overseas.
Gaze At The Brilliance Of Kauffman Centre For Performing Arts
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Photo by Brent Flanders on Flickr[/caption]
Designed by Safdie Architects, the Kauffman Centre is covered in stainless steel panels and seats more than 2000 people. Major concerts take place here, featuring a wide variety of artists from around the globe—jazz, ballet, classical, and contemporary dance. If you have an evening free, catch a theatre, opera, or dance performance inside its stunning interiors. For more Kansas City attractions, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a major art museum and one of the city's top attractions. Also, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is a popular family attraction; check the website for current opening hours and ticket prices.
Grab A Free Beer From The Boulevard Brewery
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Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash[/caption]
Take a break from the astonishing museums in the city and sneak a peek inside the Boulevard Brewery for a free beer. A free beer cannot be grabbed until you walk through the 45-minute guided Boulevard Brewery tour.
Out of all the Kansas City breweries, Boulevard Brewery is the most sought after and the largest brewery in the Midwest.
You get great insights about the Boulevard’s brewing process and the history of native Kansas City, especially its connection with amazing beers.
The best-tasting beers of all times can be grabbed or even carried home at subsidized rates from Boulevard Brewery of Kansas City, MO.
16.
Know More About Harry S Truman At The Truman Library
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Photo by Espino Family on Flickr[/caption]
This beautiful Truman Library and Truman Museum dominates the city skyline. It is constructed on land donated by the City of Independence.
President Truman actively worked on the day-to-day activities of the library, emphasizing student learning and encouraging visits. He moved his office to the library, working there five days a week, and eventually all his official duties were carried out here. Because of his deep attachment, his funeral services and burial also took place at the library.
Taste The Authentic Kansas City Barbecue
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Photo by Emerson Vieira on Unsplash[/caption]
Kansas City is the hub for authentic mouth-watering barbecues in different shapes, forms and sizes. It is home to various steaks and barbecue sauces, which everyone raves about. The delicious smoked meats here are a must-try for the foodies.
Looking for the best BBQ’s in Kansas City? Rush into the most talked about Joe’s Kansas City BBQ and Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue. You have to make sure to get a seat here, therefore, hurry up! These places are every BBQ lover’s hotspot.
