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Kansas City
Missouri
TravelTV Live View from Kansas City
View from the National WWI Museum and Memorial
Website: https://theworldwar.org/
Visit Kansas City
Kansas City, straddling the border between Missouri and Kansas, is a vibrant metropolis known for its dynamic blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Renowned for its jazz heritage and distinctive style of barbecue, Kansas City offers a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, sports fan, or culinary connoisseur, this city promises an array of attractions.
Begin your visit by exploring the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, where the American Jazz Museum shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This area pays homage to the city's deep musical roots and its pivotal role in the development of jazz as a major American art form. Just a short walk away, you can enjoy live music in one of the many clubs that keep the city's jazz legacy alive. For sports enthusiasts, the city offers the thrill of major league games with teams like the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs and MLB's Kansas City Royals.
No trip to Kansas City would be complete without indulging in its legendary barbecue. With over 100 barbecue establishments in the area, you can savor slow-smoked meats that are meticulously prepared with a variety of unique rubs and sauces. After a satisfying meal, take a stroll through the Country Club Plaza, an open-air shopping district known for its Spanish architecture and numerous fountains. Art lovers will appreciate the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which boasts a vast collection ranging from ancient to contemporary pieces.
Additionally, Kansas City's green spaces and parks, such as the expansive Swope Park, offer a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. The city also prides itself on its innovative craft breweries and distilleries, where visitors can enjoy local brews and spirits. With its friendly atmosphere and Midwestern charm, Kansas City provides a welcoming environment for all who visit, making it a must-see destination in the heart of America.
Kansas City Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
21°F
39°F
6
February
24°F
42°F
8
March
35°F
56°F
11
April
46°F
63°F
10
May
56°F
73°F
11
June
67°F
85°F
9
July
73°F
89°F
9
August
71°F
86°F
9
September
57°F
76°F
8
October
50°F
66°F
8
November
37°F
55°F
8
December
25°F
41°F
5
Need to Know Before You Go To Kansas City
Nickname:
City of Fountains
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Chicago
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type B
Annual Visitors:
17 million
Primary Export:
Aircraft and parts
Busiest Travel Months:
July, June, May
Quietest Travel Months:
February, January, December
Find your Next Adventure in Kansas City
Explore Kansas City
Iconic Landmarks
Union Station
Opened in 1914, this historic train station is a grand example of Beaux-Arts architecture. It now serves as a cultural hub featuring exhibits, an interactive science center called Science City, live theater, and a planetarium.
National WWI Museum and Memorial
This museum is dedicated to remembering, interpreting, and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The museum is housed beneath the Liberty Memorial, an imposing tower that offers expansive views of the city.
Country Club Plaza
Known as the nation's first suburban shopping district, the Plaza is renowned for its distinctive Spanish architecture and is a major shopping and cultural destination in Kansas City. It features high-end retail shops, restaurants, and during the winter, a famous lighting display.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This museum is famous for its comprehensive collection of art from nearly every continent and culture, particularly noted for its Asian art, European paintings, and the vast number of Native American pieces. The museum's lawn is also famous for its giant shuttlecock sculptures.
Kauffman Stadium
Home to the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball, this stadium is known for its unique water features and has been a beloved part of Kansas City since it opened in 197
3.
American Jazz Museum
Located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, this museum celebrates the history of American jazz through interactive exhibits and films, and it shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Cultural Experiences
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This museum is renowned for its comprehensive collection ranging from ancient to contemporary art. Its vast holdings include works from nearly every continent and culture, particularly noted for its Asian art, European paintings, and the extensive collection of American artwork. The iconic shuttlecocks on the museum's lawn are a must-see.
American Jazz Museum
Located in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, this museum is dedicated to preserving the history of American jazz music. Interactive exhibits, films, and memorabilia like Charlie Parker’s saxophone offer insights into the deep-rooted jazz culture of Kansas City. The museum shares a building with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, making it a dual cultural treat.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
This museum celebrates the rich history of African-American baseball, with a particular focus on the teams and players of the Negro leagues. Through artifacts, photographs, and multimedia exhibits, visitors can learn about the challenges and triumphs of players who shaped the sport under the constraints of segregation.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Known for its stunning architecture and superior acoustics, the Kauffman Center hosts a wide range of performances including opera, theater, music, and dance. It is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Symphony, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Attending a performance here is a must for arts enthusiasts.
Country Club Plaza
Often simply called "The Plaza," this is one of the country's first shopping centers designed to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile. The Plaza is known for its distinctive Spanish architecture and hosts a variety of high-end shops, restaurants, and annual events like the Plaza Art Fair. The area is also famous for its holiday season lighting.
Kansas City Barbecue Tour
While not a museum or gallery, experiencing Kansas City barbecue is an essential part of the local culture. Known for its unique style of barbecue, you can visit legendary spots like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Arthur Bryant's to taste the different styles and flavors that make up this culinary tradition.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking on the Missouri River
Experience the beauty and the calm of the mighty Missouri River by kayaking along its course. You can start your adventure at Kaw Point Park, where the Kansas River meets the Missouri River, offering a unique urban paddling experience.
Hiking and Biking on the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail State Park is one of the longest rail-trails in the country, stretching across most of the state of Missouri. Close to Kansas City, you can access this scenic trail for a day of hiking or biking, enjoying the lush landscapes and wildlife.
Zip Lining at Zip KC
Head to Bonner Springs, just outside Kansas City, where Zip KC offers a thrilling zip line tour that includes a sunset and night zip line experience. It’s a fun way to see the Kansas landscape from a different perspective.
Fishing at James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
Located in Lee’s Summit, this wildlife area offers multiple fishing lakes, as well as opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. It’s a great spot for a peaceful day in nature.
Rock Climbing at RoKC
A premier climbing facility in North Kansas City, RoKC offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to challenge themselves with indoor and outdoor climbing walls. It’s suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced climbers.
Exploring the Trails at Parkville Nature Sanctuary
This wildlife preserve in Parkville, MO, offers several miles of well-maintained trails through beautiful forested areas and alongside streams. It’s perfect for a family outing or a quiet walk in nature.
Off the Beaten Path
Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center
Located in Kansas City, Kansas, this museum is housed in a former Victorian-era mansion and celebrates the cultural heritage of the local Eastern European immigrant community. It offers a glimpse into the traditions, art, and history of groups such as the Croatian, Slovenian, and Polish communities that have influenced the area.
The Workhouse Castle
This historic structure, built in 1897, resembles a medieval castle and was originally used as a city jail. Located off the more traveled paths, it offers a unique photo opportunity and a peek into Kansas City's past. The surrounding area, with its old architecture and quiet ambiance, makes for a reflective urban exploration spot.
The Airline History Museum
Situated at the Downtown Airport, this museum is a treasure trove for aviation enthusiasts. It features a collection of historical aircraft, including a Lockheed Constellation and a Martin 404, and offers insights into the evolution of commercial aviation.
Electric Park Garden Bar
Nestled in the East Bottoms, this hidden gem is a nod to Kansas City's Electric Park, an amusement park owned by the Heim brothers in the early 1900s. The bar is tucked away in a quieter part of town and offers a cozy atmosphere with a great selection of drinks and often live music.
Cave Spring Park
This historic site and nature area in Raytown, a suburb of Kansas City, offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and a small museum. The park's natural cave and historic Santa Fe Trail remnants make it a fascinating visit for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
The Mutual Musicians Foundation
For a deep dive into Kansas City's jazz heritage, visit this historic venue in the 18th and Vine Jazz District. It has been a gathering spot for musicians since 1917 and continues to host live jazz sessions that run into the early hours of the morning, especially on weekends. It's a real, authentic slice of the city's musical culture.
Kansas City Fun Facts
- City of Fountains Kansas City is often called the "City of Fountains" and claims to have the second most fountains in the world, only behind Rome. There are over 200 fountains throughout the city, each with its own unique design and history.
- Barbecue Capital Kansas City is renowned for its barbecue and hosts the Kansas City Barbecue Society, which is the world's largest organization of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts. The city is famous for its unique style of barbecue, which typically involves slow-smoked meat covered in a thick, tomato-based sauce.
- Jazz Heritage Kansas City played a pivotal role in the development of jazz music in the 1920s and 1930s. The city's 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District was a hub for jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Count Basie, and today it houses the American Jazz Museum.
- Largest Ball of Twine While not in Kansas City itself, Kansas is home to the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, which is a fun road trip destination from Kansas City. It's a quirky landmark that reflects the region's charm.
- Innovative City Kansas City was one of the first cities in the U.S. to install Google Fiber, offering residents high-speed internet connections before many other cities.
- Historic Union Station Opened in 1914, Union Station serves as a major cultural hub. It has an extensive history, having served millions of travelers during its peak, and today it houses museums, theaters, and educational spaces.
- Sports City Kansas City is passionate about its sports teams. It is home to the Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), who won the Super Bowl in 2020, and the Kansas City Royals (MLB), who won the World Series in 2015.
- Paris of the Plains Kansas City was nicknamed the "Paris of the Plains" in the 1930s due to its beautiful boulevard system, which was inspired by Paris, and its vibrant cultural scene.
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum This museum is one of the few in the U.S. dedicated to preserving the history of African-American baseball, with extensive exhibits on teams like the Kansas City Monarchs, one of the most successful franchises in the history of the Negro leagues.
- Gateway to the West Kansas City is often considered a starting point for the exploration of the Western United States, with a rich history connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Oregon Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail. These facts highlight Kansas City's unique blend of cultural heritage, innovation, and community spirit, making it a fascinating place to visit or live.
Featured Picture Gallery
Kansas City Skyline
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City
Union Station
Kansas City is Known as the City of Fountains
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Home of the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Skyline at Night
Legoland in Kansas City
Famous Western Auto Building in Downtown Kansas City
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