What to do and see in Kansas City?
I am trying to decide between Chicago or Kansas City for my vacation this year. I have a travel guides for Chicago, but they’re harder to find for Kansas City, so I’m asking you suggestions for things to do in KC. I haven’t pinned down specific dates yet, so I can adapt for special events.
My list already includes a couple of baseball games, the African-American Leagues Hall of Fame (I know that’s not the name, but Yahoo is censoring the actual word that goes there), Arthur Bryant’s BBQ, and all of the Harry Truman-related places in Independence. I do enjoy science and history museums, but I’m not so excited about art museums. And it’s just me, so I don’t have to find things for kids.
So what else can you suggest? Thanks! (I’ll be posting a separate question about Chicago.)
January 3rd, 2011 at 8:06 am
I just answered your Chicago question, now let me take a stab at this one, since I live just two hours east of KC.
I have to confess that Arthur Bryants is overrated. I much prefer some of the seedier joints like Gates.
The Truman sites in Independence are awesome. I just spent President’s Day with a college buddy of mine who lives outside Omaha at the Truman Museum. They even have an actor who plays Truman in pretty good character.
The Plaza is a nice place to visit for shopping and dining, but also just for people watching. Crown Center (Hallmark’s world headquarters) boasts two hotels (a Westin and a Hyatt Regency).
And of course, you have to cross the border into Kansas at some point. The Moon Marble Company is the only remaining marble factory still operating in the United States today, and you can also find other toys that will make you wax nostalgic.
And Science City at Union Station is worth a visit. While they claim to be geared towards kids, I have to admit having every bit as much fun, if not more, than my kids, when I was there.
The Power and Light district is an excellent example of how a city takes a run-down area, revitalizes it, and breathes new life into it. There are many clubs, music venues and restaurants in that area now.
If you fly into KC, be sure to rent a car. The KC airport is literally many miles from anything else.
Enjoy.
January 3rd, 2011 at 8:45 am
i LIVE in kansas city..um i live next to worlds of fun and oceans of fun. The country club plaza is pritty good place to see.
January 3rd, 2011 at 9:35 am
Shop and dine at The Plaza.
January 3rd, 2011 at 10:02 am
Other than what the first guy said there are a few more things to do. You could always go to the zoo, and theres a local theme park called Worlds of Fun thats pretty good. It’s got a lot of nice Roller Coasters. You could go to one of our water parks if you have a friend or someone with you but I wouldn’t do that if your alone because you’ll just look like a loser.