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Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri, United States

Kansas City: Where Jazz Swings, BBQ Sizzles, and History Whispers Kansas City isn't just a dot on the map – it's a vibrant tapestry woven from jazz melodies, smoky BBQ aromas, and captivating stories of the past. Whether…

#Midwest#Urban#Barbecue#Jazz#Missouri River

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Kansas City.

Top Hotels in Kansas City

Top Flights to Kansas City

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Kansas City.

Tours

Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Explore the history of World War I through rich exhibits and the impressive Liberty Memorial Tower.

Touring the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Discover a wide range of artworks from ancient to contemporary in this renowned art museum.

Shopping

Shopping at Country Club Plaza

An outdoor shopping district featuring high-end shops, dining, and regular events.

Outdoor

Hiking at Swope Park

Explore extensive trails, a zoo, and nature center in one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

Outdoor Adventure at Worlds of Fun

Enjoy thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and various attractions at this amusement park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Kansas City.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

500,000

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Kansas City

Jan

3°-6°

Feb

6°-4°

Mar

12°1°

Apr

19°7°

May

24°13°

Jun

30°18°

Jul

32°21°

Aug

31°20°

Sep

27°16°

Oct

20°9°

Nov

12°3°

Dec

5°-3°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Kansas City.

What people love

There are several pros to traveling to Kansas City, Missouri. Here are some of them:

Barbecue: Kansas City is renowned for its delicious barbecue. Visitors can enjoy a variety of barbecue dishes at numerous restaurants and food trucks throughout the city.
Jazz and Blues: Kansas City has a rich musical history, particularly in jazz and blues. Visitors can explore live music venues and attend performances showcasing the city's musical heritage.
Museums and Cultural Attractions: Kansas City is home to several museums, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. These attractions offer insights into art, history, and culture.
Sports: Kansas City is a sports lover's paradise, with professional teams in football (Kansas City Chiefs), baseball (Kansas City Royals), and soccer (Sporting Kansas City). Visitors can catch a game and experience the city's passionate sports culture.
Fountains and Parks: Kansas City is known as the "City of Fountains" due to its abundance of beautiful fountains scattered throughout the city. Visitors can also explore the city's parks and green spaces, such as Loose Park and the Kauffman Memorial Garden.

Overall, Kansas City offers a mix of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and outdoor attractions that make it a great destination for travelers.

What to know

Traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, also known as the "City of Fountains," has several cons that travelers may want to consider:

Weather: Kansas City experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). Winters can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. This can make outdoor activities less enjoyable during extreme weather conditions.
Traffic: Like many major cities, Kansas City can experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. Navigating through the city can be challenging, and finding parking may also be difficult in some areas.
Limited public transportation: Kansas City's public transportation system is not as extensive as in some other major cities, making it less convenient for travelers who rely on public transport to get around. Renting a car may be necessary for exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
Crime rate: While Kansas City has many safe neighborhoods, it also has areas with higher crime rates. Travelers should be cautious and aware of their surroundings, particularly in certain parts of the city known for higher crime activity.
Limited cultural attractions: While Kansas City has a vibrant arts and music scene, it may not offer as many cultural attractions or historical sites as some other cities. Travelers looking for a wide range of museums, theaters, and historical landmarks may find the options in Kansas City somewhat limited.
Limited outdoor recreational opportunities: While there are parks and outdoor spaces in Kansas City, the city may not offer as many outdoor recreational opportunities as some other destinations. Travelers seeking extensive hiking trails, water sports, or other outdoor activities may need to venture outside the city for more options.

Overall, while Kansas City has much to offer in terms of food, music, and local culture, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks when planning a visit to the city.

Kansas City, Missouri, is a city with a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Here is an overview of its development, key events, historical figures, and landmarks:

Early History and Founding:

1821: The area that is now Kansas City was first opened to settlement after Missouri became a state. The region was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage and the Kansa (Kaw).
1830s: The first European-American settlement in the area was established. John Calvin McCoy, considered the "father of Kansas City," played a significant role in the city's early development. He founded Westport, which became an important trading post on the Santa Fe Trail.
1838: McCoy and other settlers established the Town Company, and in 1839, they platted the original townsite, naming it "Kansas" after the Kansas River.
1850: The area was officially incorporated as the Town of Kansas.

Growth and Expansion:

1853: The Town of Kansas was incorporated as the City of Kansas, and it continued to grow as a major trading post and transportation hub due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers.
1860s-1870s: The city expanded rapidly following the Civil War, aided by the development of railroads. The Hannibal Bridge, completed in 1869, was the first bridge to cross the Missouri River, further cementing Kansas City's role as a transportation center.
1889: The city officially changed its name to Kansas City to distinguish itself from the Kansas Territory and the nearby Kansas City, Kansas.

20th Century Developments:

1920s-1930s: Kansas City underwent significant development and modernization. The city gained a reputation for its vibrant jazz scene, known as the "Kansas City Jazz" style, with figures like Charlie Parker emerging from this era.
Pendergast Era: Tom Pendergast, a political boss, wielded significant influence over Kansas City during the 1920s and 1930s. His political machine controlled many aspects of the city's government and contributed to the city's rapid growth, though it was also marred by corruption.
World War II: Kansas City's economy boomed due to war-time manufacturing.

Modern Era:

1960s-1970s: The city faced challenges of urban decay and population decline as many residents moved to the suburbs.
1980s-Present: Efforts to revitalize the downtown area have been ongoing, including the development of the Power & Light District, the Sprint Center (now T-Mobile Center), and Union Station's restoration.

Significant Landmarks:

Union Station: Opened in 1914, this historic train station is a prominent landmark featuring a science museum, theaters, and exhibition spaces.
Liberty Memorial and National World War I Museum: This iconic monument and museum honor those who served in World War I and provide extensive exhibits on the war.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Known for its impressive collection of art, including iconic shuttlecocks on its lawn.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts: A stunning architectural achievement, it hosts performances from the Kansas City Symphony, the Kansas City Ballet, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
18th & Vine District: Known for its historical significance in jazz and African American culture, it houses the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

Historical Figures:

Charlie Parker: A pioneering jazz saxophonist who helped shape modern jazz.
Tom Pendergast: A political boss whose influence was felt throughout the city during the early 20th century.
Walt Disney: The famous animator and entrepreneur began his career in Kansas City, where he founded the Laugh-O-Gram Studio.

Kansas City's history reflects a dynamic interplay of culture, politics, and economic growth, contributing to its standing as a significant city in the Midwest.