Places to stay:
Independence
Blue Springs
Photographs by Sydney
Make the trip a long weekend with:
Museums & History:
Union Station - Union Station is the site of the infamous Union Station Massacre involving mobster Frank Nash. The grand historic building now houses museums, restaurants, and more.
National WWI Museum and Memorial - Kansas City boasts the only museum solely dedicated to World War I, offering extensive exhibits and a striking memorial tower.
Hallmark Visitors Center - Discover the history of Hallmark Cards and explore exhibits on the company's creative processes.
Arabia Steamboat Museum - Home to an extensive collection of pre-Civil War artifacts recovered from the Arabia steamboat, which sank in the Missouri River in 1856.
Money Museum - Explore the history of money, view a huge cash vault, and see a real gold bar.
American Royal - A tradition since 1899, this site hosts livestock shows, rodeos, and agricultural events.
American Jazz Museum - Located in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, this museum celebrates jazz through interactive exhibits and performances.
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site - Independence is the home of Harry S. Truman, offering tours of his family home and presidential library.
Amusement & Shopping:
City Market - A bustling farmers market offering fresh produce, local goods, and a variety of dining options.
Worlds of Fun - A large amusement park featuring roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment.
Power and Light District - A vibrant entertainment district with restaurants, bars, shops, and live music venues.
Knuckleheads - A renowned live music venue offering a variety of genres in a unique setting.
Westport - A historic neighborhood known for its lively nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Country Club Plaza - An upscale shopping district with Spanish-inspired architecture, featuring shops, restaurants, and fountains.
Zona Rosa - A shopping center with a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Sports:
Kansas City Chiefs - Catch an NFL game and cheer on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Royals - Enjoy a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals.
Kansas City Mavericks - Watch exciting minor league hockey action at the Cable Dahmer Arena.
Art:
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Explore a world-class art collection and beautiful sculpture garden.
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art - Discover modern and contemporary art in a dynamic setting.
Kansas City Symphony - Enjoy orchestral performances at the stunning Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Kansas City Ballet - Experience classical and contemporary ballet performances.
Museum of Illusions Kansas City - Engage with mind-bending exhibits and optical illusions.
Music:
KC Live! - An outdoor venue offering free live music and entertainment in the heart of the Power and Light District.
T-Mobile Center - A premier arena hosting concerts, sports events, and more.
Starlight Theatre - An iconic outdoor venue offering Broadway shows, concerts, and community events.
Azura Amphitheater - Enjoy live music under the stars at this popular outdoor venue.