The land of jazz, barbecues and fountains is carving out its place as a prime travel destination in the heart of Midwestern America.
Kansas City, also known as “K.C.,” is a cradle of jazz, home of the American barbecue and the place to see fountains that look like they’ve been transported from Rome. The largest city in the state of Missouri might seem a bit disjointed – it’s even split across two states and a river – but it all comes together in an inviting way. Art galleries, city parks, world-class performances and museums all serve to make this city one of the most interesting in the Midwest.
Swing past the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, or take the kids to the Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City. History buffs will appreciate the attention to detail at the historic Arabia Steamboat Museum. Wander through the River Market area and stop by the City Market on the weekend.
The historic Westport area is a great place to stop for lunch and to explore the city’s past. Look for restaurants serving home-style barbecue and enjoy the classic hickory-smoked food Kansas City is famous for. Jazz aficionados should head down to 18th and Vine, just east of downtown, to see one of the heartlands of American jazz.
Make your way out of the downtown area and visit the expansive Swope Park. As well as numerous trails, a golf course and gardens, the park is also home to the Kansas City Zoo and the Starlight Theatre, two of the most visited venues in the city. Drive 15 minutes west of downtown to ride one of the tallest waterslides in the world, the mighty Verruckt, at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City. To the north of the city, Worlds of Fun will have the kids amused for hours while the Harley-Davidson Factory will appeal to motoring enthusiasts. Back in town, the Liberty Memorial has one of the best World War I museums in the world.
Nightspots in Kansas can be found throughout the city. Explore River Market, downtown, and 18th and Vine to find some of the city’s best barbecue joints and jazz clubs in town.
Although Kansas has a reliable public transport network, the car is still the major mode of transport in the city. You’ll need one if you want to explore some of the attractions outside the city center.
