Kansas City is located on the western edge of the state of Missouri. This place is a blend of historical museums, buzzling market areas, fine-sculpted statues, thrilling amusement and water parks, and many other attractions that surely would amaze all the visitors of this place. People can appreciate live performances or artifacts to ancient toys, and have a taste of freshly brewed beer when they find themselves in Kansas City.
Talking about the Kanasas, there are many beautiful places and things to do that will make your trip more awesome. Here we curated the list of best and amazing things to do in Kanasas.
Things to do in Kansas
Here is a list of 12 things to do in Kansas City:
1. National World War 1 Museum
For people who love exploring history, this is a place they could go. The National World War 1 Museum displays a whole series of stuff related to the First World War. There are cabinets and informative displays that contain information, weapons, uniforms, and other materials that date back to WWI.
The tour of the museum starts with a short introductory film. One can learn about all the causes that led to the war in this museum. The museum also features replicas of trenches, theaters, propaganda posters and guns. Another attraction of the museum is a glass bridge over a field of 9,000 red poppies which is said to be symbolizing the 9 million lives that were lost in the war.
2. Country Club Plaza
Country Club Plaza is the go-to place for people looking for a shopping spree. It is a commercial space with a beautiful spanish architecture which is admired by the visitors. There are beautiful fountains, more than 30 statues, murals and tile mosaic which makes this place different from just another commercial place.
It is one of the most famous places for shopping, dining, watching movies or just walking around in Kansas City. This place offers numerous chain stores like Anthropologie, Gap etc, hotels, eateries and a handful of luxury stores like Michael Kors and Coach.
3. Nelson-Atkin Museum of Art
This museum is famous for the 18-foot long shuttlecocks which are installed out front. It has an exclusive collection of almost 40,000 artworks. It is home to an impressive number of paintings and photographs from Europe, America, and ancient and contemporary Asian art.
Not only the artworks, but the structure built of the museum is also in itself a mesmerizing piece of art. It is built in a neoclassical style and looks almost like a chandelier emerging from the surrounding greenery. The admission to this museum is free.
4. Worlds of Fun
Spread across an area of 235 acres, World of Fun theme park has rides for people of all ages. The Mamba roller coaster is considered as one of the fastest and scariest rides in the world. It also has a Dinosaur Alive section which contains 35 life-size dinosaurs which amuse the children and adults alike.
After spending the day riding, one can cool down at Oceans of Fun- the water park. The park opens at 10 in the morning till 10 at night during the summer.
5. Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas city zoo was founded in 1909 with a handful of animals. Now, it has become home to a wide range of animals and is an attraction for the people. It is spread over an area of 200 acres and is most famous for its Kenya and Tiger Trail exhibits. It houses Helzberg Penguin Plaza, interactive Stingray Bay, and chimpanzee habitat out of many other things.
People can enjoy daily sea lion shows, zookeeper chats, and elephant painting demonstrations. There are safari boat rides across the zoo’s African Plains and overnight campouts in various exhibits for people who are 6 years and above in age. Their recent addition is koala bears.
6. American Jazz Museum
Another great museum in Kansas City is the American Jazz Museum, which is the best place for the people who have a keen interest in music, specifically jazz music. People can learn a great deal about the history of jazz in the area including the different styles, instruments, and famous musicians that once resided in Kansas City.
This neighborhood was once home to the famous jazz musician Charlie Parker. There are interactive exhibits, including listening stations and custom mixing boards. This place also holds live music sessions.
7. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Baseball was once racially segregated and this museum is one among a few in the United States that explores the baseball world of that time. The museum is located in the district of 18th & Vine, which was then the hub black culture and life in Kansas City from the late 1800s to the 1960s.
The museum explores in detail the story of African American only teams such as the New York Black Yankees, sports segregation and eventual integration. Numerous displays, collections of photos and artifacts, and film exhibits depict the story of Negro Leagues Baseball and all its players. People should also visit the 12 bronze sculptures and the museum store.
8. Arabia Steamboat Museum
Arabia Steamboat Museum is one of its kind given the fact that it has managed to salvage lost goods and put them on display for the people. This museum is located on Grand Boulevard in Kansas City. The salvaged items weigh around 200 tonnes and were rescued from the Missouri River.
The salvage belonged to a steamboat, which was constructed in 1853 for powering through the muddy Missouri River waters and sank in 1856. The ruins which were left were found almost a century later and now are displayed in the museum and have become the main attraction.
9. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures houses a rare collection of almost 72,000 artifacts which include antique toys and fine-scale miniatures. The collection was started in 1982 by two private collectors. The museum was initially located in an area of 7,000 square feet which expanded over the years and now stands at 33,000 square feet.
The place exhibits Queen Anne-style dolls dating back as far as 1750, original Barbie dolls, and vintage Hot Wheels cars. The entry fee is just $5 and is free for children below 4 years of age.
10. Kauffman Centre for the Performing Arts
Started in the year 2011, Kauffman Centre for the Performing Arts began as an idea drawn at the back of s napkin and now stands within an area of 2,85,000 square feet. The structure looks much like the Sydney Opera House and gives an unique outing experience to the people.
The center is home to Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera and Kansas City Symphony. Visiting artists like photographers and well known actors are also welcomed here. Travelers have vouched for some phenomenal performances in the center.
11. City Market
City market, also known as River Market, is one of the prominent and largest farmers markets in midwest. There are over 30 permanent merchants which are found in the market every day, selling farm produce, specialty foods, fresh meat, home decor, flowers and more. However on the weekends lots of temporary vendors settle in with a variety of local products.
People can shop for antiques and collectibles at the Vintage Sale on Sundays. These stalls are open from 7 a.m or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. all year long. There are also some good restaurants and cafes in the area. The summer season brings in extensive events calendar with live music and festivals
12. Boulevard Brewing Company
Started as a small local brewery, Boulevard Brewing Company has now become the biggest and most popular brewery in the Midwest. People can take a 40-minute tour of the facility for free and can get a glimpse of the brewery producing a range of fresh and flavourful beers using local ingredients.
The tour will give information about the company’s history, its brewing process, and also, it has a tasting room where the visitors can taste the samples of beer produced by the company.
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Museums, live performances, local markets, high-end shops- Kansas city has everything for its visitors, and best of all is freshly brewed beer. Its charm and pretty neighborhoods will keep its visitors amazed.