Travel to Kansas City

Travel to Kansas City

Referred to informally as Cowtown and the BBQ Capital of the World, Kansas City is a great city that tends to hide itself from tourists. It is also nicknamed the Heart of America because it is within 250 miles of both the geographic and population centres of the nation. Once a bustling supply-stop for settlers heading West, Kansas City is now a major commercial and agricultural centre of the Midwest.
It is also unique, in that the city is split down the middle by the state lines of Kansas and Missouri. Todays Kansas City is a booming midwestern metropolis known for its outstanding barbecues, swinging jazz music, and hundreds of beautiful fountains.

Transportation to Kansas City

Getting to Kansas City is convenient by air from all over the world via Kansas City International Airport, which is 24kms away by shuttle, bus, taxi and rental car. Interstate highways and railways get you there by road and train from Canada and Mexico. Kansas City is linked by rail to St Louis on Amtraks Chicago-Los Angeles route, and is connected via the Interstate I-35 north from San Antonio, and the I-70 east through to St Louis from California.

What to see

Kansas City is quite urban and best known for its great jazz clubs and jazz and blues festivals. The city also has a symphony orchestra and a number of good theatres. Additionally, the Atkins and Kemper museums are top-notch. With more fountains than Rome, there is ample opportunity for scenic strolling from fountain to fountain. The Worlds of Fun entertainment complex has more than 120 rides, roller-coasters and live entertainment.

Other attractions include Oceans of Fun and the Arabia Steamboat Museum that displays artefacts recovered from a steamboat which sank in the Mississippi with 200 tons of cargo in 1856. Sightseers wishing to step back in time can do so at the 18th Vine District, the American Jazz Museum, the Black Archives of Mid-America or the Toy & Miniature Museum. Stop along the way to discover interesting neighbourhoods and browse through eclectic shops. Science City features hands-on exhibits including a mock television studio, while the Kansa City zoo houses some impressive African and Australian exhibits.

Day trips

Kansas City is surrounded by a number of communities, each just a short drive from Downtown and perfect for a fascinating day trip. Visit the birthplace of the Pony Express or of Amelia Earhart, picnic by the river, immerse yourself in Civil War history, or sample some of the best antique shops anywhere. Or take a trip to its neighbour to experience the Woodlands NASCAR racetrack and the various shopping and dining establishments the city has to offer.

Activities and leisure

There is so much to see and do in Kansas City. The recent renovation of Union Station and the River Market, along with the addition of Science City and the ongoing popularity of Crown Center in downtown Kansas City, has energised the area. The Country Club Plaza and Westport areas are two contemporary districts that play host to entertainment seekers. The Plaza, America's first shopping mall, draws thousands of visitors annually thanks to its high-class shopping district. Westport is best known for its contemporary clubs and restaurants.

Safety issues

Inner city crime in Kansas City is fairly typical for a city of its size, but is generally out of harms way for most tourists. The Plaza and West Port are great places to visit and are within walking distance of each other, but the trip is quite a hike and can be a bit spooky, especially at night, so travel in company and stay vigilant. It is strongly advised to take out travel insurance to cover yourself in the event of lost or stolen property, an illness or accident.