Kansas City: The Heart of the Midwest

Cultural & historical attractions:

• National WWI Museum and Memorial: This museum offers an immersive look at World War I with powerful exhibits and a stunning skyline view from the Liberty Memorial Tower.

• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: A must-visit for baseball fans, this museum highlights the history and impact of the Negro Leagues on American sports.

• Arabia Steamboat Museum: Step back in time with thousands of preserved artifacts from a steamboat that sank in 1856, now recovered and displayed.

Entertainment & live music:

• 18th & Vine Jazz District: The birthplace of Kansas City jazz, this area is filled with live music, historic sites and vibrant nightlife.

• Kansas City Power & Light District: The city’s entertainment hub, featuring rooftop bars, live concerts and bustling nightlife.

Outdoor & family-friendly activities:

• Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium: Perfect for families, this zoo features 200+ acres of animal exhibits, plus a new state-of-the-art aquarium.

• Union Station & Science City: A historic train station featuring interactive science exhibits, a planetarium and rotating museum exhibits.

• Loose Park: One of the most beautiful parks in KC, ideal for a peaceful stroll, a picnic or a visit to the stunning rose garden

Sports & shopping:

• Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs): Catch an NFL game or take a stadium tour to experience one of the loudest and most passionate fan bases in the country.

• Country Club Plaza: A Spanish-style shopping district with high-end boutiques, restaurants and seasonal light displays.

Day trips from Kansas City:

• Weston, Missouri: A charming small town with historic homes, wineries and the famous O’Malley’s Irish Pub.

• Strawberry Hill (Kansas City, KS): A cultural district with Eastern European roots, local bakeries and fantastic city views.

• Lake of the Ozarks: A couple of hours away, this lake destination offers boating, hiking and scenic relaxation.

Kansas City barbecue: (A must-try!)

• Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que: Legendary burnt ends and the famous Z-Man sandwich, served out of a gas station.

• Q39: A more modern take on BBQ, known for competition-style brisket and wood-fired grilling.

• Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue: A KC institution with tangy, vinegar-based barbecue sauce and historic roots.

Casual eats & local favorites:

• Stroud’s: Home of the best pan-fried chicken in the Midwest, served with hearty sides.

• The Peanut: Kansas City’s oldest bar, famous for jumbo wings and a laid-back atmosphere.

Brunch & coffee spots:

• Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery: A multi-level coffee shop with fresh pastries and an open-air rooftop seating area.

• Succotash: A quirky café known for massive cinnamon rolls and colorful décor.

Drinks & nightlife:

• J. Rieger & Co. Distillery: A historic distillery offering tastings, craft cocktails and a speakeasy-style lounge.

• Casual Animal Brewing Co.: A small-batch brewery with a focus on community and unique beer flavors.

• The Green Lady Lounge: A dimly lit jazz bar featuring live music every night in an intimate setting.