Destination attractions things to do in kansas city

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

It may just be the best-kept secret of the Midwestif your travel plans call for a stop in Missouri, you simply cant miss Kansas City. A metropolitan center with small-town flavor, the area boasts a bevy of cultural, sport and historical offerings. Browse the highlights below to plan your first visit to the area.

MUSEUMS

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art displays an impressive variety of pieces from several different cultures including American Indian, European and African art, plus features an especially large selection of Chinese works. Youll view traveling exhibitions of paintings, photography and artifacts from around the world, and enjoy the Kansas City Sculpture Park outside the museum, which is an evolving treat of imagination and modernism. Whats the most whimsical display on-site? The giant shuttlecocks by artist Claes Oldenburg that adorn the south lawn. Located at 4525 Oak Street. Call 816-751-1278 for recorded information.

One of the greatest attractions you can visit free of charge is the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Debuting in 1994, it features a dazzling collection of works by renowned modern artists such as Georgia OKeefe, Andrew Wyeth, Dale Chihuly and Hung Liu. Plus, it houses changing temporary exhibitions and offers educational programs for students, teachers, artists and the general public. Located at 4420 Warwick Boulevard. Call 816-753-5784 to book a guided tour (10 C 50 people). For groups, reservations are required two weeks in advance of your arrival.

The Toy and Miniature Museum of Kansas City is a delightful alternative to a trip to the toy store. If youre young at heart, or want to share a special treat with the kids, make a stop here. Its a wonderland of 24 rooms showcasing classic trains, antique dolls, dollhouses and amazing tiny replicas of actual items. Of course, if the temptation to touch gets to be too much for the little onesthere is a gift shop. Located on the campus of The University of Missouri-Kansas City at 5235 Oak Street. Call 816-333-2055 for hours and days of operation.

FAMILY OUTINGS

Worlds of Fun is a popular destination for families in Kansas City. Offering thrill rides, live entertainment and foods representing every corner of the world, this recreational area rivals any amusement theme park in the country. If youre an adventure seeker, try riding the Mamba?, a renowned roller coaster topping out at 205 feet tall, which travels at 75 miles per hour. If youre bringing the kids, theyll enjoy Le Carrousel, a traditional merry-go-round and the Wacky Worm, a colorful childrens roller coaster thats just their speed. In addition, stop by one of the 40 food establishments for a hearty meal or relax with some live music. Located at 4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue off the east loop of I-435 at exit 5. Call 816-454-4545 for general information.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS

Learn about the life of the man who made legendary strides in freight operation and created the Pony Express at the Alexander Majors House and Historical Park. Visit his homestead to view original portions of the structure built in 1856 (restored in 1984), explore wagons and buggies from the era and see a historic blacksmith shop. Located at 8201 State Line Road; open April 1 through December 20. Call 816-333-5556 for hours of operation and tour information.

Visit the John Wornall House Museum, which originally sat on the Missouri frontier, housing both the Confederate and Union armies during the Battle of Westport in 1864. The soldiers used the space as a hospital during emergencies, safe from the elements because of its strong brick structure. Today, discover what pre-Civil War life was like for the affluent Wornall family through authentic furnishings, artifacts and changing exhibition displays from the era. Located at 6115 Wornall Road. Tours and educational programs are available; however, the house is closed during the month of January. Call 816-444-1858 for information and hours.

GAMBLING

Riverboats glamorously line the docks of this fair city, and if youre the gambling type you simply cant miss the Ameristar Casino. It lays claim to the largest floating casino floor in the world (140,000 square feet) complete with convenient parking, a supervised child care space, 12 restaurants and more. Located at 3200 North Ameristar Drive, about one mile east of the I-435 bridge. Call 816-414-7000 for information.

Harrahs North Kansas City Casino & Hotel offers comfortable accommodations close to the city center and 24-hour gaming on the weekends. In the Mardi Gras casino, enjoy slots, tables, live poker, video poker and new, updated games that are added regularly. Also, there is plenty of food, entertainment and nearby attractions to keep your whole family busy. Located on the Missouri Rivers Northern Bank, three miles outside of downtown Kansas City. Call 816-472-7777 for information.

SHOPPING

The cosmopolitan side of Kansas City highlights its most popular upscale shopping mall, Crown Center. Its well-known for housing top-name fashion retailers, specialty shops, restaurants, cinemas, theatres and the Hallmark Visitors Center. Conveniently attached to two major hotels, you may decide to make this your central destination. Located at 2450 Grand Boulevard. Visit www.crowncenter.com for additional information.

If youre in the city during the holidays, make a nighttime visit to the Country Club Plaza to see the sparkling colored lights that illuminate the area. Shoppers will be pleased to find offerings for books, clothing, jewelry, kitchen specialty, art, antiques and more in this appealing outdoor setting. Special events, concerts, horse-drawn carriage rides and programs add to the flavor of this European-inspired destination, rounded out by a generous variety of popular restaurants and cafs. Located at 4545 Central. Call 816-753-0100 for more information.

SPORTS

Baseball fans unitethe Kansas City Royals are one of the most popular teams in the league. If youre in town during the season, you should definitely try to catch a home game, but if not, take a tour of Kauffman Stadium. Originally named Royals Stadium in 1973, the ballpark was renamed in honor of Owner Ewing M. Kauffman 20 years later for his dedication to the team and the Kansas City community. The spectacular space seats over 40,000 guests and displays the largest privately funded fountain in the world. Its also the place where Nolan Ryan scored his first no-hitter. Guided tours are available throughout the summer except for major holidays and game days. Located at I-70 & Blue Ridge Cutoff. Call 816-504-4222 for information and hours.