Kansas City, Missouri — it’s the heart of America. Kansas City is the 38th biggest city in the United States, and the 2.1 million residents live in our city for many good reasons. If you’re coming to Kansas City for tourism, business, or family, you’re in luck — there are plenty of things to do in Kansas City. As such, here’s our local guide to Kansas City.
5 Off the Beaten Path Places
- Harry S. Truman Library and Museum Independence Square: Perhaps no Kansas City resident is more famous than America’s 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. The library has a slew of memorabilia, papers, pictures, and more, all tied to one of the most consequential Presidents in American history.
- Waterfall Park right behind Stoney Creek: We know what you’re thinking: This is a city. Yes. BUT, it has an immaculate, gorgeous park, one replete with playground equipment, walking trails, a lake, and the aforementioned water park. This gorgeous park is an ideal oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Breakout KC Escape Room, Kansas City, MO River Market: Looking for something fun and different? Breakout KC’s incredible Escape Room offers multiple picks and options for players who are brand new to escape rooms or grizzled veterans. Just make sure to call ahead of time – spots tend to disappear pretty quickly at this one.
- Kansas City ZOO, Swope Park: The Kansas City Zoo has 1,700 animals spread across 200 majestic acres, offering amphibians, reptiles, and everything in between. It also has a ton of rotating activities, including an upcoming Endangered Species Weekend.
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum: The Negro League Baseball Museum is the official museum of the storied Negro Baseball League, which existed before the color barrier was broken. Fans of baseball or American history will deeply enjoy this museum, replete with artifacts and information about the intersection of sports and race in America.
Interested in checking out any of these awesome locations? Good news. At Stoney Creek, you’re never more than a few miles away, and this is what makes us one of the best hotels in Kansas City. We can also help you find all of the latest events in Kansas City.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kansas City
- National WW1 Museum Memorial: This memorial — which opened in 1926 as the Liberty Memorial — boasts the most extensive collection of World War I memorabilia and paperwork in the entire United States. It also has constantly changing exhibits that are sure to keep your attention.
- American Jazz Museum, 18th St.: This fantastic museum is a tribute to the music that swept the country during the early 20th century. It has exhibits, information, films, and so much more.
- Union Station Kansas City: If you take the train, you may come through here anyway. Didn’t take the train? Check it out regardless. The station has a Planetarium, Science City, Shopping, roving exhibits, etc.
- Shoal Creek Living History Museum: Here’s a museum you won’t get to experience anywhere else. Shoal Creek takes up 80 acres of Hodge Park. This is truly a living museum — it contains 21 structures, historic log cabins, and homes that are straight from the 19th century/
- Historic Kansas City Museum: Looking for a comprehensive history of Kansas City? Then you’re in the right place. This museum shows off Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage and storied history. It is all contained within Corinthian Hall, a magnificently renovated facility.
As an aside, are you staying at Stoney Creek? Fun fact — our property once was the Cracker Neck Golf Club area, which opened in 1962 and closed in 1992. This area spanned the site currently developed on the East side of 291 and 40 Highway. Stephenson Apple Orchard and restaurant, a local favorite for many years, was located about 1 mile west of 40 highway from our location. President Truman was also a frequent guest of the now Big Biscuit that once housed the Red Mule Inn restaurant across from the original Stephensons.
Where the Locals Hang Out
Tired of the tourist places but still looking for things to do in Kansas City? Good news. Our city has many mom-and-pop restaurants, local favorites, and fun places to visit. After all, that’s why we put together this local guide to Kansas City — we want you to find all that our great city has to offer.
Johnny Rays Drive Inn in Lee’s Summit is still owned by the same family since 1956 and serving the best steakburgers and freshly ground on the original grinder since day one! Englewood Cafe in Independence offers up a traditional diner experience with some of the best breakfast favorites around and a pork tenderloin that is large enough to feed an army.
River Market area has a wonderful coffee shop and restaurant called The Opera House, on the property of one of the grandest opera houses in the KC area that tragically burned in the 1920s and was rebuilt shortly after. Looking for a fun night out, check out 3 Trails Brewery on the Independence Square, which is local and hosts numerous events throughout the year. Tour the Polly Pop factory on the Independence Square, serving up the traditional fun flavors originally made famous from the original formulas.
Need more? This includes:
- Gloria Jean’s Coffee, Independence Mall: Done with the Truman Library? Check out the nearby Gloria Jean’s Coffee. This unique franchise offers an amazing down-home feel that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Get unique coffees and amazing deserts, and enjoy yourself with a relaxing treat.
- Englewood Cafe: Englewood Cafe is a great Mom & Pop cafe, one of those places that all the locals love and the tourists never hear about. Well, we’re telling you, go there. The food is fantastic, homemade, and always fresh. Combine that with world-class service, and you will find an unbeatable place.
We hope that this local guide to Kansas City got you interested in learning more, but now that you know all the things to do in Kansas City, we know you’ll want to look for a place to stay. Are you looking for the best hotels in Kansas City? Book your next stay with Stoney Creek, and use our facility to help you find events in Kansas City and all sorts of fun things to do.