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Not to be confused with the other Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri is a vibrant and historically rich city that actually has many amazing places to see and things to do if you’re visiting. Located approximately 250 miles west of St. Louis, right on the Kansas border, this city is one of the only cities in the United States that is actually located on two state lines, the Kansas side and the Missouri side. . It’s important to note that the Missouri side is where all the fun and excitement happens, from the revitalized downtown area, the many museums and historic districts, not to mention the rich history of this great city. On the Kansas side, the city is made up mostly of suburbs and really lacks any areas of real interest.
In the early 19th century, this city was a true staple for the wagon trains and settler routes that defined America. The city suffered financially during the Civil War, but was later revived during the railroad magnate’s revolution that saw thousands of cattle pens populate the state. Today, the city boasts a mix of cultures and ethnicities that have spawned a vibrant and exciting, recently revitalized downtown area, complete with a clever mix of arts, sciences, shopping districts, and professional sports teams that have undoubtedly given it it gave Kansas City its own right as a city. destination, midwestern city on usa map. If you plan to travel here, be sure to bookmark some of these must-see places.
Kansas City Zoo – One of the largest and most comprehensive zoos in the entire US, this zoo has over two hundred acres of land on which it sits. It’s so big, in fact, that they even have trams that take visitors from one end of the zoo to the other, as it could easily take half an hour to walk to both ends on foot. The zoo features animals from around the world and is so popular that the park receives almost three-quarters of a million visitors a year. Don’t forget to hop on a guided train tour of the zoo to truly enjoy all the exhibits it has to offer.
Westport – An absolute must visit when traveling to Kansas City, MO. Perhaps the oldest historic district in the entire city, and in the state, some of the red brick buildings in this district are so old that they used to serve as supply posts for settlers and pioneers. Aside from the history and the many preserved buildings, this district is graced with a plethora of unique restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, boutiques, and cafes.
18th & Vine District: This is the number one place you MUST SEE if you find yourself in this great city. Affectionately known by musicians around the world as “The Birthplace of Jazz”, this venue was the playground of some of jazz’s greats including: Charlie Yardbird Park, Count Basie, Joe Turner and Ella Fitzgerald, just for name a few. Places not to be missed include: the American Jazz Museum, the Horace M. Peterson III Visitor Center, and the Gem Theater. On an additional note, this is the top tourist destination in the city, so don’t forget to check it off your must-see list.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Experience some of the world’s most famous works of art firsthand. Just to let you know about some of the artist’s works that you can see here, they include works by the following masters: Homer, Caravaggio, Monet, Titian, Rodin, Renoi and many more. The museum offers several sections, including an actual Egyptian tomb, a Chinese area, and even a sculpture garden. An absolute must see!
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: There are many different facets to this great museum of contemporary art. From above, the building has been designed to resemble a bird with outstretched wings in flight. Inside, viewers can enjoy some of the world’s most outstanding contemporary artwork. From Herb Ritts to Robert Juarez, if you’re traveling to Kansas City, MO, be sure to set aside a few hours to peruse this great museum.