visit kansas travel guide

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Wicked witches and yellow-brick roads, pitched battles over slavery and tornadoes powerful enough to pulverize entire towns are some of the more vivid images of Kansas. But the common image – amber waves of grain from north to south and east to west – is closer to modern reality.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Cosmosphere

Possibly the most surprising sight in Kansas, this amazing museum captures the race to the moon better than any museum on the planet. Absorbing displays…

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

This 11,000-acre national preserve, 2 miles northwest of Strong City, is a perfect place to hike the prairie, with its 40 miles of scenic trails. Bison…

Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site

It took real guts to challenge the segregationist laws common in the US in the 1950s and the stories of these courageous men and women are here. This…

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Six miles west of town, Fort Larned National Historic Site is a remarkably well-preserved 1860s fort in an evocative setting. It's well worth the trip to…

Garden of Eden

In 1907 Samuel Dinsmoor began filling his yard with enormous concrete sculptures reflecting his eccentric philosophies relating to contemporary life and…

Old Cowtown Museum

An open-air museum that re-creates the Wild West (as seen on TV…). Over 50 pioneer-era buildings, staged gunfights (April to October) and guides in cowboy…

Eisenhower Presidential Center

Fittingly set against a backdrop of grain elevators, the rather regal Eisenhower Presidential Center includes Ike's boyhood home, a recently redesigned…

Home on the Range Cabin

The iconic song of the American West, 'Home on the Range,' was written by Brewster M Higley in 1871 at a remote cabin in northern Kansas. Today you can…

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Thanks to the Wizard of Oz, most people have heard of KANSAS even if they have very little idea of what it’s like beyond the movies: vast fields of corn, twisters, Little House on the Prairie and the boyhood home of Clark Kent (aka Superman). Indeed, Dorothy’s immortal words “we’re not in Kansas anymore” has made the state a sort of bellweather ever since, and what Bill Bryson called “the most quintessential of American states” has recently been the scene of much liberal hand-wringing in books like What’s the Matter with Kansas? (the state is overwhelming conservative).

Rock Chalk Jay Hawk

Be prepared for a few surprises; there are certainly vast, flat bits of Kansas, but the tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills are beautiful, wild and rolling, and college towns such as Lawrence are crammed with galleries, restaurants and cool bars. Around the middle of the state you leave the Midwest behind entirely – Dodge City is all cowboy boots and Stetsons.

About 150 miles west of Wichita, DODGE CITY is perhaps the most famous of all America’s frontier towns, its blend of cowboys and kitsch a must-see for any Wild West aficionado. Dodge actually had a relatively brief heyday, from 1875 until 1886. Established in 1872 along with the Santa Fe Railroad, which transported millions of buffalo hides, by 1875 the town of traders, trappers and hunters had to find a new economic base – the buffalo had been practically exterminated. The era of the great cattle drives was underway, but even then Dodge City’s gambling, drinking and lawlessness – which kept busy charismatic, if morally suspect, lawmen such as Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp – were much exaggerated, and every gunfight meticulously chronicled by the local press. In the 1980s Dodge began another boom, with TV shows like Gunsmoke helping to create the tourist industry that thrives today.

One of college basketball’s best-known traditions, the “Rock Chalk Chant” has belonged to KU since 1886, though it’s changed a bit since then. Hearing several thousand fans in the Allen Fieldhouse slowly intone “Rock Chalk, Jay Hawk, K-U-u-u-uuu!” before home games is spine-tingling. Check kuathletics.com for the latest schedule. The inventor of basketball, James Naismith, came to teach at KU and died here in 1939; his original rules of basketball will be displayed in a specially built gallery near the stadium (probably from 2015).

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Kansas Tourism

Kansas: to the stars.

In Kansas, we love fast cars and slow-cooked brisket. We touch the sky but stay grounded in the things that matter most. We live out loud and embrace the solace of silence. We conquer rocks and celebrate on the rocks. We ride like the wind and live for the water.

The Kansas experience is a salute to the real.

To the rowdy. to the wide-eyed wanderers. to the dreamers..

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Tourism is an Economic Development Driver

Every new resident is a visitor first and each new business investment begins with a trip. Tourism is the welcoming committee for capital investment. The marketing efforts of Kansas Tourism highlight the lifestyle and amenities of the state.

Tourism in Kansas

$33.7 Million

Total Visitors

$11.2 Billion

Total Economic Impact

Direct Visitor Spending

$700 Million

Tax Revenues for State and Local Governments

Total Jobs Supported

$3.1 Billion

Total Generated Labor Income

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Bridgette Jobe, Director

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[email protected]

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Tourist information
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 6.5 By foot
• 10.2.1 Tornadoes
• 10.2.2 Winter storms

Kansas is a state in the Great Plains region of the United States of America . Thanks to The Wizard of Oz , many non-Kansans (and some Kansans as well) think of it as a place from which to escape; however, there are a lot of great places to visit, particularly if you are interested in the history of the American West. With a little exploration, almost every little town has something of interest.

• 39.055833 -95.689444 1 Topeka – capital and third-largest city of Kansas, and the site of the Kansas State Historical Society Museum.
• 37.688889 -97.336111 2 Wichita – largest city in Kansas, is "the Air Capital of the World" because of the large number of aerospace firms located there, from the smallest Cessna to the 787 Dreamliner, or Airbus 380 Wichita has a hand in the design and/or manufacture of the plane. It has a large air museum. It is also home to Wichita State University, which hosts a top engineering school and highly ranked business school.
• 38.971667 -95.235278 3 Lawrence – home of the University of Kansas. Lawrence boasts the strongest art, music and bar scenes - not only in the state, but anywhere between Chicago and Denver. Lawrence was founded by anti-slavery fighters ("Free-Staters" or "Jayhawkers") shortly before the start of the Civil War. This heritage led to the creation of the University of Kansas' imaginary bird mascot, the Jayhawk.
• 39.106667 -94.676389 4 Kansas City and environs – smaller half of Metro Kansas City, which spills across the border into Missouri . Kansas City as a whole is much larger and more cosmopolitan than Wichita. The second largest city in Kansas is not Kansas City, Kansas, but Overland Park , Kansas, a wealthy yet nondescript suburb of Kansas City. Overland Park, along with Kansas City suburbs like Leawood, Olathe , and Lenexa make up Johnson County , which is the largest county by population in Kansas, and one of the richest counties in the United States by per capita income.
• 37.759722 -100.018333 5 Dodge City – historical cattle town, home to Dodge City Community College, Historic "Old Dodge City", and the professional indoor football team, The Dodge City Law.
• 38.060833 -97.929722 6 Hutchinson – home to the second largest space museum in the world. The museum houses over 13,000  spaceflight  artifacts - the largest combined collection of US and Russian  spaceflight  artifacts in the world, and is home to internationally acclaimed educational programs. The Kansas State Fair is held there annually. The Kansas Underground Salt Museum is the only museum 650 feet below ground in North America. On the state fair grounds is the Annual Kansas Mennonite Relief Sale.
• 37.043333 -100.928056 7 Liberal – named after pro-liberty settlers. Home to Dorothy's recreated home, a funny name, and a big aircraft museum
• 39.191667 -96.591667 8 Manhattan – home of Kansas State University. Aggieville is one of the most vibrant places in this college town. The town is affectionately nicknamed "the Little Apple."

Other destinations

• 46.0036 -108.009 1 Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail – between May 1804 and September 1806, 32 men, one woman, and a baby traveled from the plains of the Midwest to the shores of the Pacific Ocean. They called themselves the Corps of Discovery

Kansas is named after the Kansa Native American Tribe that lived in the region. It is generally considered the center of the country in geographical terms, and one of its nicknames is "the Heart of America." The state's official nickname is "The Sunflower State", due to the abundance of wild sunflower fields in the state, but other nicknames include "The Free State", an homage to the Jayhawker movement that fought against slavery, and "The Wheat State", the most popular crop from Kansas.

Although Native Americans have lived in Kansas for thousands of years and the first Europeans visited in the late 1500s, most Kansas communities date from the early to mid-1880s. The real development of Kansas didn’t take place until the 1850s when anti-slavery settlers from the North flooded the area to ensure that Kansas be founded as a "free state" (a state that outlaws slavery). Pro-slavery advocates from Missouri attacked Kansas communities during its formative years, including, and most notably, the city of Lawrence, Kansas. This period of "Bleeding Kansas" included a great deal of violence and some people consider this area to have been the cradle of the Civil War. Many organizations and businesses in the state (Free State Brewing in Lawrence, as an example) still proudly display the "free state" name.

Tourist information

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Most residents of Kansas speak a neutral American Standard English. However, in the southeastern region there is a faint southern influence – both in accent and word choice. This dates back to the Civil War era; many pro-slavery citizens moved into this part of the state to land grab and sway elections. Many of the communities in the area still have connections to southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas communities.

Curiously, the farther west you go you may increasingly run into German, Russian, or even Swedish speakers. This is due to the large number of immigrants that settled in Kansas during the late 1800s. However, this tends to be a dying trend as younger generations switch to standard English.

If you are driving to Kansas from the east or west, it would be best to take Interstate 70, which runs east to west across the state, running through many towns. There are tolls from Kansas City to Topeka along I-70, amounting to a couple of dollars for a standard passenger vehicle.

I-35 travels from the south center of the state and passes northeast, meeting I-70 in Kansas City. It is the obvious route if you are driving between Oklahoma City and Wichita or Kansas City, and there are tolls on this road.

I-135 travels from Wichita to Salina , connecting the other two major interstate highways.

The vast majority of people flying in to Kansas enter through Kansas City International (IATA: MCI), which is in Kansas City, Missouri. Wichita has the only major airport in the state, with service to about a dozen cities. Several other smaller cities have very limited commercial service. In the southern part of the state, some people drive to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, or Tulsa, for a larger selection of connections and airlines.

The only regular Amtrak train service is the Southwest Chief , which travels east-west across the state, passing through Kansas City , Lawrence , Topeka , Newton , Hutchinson , Dodge City and Garden City . This train continues to and from Chicago daily from/to the east and Los Angeles from/to the west. Additionally, Kansas City is served by the twice-daily Missouri River Runner from St. Louis .

• Greyhound Lines provides daily regular service to and from many destinations in Kansas including Wichita, Topeka and Dodge City.
• Jefferson Lines (+1 800-451-5333) offers service from Kansas City, Missouri to Coffeyville, Kansas with stops at Iola and Chanute.
• Beeline Express (+1 316 201-6700). The red line operates from Pueblo, Colorado to Wichita with several stops in between.

The American Discovery Trail connects Kansas with Colorado , Missouri , and both coasts.

The only way to travel in Kansas is to drive. Part of the experience of being in the state is to spend time on the road, which is as interesting an experience as you make it. Take the time to plan a route off of the main highways and see the country. Otherwise, if you require public transportation, Kansas may not be a place for you. Even the larger cities like Wichita, Topeka, and Kansas City, buses offer very limited public transportation.

Intercity bus transportation in central and western Kansas is provided by Bee Line Express (+1 316-201-6700). Beeline Express is part of Prestige Bus Lines). Keep in mind that these buses do not have frequent departures. Beeline Express has two routes: blue and red. The blue line runs from Salina to Wichita with stops in Lindsborg, McPherson, Hutchinson and Newton. The redline runes between Wichita and Syracuse with stops in Kingman, Pratt, Greensburg, Dodge City and Garden City.

Information on transit can be found here .

Kansas is regarded to have some of the best BBQ in the nation, particularly on the eastern side of the state, the best known regional food being Kansas City-style BBQ, associated with the metropolitan Kansas City area including Wyandotte County and Johnson County, as well as portions of Missouri. It is a slow "pit" style barbecue; sauce is usually an important component to the finished meal. Well-known restaurants include Rosedale and Wyandotte BBQ in Kansas City, Kansas, Hayward's Pit BBQ and KC Masterpiece and Gates BBQ in Overland Park (Gates, however, is based in Kansas City, Missouri -- an important distinction to some), and Zarda BBQ in Lenexa. KC Masterpiece in Overland Park is the original restaurant that started the chain and its nationally distributed "sweet sauce." In the small town of Spring Hill, K&M BBQ was voted the best BBQ in the Kansas City metro area.

A less famous, but even more traditional, Kansas favorite is the bierock. This is a hot, savory pastry usually containing hamburger, onions, and cabbage that was imported to the state by Volga Germans in the late 19th century, and which has become so well loved that it's even served in schools. It is similar to a Polish pierogi, and perfect for cool fall evenings.

In Crawford County, in the extreme Southeastern corner, there are six "chicken houses." These serve fried chicken dinners, and the side dishes differ from each house. Fried chicken is a distinctive dish in Southeast Kansas, making the region known for their chicken dishes.

The Flint Hills finds the small town of Olpe being home to the state-wide famous "Olpe Chicken House", where fried chicken baskets, potatoes, and steaks are served. Other small towns in Kansas are home to smaller mom and pop restaurants

Lawrence is home to a wide variety of restaurants, much of which are on Massachusetts Street in the historic downtown. Limestone serves delicious, locally sourced, minimally processed & hand-crafted pizza. For gourmet burgers, shakes, and fries, head to The Burger Stand. If you're looking for Mexican food, the Taco Zone is the place to go for affordable and tasty street eats.

Kansas has very complex and restrictive liquor laws. The short of it is that, in many counties, only 6% ABV (or below) packaged beer may be sold outside of retail liquor stores. Drinks by the glass were only restricted to private "clubs" until 1987. Kansas has three dry counties, and the state has not ratified the 21st amendment as of 2020.

The only craft beers easily found throughout the state are Boulevard (Kansas City), Free State (Lawrence), and Fat Tire. Fans of Mexican beer rejoice! There is a huge variety of cerveza that rivals what can be found deep in the heart of Texas.

Crime rates in Kansas are some of the lowest in the nation. Accordingly there is hardly any crime in the state; however, this does not mean that one should be naive during their travel to the state. Always take common sense precautions no matter where you find yourself, but pay particular attention in the more populous areas such as East Topeka, older areas of Kansas City, and North Wichita . All in all, you are very unlikely to experience any problems while traveling through the state.

Severe weather

Kansas is part of Tornado Alley where strong thunderstorms and violent tornadoes develop. They usually occur in the spring but can occur any time of year.

If you are visiting Kansas for a long period of time, it is a very sensible idea to learn about tornado safety and safety for severe thunderstorms . One day could be hot and sunny, another could have violent storms forecasted. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms with high winds and hail are very common in this so-called "tornado alley" during the spring and summer months. Make sure you keep a radio on in the car, as most Kansas radio stations will update listeners on weather alerts. Should you hear the tornado sirens sounding, locate a suitable tornado shelter at once – do not stay outdoors to get a picture! Also, do not try to outrun the tornado in your car. Tornadoes can shift their paths very suddenly and you may wind up driving directly into it.

Should the skies be cloudy, and the light take on a greenish-yellow cast, this is an indication of an imminent hail storm – again, seek shelter at once.

Refer to the tornado safety article for analysis of the issues here.

Winter storms

Ice storms and blizzards are also common during the winter. As with most weather in the region, these storms tend to be intense, but roll in and out fairly quickly due to lack of natural obstruction (e.g., mountains).

• Nebraska - Much like Kansas, the state's northern neighbor has a rich agricultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into America's heartland.
• Missouri - The state's eastern neighbor featuring St. Louis and the Missouri side of Kansas City.
• Oklahoma - Kansas' southern neighbor has been a state since only 1907 and retains some of the pioneer spirit from its early days as a frontier, along with a lot of Native American history and culture.
• Colorado - The Rocky Mountain state borders Kansas to the west and offers a mind-boggling array of outdoor activities.

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Visit Kansas

In the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz , Dorothy declares that “there’s no place like home” as she returns to her home state of Kansas. And indeed, there are few places like the “Sunflower State,” a part of America famed for vast stretches of farmland, rolling hills and great plains. Discover fascinating historical sights, charming cities and family attractions scattered throughout this enticing rural scenery.

Explore a land that has been inhabited since as early as 10,000 B.C. by Native Americans. Europeans arrived here in the 16th century and it became a part of the U.S. during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Get a glimpse of life in Kansas across the centuries at different historical landmarks. Travel back to the Old West in Dodge City’s Wild West Heritage Buffalo & Longhorn Exhibit and at the Old Cowtown Museum in Wichita. The Fort Larned National Historic Site shows visitors the role of the military in Kansas. Visit the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka to learn about the state’s role in the civil rights movement.

Bring your family to Kansas and explore the historic farms and fun attractions in the state. Museums such as the Flint Hills Discovery Center, in the city of Manhattan, and Exploration Place in Wichita, offer interactive exhibits on science and geography in Kansas. Take the children to a buffalo ranch and meet the gentle giants of the Great Plains.

Plan to spend some of your time in Kansas in the great outdoors. Escape to one of the 26 state parks that offer adventure sports in tranquil scenery. Places such as Kanopolis Lake and Geary County State Park have cycling trails, angling and water sports. Come in summer for the most activities and sunny days by the lakes.

Fly into Kansas City International Airport and drive west to see the wide open spaces of the prairies. Kansas has different appeals throughout the year, but avoid the months of May, June and November, as they come with a higher chance of tornadoes. Visit in fall for fields overflowing with ripe fruit and vegetables.

Where to stay in Kansas

Downtown Wichita

Explore the vibrant Old Town entertainment district, boasting numerous restaurants and nightclubs, or visit iconic landmarks like the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center and Intrust Bank Arena. Enjoy convenient access to various hotels and transportation options, including the free Q-Line trolley.

If you're spending time in Merriam, you might enjoy its shopping and restaurants. If you've got time to venture a little farther, you can make a stop by Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park or Oak Park Mall.

I-435 West KC-KS

If you're spending some time in I-435 West KC-KS, Legends Outlets Kansas City and Children's Mercy Park are top sights worth seeing.

While visiting Rosedale, you might make a stop by sights like 39th Street West and Rosedale Memorial Arch.

Old Town Wichita

Bars, historic sites, and live music are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Town Wichita. Check out Museum of World Treasures or Mosley Street Melodrama while you're exploring the area.

Edwardsville

Visitors to Edwardsville like its shopping and entertainment venues, and Village West is a sight worth a stop.

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Popular places to visit, legends outlets kansas city.

When you visit Legends Outlets Kansas City, a popular shopping spot in Kansas City, you can enjoy some retail therapy. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's casinos.

Kansas Speedway

Catch an event at Kansas Speedway during your trip to Kansas City. Attend a sporting event or simply visit the area's casinos.

Kansas State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Kansas State University, during your trip to Manhattan. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

University of Kansas

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Kansas, during your travels in University Place. Experience the area's live music or attend a sporting event.

Fort Riley Military Base

Fort Riley Military Base is just one of the places to see in Junction City, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a football game in this trendy area, or simply enjoy its coffeehouses.

Wichita State University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Wichita State University, during your trip to Wichita. Experience the museums and festivals in this family-friendly area.

Things to do

Quindaro ruins urban hike, enchanting ellsworth scavenger hunt.

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Kansas Travel Guide

Sailing and windsurfing are quite popular in the blustery state of Kansas. When the winds are quiet, visitors to Kansas can also enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. Even though scenic wonders abound, you may want to have a day discovering museums such as the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art or Save a Corrie Museum.

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Kansas is full of places to visit, fun attractions , outdoor adventure spots , and delightful kids’ activities . Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or a long-term stay, make plans to experience the full range of what there is to see and do. From natural rock wonders  and hidden waterfalls to beautiful scenic byways and stunning views of our state parks there's something for you here! Don’t miss the sunsets and delicious local food of all flavors. You’re going to love your trip To The Stars.

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20 Reasons to Visit Kansas City in 2024

Looking for your next great travel destination? Put Kansas City at the top of the list.

As one of just two U.S. cities recognized by Lonely Planet in the publication’s 2024 Best in Travel awards, the reasons to make a trip to the Heart of America in the year ahead are virtually endless.

To get started, here are more than a dozen new additions and top trends that can’t be missed during your visit.

A Global First for Women's Sports

In early 2024, the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current will debut an all-new—and entirely unique—stadium on the banks of the Missouri River. The 11,500-seat venue will be the world’s first stadium purpose-built for a women’s professional sports team. A crown jewel for the Berkley Riverfront area and an unprecedented investment in women’s soccer, the stadium is designed to maintain a loud and lively atmosphere while keeping attendees close to the action, ensuring players and fans alike are met with a top tier matchday experience.

Renaissance on the Riverfront

Anchored by the stadium, Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront is quickly becoming an essential destination. Bar K is a bona fide paradise for dog lovers, while the Riverfront Heritage Trail invites pedestrians, bikers and active travelers of all kinds to embrace their natural surroundings. Plus, the 118-room Origin Hotel opens in 2024, offering immediate access to the parks, paths and entertainment options found in the burgeoning district.

Storybook Tales Come to New Life

Slated to open on March 12, 2024, the Rabbit hOle brings a brand new (and totally immersive) literary experience to North Kansas City, taking the tales of favorite children’s books and transforming them into interactive museum experiences. The result? An endlessly whimsical, one-of-a-kind children’s institution that stretches across multiple floors and invites guests to fully immerse themselves in a world of wonder.

World-Class Amenities for Air Travelers

Following its debut in early 2023, the new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport has earned high praise from travelers and industry experts. Condé Nast Traveler recognized it as one of the publication’s Bright Ideas in Travel for 2023, applauding the terminal’s commitment to inclusivity and focus on collaboration with KC-area partners throughout the design process. From regionally inspired artwork to favorite Kansas City restaurants, countless local touches deliver a warm welcome upon each visitor’s arrival in the Heart of America.

Disney’s Roots in Kansas City

Before his cartoon mouse became an iconic figure, Walt Disney began his animation career right in the heart of Kansas City. He established his first professional business, the Laugh-O-gram Studio, on East 31st Street. Here, late nights drawing and sleeping in the studio led to an encounter with a particularly brave mouse in search of leftover food scraps—the regular visitor became a companion to Walt and, eventually, the inspiration for Mickey Mouse.

Explore the history and impact of an unparalleled creative enterprise in the very same halls where Walt Disney walked as a young man with Disney100: The Exhibition , opening May 24 at Union Station .

An Elevated Entertainment District

The Rock Island Bridge gives new life to a historic piece of railroad infrastructure, establishing America’s first entertainment district over a river. Coffee shops, bars, event spaces, pathways for pedestrians and bikers, restaurants and more attractions will fill the reimagined bridge, creating an entirely unique venue suspended above the Kansas River. The Rock Island Bridge also aims to bring greater recreational activity along the Kansas Waterfront and offers a new connection between Kansas and Missouri, all steps away from Hy-Vee Arena and other popular West Bottoms destinations.

A New Adventure in the Heart of the City

Pennway Point promises an all-new option for your next KC outing in 2024. By making use of a former industrial site just a few blocks away from Union Station and other Downtown Kansas City institutions, the district offers a central location and plans to host local restaurants such as Chef J BBQ, as well as bars and a variety of entertainment activities, all connected by a central hall that serves as a gathering space for groups of every size. A beer garden, mini golf, a display of vintage neon signs collected from across the city and a soaring Ferris wheel add to Pennway Point’s choices for fun and games.

A Perfect Place for the Country’s Hottest New Sport

Pickleball has taken the nation by storm—and the center of all the action can be found here in the heart of the country. Now a nationwide phenomenon, Chicken N Pickle’s original location opened in North Kansas City in 2016. It’s one of the company’s two KC-area operations today, with a sprawling second location in Overland Park’s Prairiefire district. And the friendly competition doesn’t end there: In August 2024, the first-ever PickleCon will fill the Kansas City Convention Center with 100 courts, plus clinics, adaptive play and other opportunities for fans at all levels to get in the game.

Modern Creations and Timeless Legends at 18th & Vine

Home to sites that reflect crucial moments in local and national history—including the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum , the American Jazz Museum , the Black Archives of Mid-America and the Mutual Musicians Foundation —the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District has been an important visitor destination for many years.

Vine Street Brewing is Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery, serving beers inspired by the neighborhood’s rich culture along with a regular lineup of live music. The Spot, an all-day café from award-winning chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, operates with a mission to provide hands-on culinary training to high school students.

A Splashy New Ocean Adventure

A new era of exploration has arrived at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium . Inside the 650,000-gallon Sobela Ocean Aquarium, six distinct habitats accommodate undersea life of all kinds, cultivating atmospheres that range from warm coastline climates to the open ocean. In total, the aquarium features 34 unique exhibits.

An immersive design invites visitors to journey forward through a collection of oceanic atmospheres, enjoying up-close encounters with the inhabitants of many vibrant ecosystems along the way.

Outstanding Cocktails, Full Strength or Zero Proof

The reasons to raise a glass in the Heart of America never end. Snag a stellar frozen drink from Electric Park Garden Bar at J. Rieger & Co. , take your pick of distilleries and upscale venues in the Crossroads Arts District , or bask in the glow of Kansas City’s beloved champagne bar, Ça Va , in Westport.

Or, venture to nearby Shawnee for a duo of dynamic newcomers that prepare top-tier drinks for every preference. Wild Child relies on the input of true experts to deliver a second-to-none cocktail bar experience in an alcohol-optional setting. It’s a sibling of the full-alcohol Drastic Measures —a 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards finalist—and located right next door.

Fresh Ways to Get Your Coffee Fix

For many years, Kansas City’s strong collection of roasters and cafés has been a point of pride. Now, global influences on the area’s coffee scene are more evident—and enjoyable—than ever. Try an always-changing menu of Vietnamese coffee drinks in one of the city’s most vibrant settings at Cafe Cà Phê or sample yerba mate sourced from several Latin American countries at Café Corazón . Linger with the rich flavors of a café de olla at Café Ollama or pick up a Korean-inspired pastry to pair with your morning brew at Chingu Coffee .

Blockbuster Live Performances

Between raucous crowds and beloved venues, KC is an ideal concert destination . See chart-topping stars like Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan at T-Mobile Center, expect a stellar lineup of summer shows at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and catch a steady roster of shows at the KC Live! Block and more favorite locations all across the city. Keep an eye on schedules at Knuckleheads, the Midland Theatre, the Truman, Starlight, the Uptown, Azura Amphitheater and more. And don’t miss Boulevardia, a two-day festival that brings dozens of live performers across multiple stages to Grand Blvd. at Crown Center.

KC Culture Makes the Ideal Keepsake

From paintings and prints to small-batch candles, Kansas City’s local creatives fill shelves across the region with craft goods you’ll want to take home as a reminder of your time in the City of Fountains. While the excellent retail options are too numerous to list, there are several ways to browse a variety of local makers under one roof.

Find a fantastic selection at any of Made in KC’s many locations throughout the metro area. (At the Midtown shop, you’ll also be able to check out a brilliant collection of Black-owned goods at the Black Pantry .) Make a trip to the aptly-named Shop Local KC in Crown Center, Brookside, and Leawood, or visit the retro-cool West Bottoms neighborhood to peruse dozens of vendors at the 12th Street Post —plus, antique shops of all kinds are just steps away, especially during First Friday Weekends .

A Sporting Event for Every Season

Chances to root for the home team never stop, whether you’re in the stands watching the Kansas City Chiefs , the Royals , Sporting KC , the Monarchs or the Current . But the athletic action doesn’t stop there: In March, T-Mobile Center welcomes the Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships , followed by the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships. For visitors looking to flex their own athletic prowess, the Kansas City Marathon and other race events offer the chance to see more of Kansas City on foot.

Endless Ways to Enjoy KC’s Famous Barbecue

The region’s most well-recognized culinary staple remains a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. Relative newcomers that have made headlines, including Chef J BBQ and Harp Barbecue, join mainstays like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Q, Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue and many more to make the timeless Kansas City tradition more intriguing than ever. Get the all-encompassing guide and track your journey at VisitKC.com/BBQ .

Plus, KC boasts entirely unrivaled celebrations of the cuisine that reach well beyond the walls of any restaurant. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue—the world’s largest barbecue competition—continues to serve as a worthy tribute to the art of smoked meats and those who have perfected its craft, while Q BBQ Fest fills GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with local and visiting pitmasters handing out savory samples to all in attendance, creating a totally unique barbecue tasting event.

A Diverse and Dazzling Dining Landscape

The legend of KC barbecue lives on for good reason, but don’t be fooled—the burnt ends are just the beginning. Kansas City’s restaurant landscape continues to dazzle, from hole-in-the-wall sandwich shops and eccentric breakfast options to storied and well-suited steakhouses. Make time for a stop at the Westside’s Yoli Tortilleria , a treasured local favorite for Sonoran-style tortillas that recently earned a place in the national spotlight as Kansas City’s latest James Beard Award winner.

Cool and Creative Places to Stay

In Kansas City, your hotel can provide entertainment, artistic inspiration and outstanding culinary selections all on its own. Hotel Kansas City is home to one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants and a lively nightlife hotspot, while the Crossroads Hotel boasts a rotating art gallery and a perennially popular rooftop venue. The Loews Kansas City Hotel invites guests to linger at a stunning lobby bar that offers soaring skyline views, the Hotel Phillips invites adventure with a well-appointed speakeasy and the 21c Museum Hotel hosts an array of artwork that impresses from the moment you enter the building. A new addition on the Country Club Plaza, the Cascade Hotel will feature four distinct dining options inside Strang Chef Collective .

All Flavors of Artistic Flair

Very simply, the region’s displays of performing and visual art are second to none. See the Kansas City Symphony , the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City at the soaring Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts , and keep an eye on a full roster of theatrical performances from many more area groups. See paintings, murals, sculptures and many more visual creations in galleries and street illustrations all throughout the city, with First Fridays putting even more works on display.

Museums Full of Marvels

Kansas City’s immersive museums cater to arts enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who hopes to soak in some of the city’s most iconic sights. At The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art , it’s easy to spend hours meandering among priceless artifacts and carefully curated collections. The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers brand new looks at historical treasures inside a recently expanded exhibit space, while Independence’s Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum provides an in-depth look at the life of the 33rd president. For an unparalleled glimpse at local history and culture over the decades, step inside the Kansas City Museum , which makes new (and striking) use of an ornate mansion.

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7 Wine Trails to Discover in Missouri

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Missouri has a rich history in wine-making. The story begins in 1837 when German settlers made their home in Hermann in 1890, and Italians settled in and around St. James. By the turn of the century, wine connoisseurs enjoyed 2 million gallons of Missouri wine a year until prohibition threw a fatal blow to the industry. Now more than 90 years after prohibition, the wine industry thrives in Missouri thanks to the grit and determination of growers, with more than 125 wineries throughout the state. About 40 of the wineries have joined together to form Missouri’s seven wine trails – making it easy to choose a route and set out on a wine adventure in the Show-Me State.

Tucked away in the Missouri River Valley, Hermann is a picturesque village where red brick buildings and rolling vineyards welcome you. The wineries in and around the historic German community account for about a third of the state’s total production. In 1837 a band of German settlers, inspired by the wild vines that covered the hillsides, planted grapes and began making wine marking a fascinating chapter of America’s winemaking history.

The Hermann Wine Trail is a group of six family-owned wineries ranging from quaint country farms to historic wine cellars where you will experience the rich history and a variety of wine styles. This trail is known for thematic events where each winery on the trail features a different Missouri wine and food pairing, such as the Berries and BBQ, Wild Bacon and Say Cheese trails.

Hermann Wine Trail

• Adam Puchta Winery
• Curling Vine Winery
• G. Husmann Wine Company
• Hermannhof Winery
• Reserve Cellars of Hermann
• Röbller Vineyard and Winery

To learn more about the Hermann Wine Trail .

Kansas City

Whether you prefer sipping wine in an urban setting, an 1800s era chapel or a 1930s restored barn, the Kansas City area has something for everyone. One of the unique characteristics of this wine trail is that it is a loop! You can pick it up at any spot, head in either direction, and spend as much time as you want sampling wines, enjoying beautiful vineyards and visiting points of interest along the way.

Follow the Kansas City Wine Trail to explore urban and rural wineries in the Kansas City area.

Wineries on the Trail

• Albonée Country Inn & Vineyards
• Amigoni Urban Winery
• Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery
• Baltimore Bend Vineyard
• Fahrmeier Family Vineyards
• La Bella Vineyards & Winery
• Odessa Country Winery
• Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery
• Terre Beau Winery

Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks has been a place to hang out and be seen for as long as can be remembered, but it’s known for more than fast boats and summer fun. Slow down the pace and sip on the area’s fine wine paired with gourmet cuisine. Enjoy views of rolling Missouri foothills and breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake while on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail .

• Dale Hollow Winery
• Seven Springs Winery
• Shawnee Bluff Vineyards
• Shawnee Bluff Winery

Meramec River Wine Trail

Get your kicks in between Route 66 and the Meramec River on the Meramec River Wine Trail! The wineries on this trail belong to the Ozark Highlands AVA, which encompasses 1,280,000 acres in south-central Missouri. Explore local shops and restaurants while enjoying the views at vineyards and tasting locally grown Missouri wines!

• Eagles’ Landing
• Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery
• Peaceful Bend Vineyard
• St. James Winery

Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

The Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail features two family owned and operated wineries, each with its own unique appeal and diverse range of wines. Dry and semi-dry to sweet and fruity, there’s something for everyone!

The trail passes through some of the state’s most attractive country side. Rich in history and beauty, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail stretches from the center of Perry County southward through northern Cape Girardeau County. Sample the small-town charm in southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail .

• Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery
• Hemman Winery

The Northwest Wine Trail

Sip wine in an 1800 church, a repurposed school house or from a patio overlooking grape vines as far as the eye can see. Whatever your speed or palate, Northwest Missouri wineries will have something for you. The Northwest Missouri Wine Trail boasts unique and welcoming wineries located in the northwest area of the state. 

• Belvoir Winery
• Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery
• Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery
• Pirtle Winery
• Riverwood Winery
• Van Till Family Farm Winery
• Windy Wine Company
• TerraVox Winery

Ozark Mountain Wine Trail

The Ozark Mountain Wine Trail is situated in southwest Missouri and winds through picturesque countryside. Wines on this tour range from American and Hybrid grapes grown in Missouri, Fruit wines from Missouri produce, Mead (honey wine) from Missouri Beekeepers. Take a relaxing drive through the countryside on the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail .

• 7C’s Winery
• Keltoi Vineyard & Winery
• Lindwedel Winery
• Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery

Brush up on your wine vocabulary before you go with our 21 Wine Terms To Use When Visiting MO Wine Country article.

For more information on Missouri wine trails, visit Missouri Wines.

2024 Total Eclipse: Where & When

Eclipse explorer.

For a mobile-friendly or full-screen version of this interactive map, visit go.nasa.gov/EclipseExplorer .

The Monday, April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse crossed North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse began over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that experienced totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT.

The path of the eclipse continued from Mexico, entering the United States in Texas, and traveled through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan also experienced the total solar eclipse. The eclipse entered Canada in Southern Ontario, and continued through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Cape Breton. The eclipse exited continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

This table provides the time that totality began in some U.S. cities in the path of totality. These areas also experienced a partial eclipse before and after these times.

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