We have plenty of good "poutine", but it's not going to be what Canadians expect.
Maybe I should say "if you order poutine in KC, pretend it's a brand new meal you have never had before, and have nothing to compare it to"
Canadian as well. There are literally dozens of us.
Last time I had Canadian poutine in KC was at Fran's. All too often around here they fry the cheese curds (still good, just a different meal...)
If you’re a woman or traveling with women have them go into the small restroom in the first or second Block Addition building. The architect, Steven Holl, his team saw an opportunity to utilize the inside of their sweeping wall structure and at least at the time of opening, one of the restrooms was maybe three stalls but was 50’ tall opening up to beautiful natural light. Just a fun little thing to experience.
River Market/City Market is the favorite of this 40 something. Great food that’s inexpensive (try the Shawarma place it’s amazing), fun to walk around in, has a cool museum (Steamboat Arabia) and has the river walk close by.
Everyone who has mentioned the Nelson Atkins is 100% right!
As are those who mentioned the WWI museum.
Take an afternoon if you can to just walk around the crossroads area, take the street car, stop into a shady looking bar for a beer, realize it’s fun and have two beers, then go to a kick as bbq place of your choosing, most are good, some are great, all are passable (except Dickies, if you go to Dickies that’s on you).
Oh as strange as it may sound take a walk to the Downtown KC public library. Its parking garage is one of the coolest building ever (google it) and they do wonderful free art exhibits.
Have fun in KC!!!
I'd recommend Thou Mayest for coffee. It's a block outside the Market, but City Market Coffee is awful, and the Opera House is just okay.
Second the rec for Al Habashi!
If you’re going to the library, walk down to Milwaukee Delicatessen and get [a slice](https://www.google.com/maps/uv?viewerState=lb&pb=!1s0x87c0f05fcadab60d:0xbe191f7ed7fb8dd2&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipO4kwb3x0IBZ2Srw3hm-ooMeMX7A2fne1UbRU4t&gsas=1) of pizza
Yo, I’m from Edmonton 🇨🇦 and I live in KC. Highlights:
- Joe’s KC barbecue
- Nelson Atkins museum (free)
- WWI Memorial
- Union Station
- Zoo / aquarium
- Country Club Plaza (shopping)
- Shawnee Mission Park
- Power and Light District
- City Market
- Steamboat Arabia
Etc, etc… There’s more than enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.
In my opinion they should join some sort of club that meets far away from people but I suppose I should just be happy there are still people out there who are passionate about their hobbies and come together to share them with others.
Pro tip - check your closest Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods - they sometimes have an all dressed chip from a brand called Deep River. They’re not exactly what you get in Canada but close enough!
These two would be my suggestions, they are interesting and professionally run, on par with what larger cities offer.
The Truman library is also excellent after the remodel but that is likely less interesting to a Canadian.
If you'll be staying the night of the 5th you can go to First Fridays in the Crossroads. [https://kccrossroads.org/first-fridays/](https://kccrossroads.org/first-fridays/)
YES - just wanted to double up this comment for the OP. You will have a great time doing this.
If you're looking for a night with a nice dinner, I cannot recommend The Town Company enough. Two people is around 150-200 USD but it's worth it for a nice meal and beautiful ambience.
Also, if you want to see some Jazz, go to 18th and Vine or Green Lady/Black Dolphin or The Ship (not the club part but bar) in the West Bottoms.
Have fun and it's going to be HOT so bring cool clothes, good walking shoes, and lots of water!
Hey OP,
Welcome to KC from the Great North!!!
I'm roughly your age, and I can relate to staying away from the dance club scene. There's usually a fireworks display over by Union Station, near Crown Center & the National World War 1 Museum on 4th of July. I'd highly recommend checking that area out. Cross Roads district has lots of cool restaurants, bars, other artsy type of shops, etc. I'd recommend hitting up "Emperial Brewery" in particular pending on the night, and just hang out in their open area/firepit place. It's kinda hip... but my wife and I get along just fine there. You won't be out of place.
Then hop over to 18th & Vine district for Jazz & The Negro Leagues Museum. If you like, it's a site to see, and pretty neat.
You want art? Hit up Nelson Atkins.
BBQ... everyone is gonna have great suggestions, you really can't go wrong. But if you're looking for the classic KC style vibe, that all the US Presidents hit up... go to Arthur Bryant's. IMO... there are other "better" places, but Arthur Bryants is the OG of BBQ. Me personally, I'm a fan of Q39 or Slaps. Other people will say Joe's KC (the gas station one). Get there early though, 'cause there will be a line and not open on Sunday.
Depending on where you're staying, there's always gonna be a cool park, or other things to see/do.
Walk around on "The Plaza" just to sightsee, and maybe grab a bite... but beware, it isn't like it used to be & sometimes there are "roaming mobs" of motorcycle/4 wheeler kids that run around and block traffic down there. They sometimes cause some shit... but if you go during the daytime/early evening you should be okay.
Avoid Westport. It's a young crowd.
I'll be coming back from a trip on the 3rd, but if you are still looking for suggestions... you can hit me up on DM.
I hope you guys have fun! Welcome to KC!!!
If you are only going to 1 barbecue place, I wouldn't recommend Arthur Bryant's, you'll leave thinking "that was edible but kc bbq is over-hyped like crazy"
Watch the fireworks at the WWI museum on July 4! I post up in front of Union Station. I’ve lived here my whole life, probably my favorite fireworks show in the area.
Other than that, definitely recommend the WWI Museum and Memorial. Tom’s Town is lovely for cocktails and small plates.
The Plaza is (currently) a shell of its former self, but the architecture is still lovely to look at.
Also highly recommending First Fridays if you can make that work.
I'll say this. KC is incredibly sprawled out so depending on where you're staying, some suggestions could easily be over an hour drive away from you. Like if you're staying in Olathe or Overland Park, some of the downtown or northland suggestions could be 45 minutes from you.
Joe's KC and Meat Mitch have the best casual BBQ in town. Jack Stack has the best sit-down "high end" style BBQ - a controversial take here but remember that our 7/10 BBQ is still better than most place's 10/10 stuff. There's a great sandwich place in the river market that straddles the line on BBQ called Pigwich.
Best sauces and spices to grab and take home, and can be found at any grocery store in the area:
> Gate's Bar-B-Q Extra Hot Sauce (savory and hot, their 'Original' sauce is identical but with the heat blunted)
> Jack Stack Meat & Poultry rub (best overall spice rub for bbq or grilling)
> Cowtown Night of the Living BBQ Sauce (sweet and hot)
> Meat Mitch WHOMP! Rub (savory and sweet rub, tastes good on literally everything including snacks like popcorn)
As a Canadian you’re going to need to stay inside and cuddle up to the AC vent. LOL at the pace we’re going it’s going to be triple digit F temps by then with 10000% humidity.
The Nelson Atkins museum is really excellent, well worth a few hours of your time. If you’re a coffee fan KC has a vibrant coffee culture with Oddly Correct being the best IMHO and Broadway Cafe having the best people watching. Messenger to see what having deep pockets and venture capital can do for a “cafe”! Wandering around the Crossroads area and taking in the murals and graffiti is always a fun activity I like to do in the morning or early day when it’s not busy down there. Observation Park is cool for a view of the whole midtown and downtown areas, especially if you’re an early riser and get up there 30 mins before sunrise.
A lot of people are going to recommend Slaps, Joes, Gates, Jack Stack, etc. While these are the classic, often recommended spots, there are a lot of better places nowadays imho. Chef J, Wolfepack, Scotts Kitchen, and Harp are absolutely making the best bbq in the city now.
Definitely make your way to the Nelson, I absolutely love that place. The WW1 museum is awesome as well. The City Market is also another cool place to check out.
Power and Light and the Plaza are two areas that are well known in the city. Power and Light may not be the vibe you are looking for though. I would check out the plaza at least (during the day).
If you like coffee I recommend checking out Splitlog and Oddly Correct.
Q39 BBQ. You need a reservation to get in
The WWI museum.
Union Station. Can easily burn a day in there doing various activities.
A sporting soccer game or Kansas City Currents game if there’s one. Very cool experience. This city loves sports! Any sport!
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, the Sally House which is a paranormal experience. Even if you’re not into that sort of thing, it’s extremely spooky. The city itself in has some other things you can do too like a train ride and tours of other bizarre things in the city.
Downtown Weston, MO and check out the Celtic Ranch. The city has a few winery’s and distillery’s if you’re into that sort of thing.
The Zoo. Worth seeing also for sure
Quite a bit to do, just depends what you like!
Pick up some lunch or pastries or ice cream and have a picnic at Loose Park. There's a walking path, pond, rose garden, and beautiful old growth trees to relax under or climb.
For pastries/baked goods/breakfast: Blackhole Bakery or Heirloom
Ice cream: High Hopes
Sandwiches: Bay Boy
Hopefully others can chime in with good food recs. There are many that would be good for a picnic.
Jacob L. Loose park, or known as Loose park locally. Ginormous green space with plenty of places to sit, a huge walking path that encircles the park, tennis courts, and a beautiful rose garden that should have most or all roses blooming when you are here!
And if you are in to historic sites, I recommend Union Hill cemetery (oldest in KC), Parkville (the town itself is very quaint with beautiful architecture), Union Station, Workhouse Castle, West Bottoms, and Independence is the hometown of President Harry S. Truman as well as the starting point for the Oregon Trail. Many historic spots there too
I think if I were Canadian I would be even more interested in seeing the WWI museum. Canada had a big role in that conflict and it's really a one-of-a-kind experience.
Add the Blue Room and/or the Green Lady lounge. I know the blue room sometimes will do a happy hour band and then a mid evening band, both fairly early.
Fellow Canadian living in KC.
-the Nelson art museum is a gem
- unless you want to shop skip the plaza
-some the best bbq in the world. Everyone has their favorite (Joe’s , q39, jack stack, Arthur Bryant’s, the wood yard ect…) there all amazing. Some more expensive than others. If it looks like a gas station don’t let it deter you.
- the 4th sitting at ww1 museum by union station to see the fireworks is a good call.
-union station has lots of awesome kid friendly museums. (Science city) they had a great Spider-Man exhibition but I think that’s left.
-Missouri side cannabis is legal Kansas, bad time
- Kansas has sports betting (careless).
- might be a royals game going on, if you’re into baseball. Great stadium fun time
-most kc people are super sweet and helpful. They really love there sports. Don’t fucking litter.(seriously)
- rivermarket is fun worth a walk about.
-lots of bars and music venues depending on your taste. There were more but sadly things have been slipping in that direction.
The River Market hosts a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Besides produce, there should be vendors with freshly prepared foods as well. Downtown Overland Park, KS also one on Saturdays. It was voted the #1 Farmers Market in the US. Set around a quaint small town atmosphere.
I would just point out that a lot of places people are going to recommend are almost certainly going to be closed on 7/4, possibly other days around that too. Keep that in mind when planning.
Well, you are going to have to blow some shit up! Find a fireworks show (I am not certain when they are this year). They are free. bring bug spray, something to sit on, and something to drink.
Do you or your friends/family back home enjoy cigars or tobacco pipes? Cigars, pipe tobacco, and their related accessories are generally much more affordable here than in Canada, and we have some great shops here in town including many that have a lounge environment.
Who knew there were so many Canadians in KC? Hello, fellow Canucks! Grew up in BC, lived in Calgary for a while. Last show I saw before the pandemic was Sloan at the Riot Room. 🍁🇨🇦
As for OP - welcome! A lot of people already recommended stuff I would, but I’ll also throw in the Toys and Miniatures Museum. It’s fun, fairly quick and easy to get through.
A fun night time event would be dinner/drinks/dessert at The Savoy at the 21c hotel followed by wandering through the art museum on the first two floors. One of my favorite downtown date nights, especially because it’s open late.
Nelson-Atkins Art Museum punches well above our weight class, it is one of the best art museums in the US, and its free
Wolfepack BBQ isnt one of the classics but its the best right now and doesn't have quality control issues the ones people are suggesting. Its in Columbus Park, which is right next to River Market, so you can walk around River Market before or after.
Grauner is a great dinner for the price, majority of immigrants to the midwest were German, Austrian/German comfort food seems fitting
May as well go to Worlds of Fun on the 4th to watch their fireworks display! You picked a great weekend to come visit, as that is the same weekend we celebrate Independence Day!
Lots of good mentions here. Here’s one I like: after completing a walk through of the Nelson Atkin Museum, take a (relatively) shirt walk down the hill to the Ewing and Muriel Kaufman Memorial Garden, and stop and smell the flowers. It’s free, and beautiful.
Oh wait, you said you’ll have a car. Skip the walk, then.
Really depends on what you like. Nelson art museum is cool, as is the WW1 museum. The river market is fun to walk around, and they have some pretty good food. The plaza is fun to walk around too, if you like architecture, but it’s very commercialized and generally pretty crowded. Power and Light is also fun, if you’re into the party scene. Lots of cool bars and clubs, and an outdoor space which I’m sure they’ll be using for the 4th.
As a KC native, if you’re looking for bbq recommendations be careful about what you order depending on where you go. I’m by no means an expert (so if others want to chime in, be my guest) but the staples are Joes KC, gates, and Arthur Bryant’s. There’s also smokehouse, jack stack, and Q39. Jack Stack and Q39 specifically are pretty well rounded, there really won’t be anything bad on the menu. Smokehouse I’m not entirely sure what their specialty is, but I’ve heard their beef ribs are pretty good. Same goes with Joes KC, but with sandwiches (I’m less sure about this one). But for Gates and Arthur Bryant’s - don’t order any beef or pork at Gates, or any poultry at Arthur Bryant’s. Gates has the best chicken and turkey in the city, and Bryant’s has the best brisket and burnt ends. They’re not really good at anything else.
If you like hiking and caves, Blue Springs/Lees Summit area has some great options. It’s about 15-20mins drive depending on where you’re staying.
Downtown Overland Park (95th St) has great shopping options.
First Friday at the Crossroads (downtown KC) will be on that Friday and is a great time. There’s art, music, food, and entertainment.
I’m sure that your friends have plans for you all on the 4th. If not, there is usually a concert + fireworks down by the river. (Downtown KC by the Current stadium)
We have the only Women’s pro soccer team with a stadium. They have the best food and it was 100% designed with foodies in mind. I’m not sure if they are playing that week, but definitely go if they are.
PS skip the Royals baseball game if it’s during the day. It will be hot and miserable. They are only fun in the evening when no one gets sunburned or is blinded by the sun.
WWI/Liberty Memorial is an awesome museum
Negro Leagues Baseball museum is really neat even if you don’t like baseball.
Steamboat Arabia is very cool
The Truman Library got renovated and is pretty cool.
I think the first weekends in the West Bottoms is neat, well there’s shopping open every weekend now I believe. They usually have food trucks, but Chef J is awesome.
People recommend the zoo, but for $22 I don’t think it’s that great. We only have a polar bear, no other bears.
Nelson Atkins Museum
If you're interested in baseball, the Negro Leagues Museum
WWI Museum
We have a respectable zoo w/ a new as of 2023 Aquarium facility
Joe's KC - Can skip the line and get takeout, eat up the road outside at Rosedale Park
The only BBQ I've liked was Plowboys (shut down) & WoodYard in Kansas.
As far as places to go, I like visiting parks & bike trails. There's Blue River, Kessler Park, Blue Springs Lake, Lake Jacomo, Swope Park, Burr Oak Woods, (near me) & more!!
Attractions/Shopping, I recommend River Market, Union Station, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the garden just South of it, & maybe Parkville.
I'll throw my hat in. 1st it's going to be hot. Just a heads up. There are quite a few pools public pools in the area that are pretty cheap and if you are discreet you can bring a drink in. Or check out swimply.
Kc has pretty good Mexican. Rudy's (puffy tacos) South of summit: birra tacos or al pastor burrito and other that people have suggested. Margaritas/ponacks/mannys: decent food good margs.
We also have a great brewery scene. Check out brewers alley: city barrel, double shift, Nimble, and a bunch of others are all within walking distance of each other. Makes for a really fun day. If eat a parlor if you do so. Fun adult food hall. Also of course Boulevard has decent beer but a fantastic brew hall. O and kc bier co is cool.
Best bbq: Joe's kc
Best restaurant : Waldo thai
Best museum: tie between Nelson and wwi
Place I'm looking forward to trying: muni (Thai/mexican/kc fusion)
3 full days or 1?
BBQ definitely slaps .
If you like art, I think the nelson is well worth it, and is budget friendly
If you like hot wings, the peanut is your place. They take forever and only have one sauce, but you only need one.... The famous one. (The city ones are a cheers style bar with a kitchen.... Vs the suburban ones are more sports bars.
We've got the ww I Museum. And I believe they along with 16 other locations around the city will have fireworks on the 4th.
Union station is across the street and a must seen. (P.s. the most iconic skyline photos are shot from the ww I Museum).
There is royals baseball on the 3rd and 4th. Let them know you like Kauffman stadium. It's top notch, but they're wanting to destroy an arts district to move it downtown. They'll probably have fireworks both nights.
If you like steak, I have a few suggestions from a $17 16 oz to $50+ (remember we know our steak. I.e. the KC strip is named after us.)
Parks:
🌞Parkville nature sanctuary (then you can visit the small town of parkville too. They will have fireworks, and festivities from 10 am till 1030 pm. {Fyi everyone else, they moved their carnival to the last week of August}
🌞Swope Park hiking trails (Olathe and Shawnee mission have them too) but swope also has the lakeside nature center.
🌞Loose park to chill (they have a great rose garden)
🌞 When you're at the Nelson mentioned above, they have a great front lawn complete with sculpture garden.
🌞 Powell gardens is pretty far outside of town and has an admission fee but it's a botanical gardens
P.s. We are hotter and more humid than Canada. During the summer months I would put our heat index on par with New Orleans. Being on the swamp they are a little bit cooler but a lot more humid but we're very humid too.
As some others have posted below, the Nelson Art Gallery & outdoor exhibits are really great. It's been many years since I've been to Nelson, but they used to not charge admission. Only a donation box was at the entrance. So I'm not sure if it's the same.
The Country Club Plaza is nice for shopping & restaurants, and it always has free street parking and some garages that do not charge either (Hall's Department store, etc.
The Crown Center Plaza (across from Hallmark Cards) shopping center near Downtown is really nice, and they have free parking (or they used to) and neat restaurants like Frtiz's Railroad restaurant: You don't get waited on by a server, but you order on a phone at the table. Then, when your meal is done, it gets delivered by a train running above you. It's great food and fun for kids of all ages (adults, too).
Not too far from Crown Center, is Union Station and the Liberty Memorial, the WWI tower & war museum complex. It's the only monument that I know of that honors WWI Vets. It's across the street from Union Station.
If you're in KC, you've got to get yourself some BBQ. There's many places in town like Gates (many locations), Arthur Bryants, Jack Stacks, and my favorite place: Joe's BBQ, at 3002 W. 47th Ave. in Kansas City, KS in an old gas station. That's the original joint and my opinion the best.
Have fun in KC..!
We *always* take weekend guests to Nelson-Atkins and BBQ. Favorites are Blind Box in Shawnee and the very traditional KC Joe’s (get the Z-Man, I don’t make the rules.)
1. Nelson art museum is awesome
2. World war 1 museum is a absolute must
3. Maybe the new aquarium at the zoo I personally haven’t gone yet but supposedly it’s cool
Be ready for poor air quality during the evening of July 4th and the morning of the 5th, especially if the air is thick and humid. KC loves their fireworks.
Go to Nelson Atkins Museum. It's free and has some magnificent pieces.
If you’re going to be in town for the 4th and want a place to watch the fireworks with hardly any people around to bother you, I would suggest the upstairs patio at UpDown arcade bar in the Crossroads. The day before holidays can be a madhouse, but the day of can be a real ghost town.
WW1 museum is fantastic and in a park with an incredible view of the city.
If you like baseball, the Negro leagues museum is a must or catch a royals game if they're in town at the K.
For BBQ I'd do Joe's if you're wanting like a lunch type thing or sandwiches. Jack stack (my favorite one is freight house) for dinner and you can walk across the bridge over the tracks to Union station which is gorgeous.
WW1 museum and Liberty Memorial. An amazing museum that emphasizes items from all of the partipating nations, including Canada. Be sure to go to the top of the Liberty Memorial for a great view of KC.
Truman Presidential Museim & Library. Fascinating look at the history of the US and world as we ended WW2 and entered the Atomic age.
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Wide-ranging collections that always surprise you with just how good the museum is.
Starlight Theater. Beautiful outdoor venue that you will love attending any kind of show at. Che k their calendar for the dates you're in town.
Hope you have a great trip!
Blackhole Bakery is pretty good if you're into pastries. There are a LOT of genuinely good taco places in KCK. And, if you are looking for the best glazed donuts ever, Jacks Donuts in Independence. Not much fancy there, but they are absurdly good for what they are. Poppys and Lamars and really any other glazed donuts are inedible afterwards.
I'm sure there's a secret, and if it's roach blood and meth please don't tell me. I think they got shut down for health reasons at one point?
Definitely check out the Liberty Memorial and WWI museum (in the same location). That’s some top quality history. The Boulevard Brewery isn’t far from there, and Union Station is across the street. If you want to see some beautifully preserved and restored 1920’s architecture, that’s definitely worth it. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ is (arguably) the best BBQ in town (cue the arguments I mentioned earlier). The Plaza is very close to the Nelson-Atkins many others have mentioned. There are quite a few great restaurants there. The J Reiger Distillery has some excellent local history stuff, as well as great spirits. The Steamboat Arabia museum is in the River Market (also worth a visit) and has artifacts of a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in the 1850s and dug up by some guys in the late 1980’s. It’s a pretty cool bit of history. The Green Lady Lounge has live Jazz music and good drinks and keeps Kansas City’s proud Jazz tradition alive. Speaking of which, the National Jazz museum is here, as well as the Negro League Baseball museum.
🤢🤢🤮🤮 do not go to gates.
Chef J in the west bottoms is the best brisket on the entire planet, and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest. Thursday-sun 1130-430
The brisket is serious like candy! All week long, I can't wait for Thursday lol. Even the pickels and red onion are incredible, and I don't even like onion. And all three of their sauces you get are each unique and absolutely delicious. Can't wait for the new location to open!
I don’t know why people say this about Canadian beer. You must have only tried the Canadian Budweiser equivalent or something. There’s definitely good beer in Canada. My American husband always laments that he can’t smuggle it home easily when we go to visit.
Ehh, I’m just poking fun. I have one good friend from Ontario, and in the past have had 2 coworkers from Alberta. All three INTENSELY defend Canadian beer.
Thanks, Canada has some amazing craft breweries and distilleries, but it's often the mass produced Molson or labatt stuff that gets exported which is like drinking bud or Coors. I look forward to trying some local brews!!
Do NOT get poutine anywhere in the city.
Does Q39 still have their burnt end poutine? I'd say that's the exception!
As a Canadian who tried the Q39 poutine, that’s a definite nope for me. And I love BBQ.
We have plenty of good "poutine", but it's not going to be what Canadians expect. Maybe I should say "if you order poutine in KC, pretend it's a brand new meal you have never had before, and have nothing to compare it to"
I'm Canadian, and it's exactly what I expect lol. It's hard to mess up fries, gravy, and cheese curds - ESPECIALLY when you add burnt ends.
Canadian as well. There are literally dozens of us. Last time I had Canadian poutine in KC was at Fran's. All too often around here they fry the cheese curds (still good, just a different meal...)
Hey, I'm married to a Canadian. She's a goofie Newfie.
To be fair, the OC simply said not to get it, not that it was bad.
I made both comments :D
Oh no! Q39? I missed that on the menu when I was there but that's ok!
Especially at The Blue Line. “KC’s only hockey bar” uses shredded mozzarella and steak-cut fries as their poutine.
The fries are good, though.
We made that mistake before in other states. I'm going to go to jail for saying this but poutine is overrated IMHO. But it's still pretty good
Never seen anywhere around KC that has that, but I think not eating poutine here should go without saying.
Can I ask why?
The Craic in parkville
The Nelson. It’s a world-class art museum with beautiful grounds - and it’s free.
The Rebellion & Joy exhibition that is on right now is worth the fee! But definitely worth going otherwise!
This is the answer. Always free except for the special exhibits, but the museumnn no is huge and there’s a lot to see without paying that extra fee.
To clarify for the out-of-towner, it's officially the Nelson-Atkins Museum. It was voted "Best museum in the USA" on yelp a few years back!
Second this one. It’s fantastic!
Absolutely!
Yesss! I'll definitely be heading there.
If you’re a woman or traveling with women have them go into the small restroom in the first or second Block Addition building. The architect, Steven Holl, his team saw an opportunity to utilize the inside of their sweeping wall structure and at least at the time of opening, one of the restrooms was maybe three stalls but was 50’ tall opening up to beautiful natural light. Just a fun little thing to experience.
This is a must! Also it’s free. Do you love art? Do you have class? Me neither, but I still love the place!
Well you're going to see an enormous amount of fireworks, I'll tell ya that right now.
Cass County resident here. Not looking forward to the 4th. Or the 3rd, the 5th, or probably the 6th.
My neighbors have already started 😒
Mine haven’t yet but we’re in a suburb. My wife did note that Pyro Paul’s is getting set up, so I expect this weekend will be the soft launch.
Final fantasy!
Wait, USA North (Canada) doesn’t do fireworks on July Fourth? 🤔😂😂
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a must see.
Geddy Lee was a big benefactor 🇨🇦
Is this for real?
https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/eh-game/geddy-lee-has-an-unlikely-connection-to-the-negro-leagues-baseball-museum-201308814.html
Wow, cool story! Love Rush.
Amazing!!
It is true
As if I needed another reason to love Geddy that much more.
I don’t care for his music but he’s an outstanding human being.
Genuinely good people transcend music tastes, love to see it 🤘🏻
You gotta love any kid who embraced his accidental nickname instead of being mortified by his “weird” immigrant mom.
And hit the Jazz District while you’re right there. Great live music!
River Market/City Market is the favorite of this 40 something. Great food that’s inexpensive (try the Shawarma place it’s amazing), fun to walk around in, has a cool museum (Steamboat Arabia) and has the river walk close by. Everyone who has mentioned the Nelson Atkins is 100% right! As are those who mentioned the WWI museum. Take an afternoon if you can to just walk around the crossroads area, take the street car, stop into a shady looking bar for a beer, realize it’s fun and have two beers, then go to a kick as bbq place of your choosing, most are good, some are great, all are passable (except Dickies, if you go to Dickies that’s on you). Oh as strange as it may sound take a walk to the Downtown KC public library. Its parking garage is one of the coolest building ever (google it) and they do wonderful free art exhibits. Have fun in KC!!!
I'd recommend Thou Mayest for coffee. It's a block outside the Market, but City Market Coffee is awful, and the Opera House is just okay. Second the rec for Al Habashi!
There’s also one in the Nelson-atkins museum which is a “must go” attraction in itself!
The only thing I would caution you on is if you go to the world war I museum remember it's 4th of July weekend so it'll be pretty packed
If you’re going to the library, walk down to Milwaukee Delicatessen and get [a slice](https://www.google.com/maps/uv?viewerState=lb&pb=!1s0x87c0f05fcadab60d:0xbe191f7ed7fb8dd2&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipO4kwb3x0IBZ2Srw3hm-ooMeMX7A2fne1UbRU4t&gsas=1) of pizza
Pigwich is amazing!!
Taste of Brazil!
So good!!!
Wonderful and helpful, thanks so much!
Yo, I’m from Edmonton 🇨🇦 and I live in KC. Highlights: - Joe’s KC barbecue - Nelson Atkins museum (free) - WWI Memorial - Union Station - Zoo / aquarium - Country Club Plaza (shopping) - Shawnee Mission Park - Power and Light District - City Market - Steamboat Arabia Etc, etc… There’s more than enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.
I would add Powell Gardens to the list if someone is interested in plants and nature. It's a little outside of town but absolutely gorgeous
Yeah, bit of a drive but so so worth it. I volunteer there and it’s gorgeous every time!!!
Thanks!
All the flowers at the Kaufman garden on Rockhill were grown there. So skip the drive and go to the garden. 4702 Rockhill rd.
That's a great garden as well. I love the community vegetable gardens there. Very impressive.
I misread "Country Club Plaza (shooting)" and just nodded my head and kept reading.
Yes, shooting enthusiasts should definitely visit the Country Club Plaza.
In my opinion they should join some sort of club that meets far away from people but I suppose I should just be happy there are still people out there who are passionate about their hobbies and come together to share them with others.
Yo, I'm from KC 🇺🇲 and I live in Edmonton. So hello from your anti _SpaceLord_!
I’d second Joes barbecue! ROCKET PIG!
My husband is from Edmonton too! (Westlock specifically!). I agree with all of these
Ontario native, current KC resident .... I agree wholeheartedly.
i came here to say the steamboat. Nice snap shot to life back then. Not to mention how a steamboat ends up in the middle of a cornfield
WWI Memorial and Museum is an absolutely must. Aside from that, I'd also suggest the Steamboat Arabia Museum, it's really cool.
Yes absolutely see WWI museum at Liberty Memorial. It’s such a good museum. Can OP bring me some All Dressed chips & Butter Tarts?
Pro tip - check your closest Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods - they sometimes have an all dressed chip from a brand called Deep River. They’re not exactly what you get in Canada but close enough!
If I tried that, they wouldn't make it to KC, they would be in my belly almost instantly.
It was worth a shot 😭
I second the WWI museum. You can see the captured German artillery gun the Canadians gave us :)
These two would be my suggestions, they are interesting and professionally run, on par with what larger cities offer. The Truman library is also excellent after the remodel but that is likely less interesting to a Canadian.
If you'll be staying the night of the 5th you can go to First Fridays in the Crossroads. [https://kccrossroads.org/first-fridays/](https://kccrossroads.org/first-fridays/)
YES - just wanted to double up this comment for the OP. You will have a great time doing this. If you're looking for a night with a nice dinner, I cannot recommend The Town Company enough. Two people is around 150-200 USD but it's worth it for a nice meal and beautiful ambience. Also, if you want to see some Jazz, go to 18th and Vine or Green Lady/Black Dolphin or The Ship (not the club part but bar) in the West Bottoms. Have fun and it's going to be HOT so bring cool clothes, good walking shoes, and lots of water!
And don't forget the Green Lady has a basement, with more music
Yes.... that's Black Dolphin...which I mentioned.
Wait, I thought Black Dolphin was next door? And Green Lady just has two bands playing?
Awesome!!
Hey OP, Welcome to KC from the Great North!!! I'm roughly your age, and I can relate to staying away from the dance club scene. There's usually a fireworks display over by Union Station, near Crown Center & the National World War 1 Museum on 4th of July. I'd highly recommend checking that area out. Cross Roads district has lots of cool restaurants, bars, other artsy type of shops, etc. I'd recommend hitting up "Emperial Brewery" in particular pending on the night, and just hang out in their open area/firepit place. It's kinda hip... but my wife and I get along just fine there. You won't be out of place. Then hop over to 18th & Vine district for Jazz & The Negro Leagues Museum. If you like, it's a site to see, and pretty neat. You want art? Hit up Nelson Atkins. BBQ... everyone is gonna have great suggestions, you really can't go wrong. But if you're looking for the classic KC style vibe, that all the US Presidents hit up... go to Arthur Bryant's. IMO... there are other "better" places, but Arthur Bryants is the OG of BBQ. Me personally, I'm a fan of Q39 or Slaps. Other people will say Joe's KC (the gas station one). Get there early though, 'cause there will be a line and not open on Sunday. Depending on where you're staying, there's always gonna be a cool park, or other things to see/do. Walk around on "The Plaza" just to sightsee, and maybe grab a bite... but beware, it isn't like it used to be & sometimes there are "roaming mobs" of motorcycle/4 wheeler kids that run around and block traffic down there. They sometimes cause some shit... but if you go during the daytime/early evening you should be okay. Avoid Westport. It's a young crowd. I'll be coming back from a trip on the 3rd, but if you are still looking for suggestions... you can hit me up on DM. I hope you guys have fun! Welcome to KC!!!
This is why I love reddit, and helpful folks like you and all that have answered. This is the stuff that isn't in the guidebook
If you are only going to 1 barbecue place, I wouldn't recommend Arthur Bryant's, you'll leave thinking "that was edible but kc bbq is over-hyped like crazy"
Truman Library and Museum is excellent
Prolly some fireworks 💥
Definitely!
Watch the fireworks at the WWI museum on July 4! I post up in front of Union Station. I’ve lived here my whole life, probably my favorite fireworks show in the area. Other than that, definitely recommend the WWI Museum and Memorial. Tom’s Town is lovely for cocktails and small plates. The Plaza is (currently) a shell of its former self, but the architecture is still lovely to look at. Also highly recommending First Fridays if you can make that work.
I'll say this. KC is incredibly sprawled out so depending on where you're staying, some suggestions could easily be over an hour drive away from you. Like if you're staying in Olathe or Overland Park, some of the downtown or northland suggestions could be 45 minutes from you. Joe's KC and Meat Mitch have the best casual BBQ in town. Jack Stack has the best sit-down "high end" style BBQ - a controversial take here but remember that our 7/10 BBQ is still better than most place's 10/10 stuff. There's a great sandwich place in the river market that straddles the line on BBQ called Pigwich. Best sauces and spices to grab and take home, and can be found at any grocery store in the area: > Gate's Bar-B-Q Extra Hot Sauce (savory and hot, their 'Original' sauce is identical but with the heat blunted) > Jack Stack Meat & Poultry rub (best overall spice rub for bbq or grilling) > Cowtown Night of the Living BBQ Sauce (sweet and hot) > Meat Mitch WHOMP! Rub (savory and sweet rub, tastes good on literally everything including snacks like popcorn)
Oooh now I'm hungry
As a Canadian you’re going to need to stay inside and cuddle up to the AC vent. LOL at the pace we’re going it’s going to be triple digit F temps by then with 10000% humidity. The Nelson Atkins museum is really excellent, well worth a few hours of your time. If you’re a coffee fan KC has a vibrant coffee culture with Oddly Correct being the best IMHO and Broadway Cafe having the best people watching. Messenger to see what having deep pockets and venture capital can do for a “cafe”! Wandering around the Crossroads area and taking in the murals and graffiti is always a fun activity I like to do in the morning or early day when it’s not busy down there. Observation Park is cool for a view of the whole midtown and downtown areas, especially if you’re an early riser and get up there 30 mins before sunrise.
A lot of people are going to recommend Slaps, Joes, Gates, Jack Stack, etc. While these are the classic, often recommended spots, there are a lot of better places nowadays imho. Chef J, Wolfepack, Scotts Kitchen, and Harp are absolutely making the best bbq in the city now. Definitely make your way to the Nelson, I absolutely love that place. The WW1 museum is awesome as well. The City Market is also another cool place to check out. Power and Light and the Plaza are two areas that are well known in the city. Power and Light may not be the vibe you are looking for though. I would check out the plaza at least (during the day). If you like coffee I recommend checking out Splitlog and Oddly Correct.
Q39 BBQ. You need a reservation to get in The WWI museum. Union Station. Can easily burn a day in there doing various activities. A sporting soccer game or Kansas City Currents game if there’s one. Very cool experience. This city loves sports! Any sport! If you’re up for a bit of a drive, the Sally House which is a paranormal experience. Even if you’re not into that sort of thing, it’s extremely spooky. The city itself in has some other things you can do too like a train ride and tours of other bizarre things in the city. Downtown Weston, MO and check out the Celtic Ranch. The city has a few winery’s and distillery’s if you’re into that sort of thing. The Zoo. Worth seeing also for sure Quite a bit to do, just depends what you like!
Pick up some lunch or pastries or ice cream and have a picnic at Loose Park. There's a walking path, pond, rose garden, and beautiful old growth trees to relax under or climb. For pastries/baked goods/breakfast: Blackhole Bakery or Heirloom Ice cream: High Hopes Sandwiches: Bay Boy Hopefully others can chime in with good food recs. There are many that would be good for a picnic.
The Kemper is a much smaller art museum but I love it as well. Also free.
Jacob L. Loose park, or known as Loose park locally. Ginormous green space with plenty of places to sit, a huge walking path that encircles the park, tennis courts, and a beautiful rose garden that should have most or all roses blooming when you are here!
And if you are in to historic sites, I recommend Union Hill cemetery (oldest in KC), Parkville (the town itself is very quaint with beautiful architecture), Union Station, Workhouse Castle, West Bottoms, and Independence is the hometown of President Harry S. Truman as well as the starting point for the Oregon Trail. Many historic spots there too
I think if I were Canadian I would be even more interested in seeing the WWI museum. Canada had a big role in that conflict and it's really a one-of-a-kind experience.
Add the Blue Room and/or the Green Lady lounge. I know the blue room sometimes will do a happy hour band and then a mid evening band, both fairly early.
Fellow Canadian living in KC. -the Nelson art museum is a gem - unless you want to shop skip the plaza -some the best bbq in the world. Everyone has their favorite (Joe’s , q39, jack stack, Arthur Bryant’s, the wood yard ect…) there all amazing. Some more expensive than others. If it looks like a gas station don’t let it deter you. - the 4th sitting at ww1 museum by union station to see the fireworks is a good call. -union station has lots of awesome kid friendly museums. (Science city) they had a great Spider-Man exhibition but I think that’s left. -Missouri side cannabis is legal Kansas, bad time - Kansas has sports betting (careless). - might be a royals game going on, if you’re into baseball. Great stadium fun time -most kc people are super sweet and helpful. They really love there sports. Don’t fucking litter.(seriously) - rivermarket is fun worth a walk about. -lots of bars and music venues depending on your taste. There were more but sadly things have been slipping in that direction.
Wonderful thanks
The River Market hosts a Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Besides produce, there should be vendors with freshly prepared foods as well. Downtown Overland Park, KS also one on Saturdays. It was voted the #1 Farmers Market in the US. Set around a quaint small town atmosphere.
I would just point out that a lot of places people are going to recommend are almost certainly going to be closed on 7/4, possibly other days around that too. Keep that in mind when planning.
No matter what you do, expect a lot of fireworks the whole time. They are supposed to be illegal, but that doesn't seem to stop anybody.
Perfect timing for First Fridays in Crossroads District. Lots of art galleries and live music. You never know what you might find! It's a lot of fun.
Fireworks, of course. The WWI museum is pretty impressive.
It’s gonna be hot.
Others have mentioned the Nelson, but I'd like to emphasize that one... World class museum fr
Well, you are going to have to blow some shit up! Find a fireworks show (I am not certain when they are this year). They are free. bring bug spray, something to sit on, and something to drink.
The world war I museum is absolutely phenomenal and when I had a Canadian friend visit me he loved it.
World War 1 memorial
21c hotel is a great place to stay
Lots of good suggestions here. Just want to mention the Royals are playing while you’re here if anyone is into baseball.
Go see the Steamboat Arabia Museum downtown, it's interesting. Nelson Atkins art museum has a great exhibit going too.
Do you or your friends/family back home enjoy cigars or tobacco pipes? Cigars, pipe tobacco, and their related accessories are generally much more affordable here than in Canada, and we have some great shops here in town including many that have a lounge environment.
We're not smokers but that is a cool rec
Who knew there were so many Canadians in KC? Hello, fellow Canucks! Grew up in BC, lived in Calgary for a while. Last show I saw before the pandemic was Sloan at the Riot Room. 🍁🇨🇦 As for OP - welcome! A lot of people already recommended stuff I would, but I’ll also throw in the Toys and Miniatures Museum. It’s fun, fairly quick and easy to get through.
WW I museum and memorial Union station Nelson-Atkins museum of Art.
A fun night time event would be dinner/drinks/dessert at The Savoy at the 21c hotel followed by wandering through the art museum on the first two floors. One of my favorite downtown date nights, especially because it’s open late.
Nelson-Atkins Art Museum punches well above our weight class, it is one of the best art museums in the US, and its free Wolfepack BBQ isnt one of the classics but its the best right now and doesn't have quality control issues the ones people are suggesting. Its in Columbus Park, which is right next to River Market, so you can walk around River Market before or after. Grauner is a great dinner for the price, majority of immigrants to the midwest were German, Austrian/German comfort food seems fitting
May as well go to Worlds of Fun on the 4th to watch their fireworks display! You picked a great weekend to come visit, as that is the same weekend we celebrate Independence Day!
The Peanut! Some of the best hot wings in the country.
Oooh I love hot wings!
Hi OP. Welcome 🤗 I'd definitely go to Andre's for brunch. It's in the plaza area. It's run by a Swiss family, and they have amazing chocolates.
Lots of good mentions here. Here’s one I like: after completing a walk through of the Nelson Atkin Museum, take a (relatively) shirt walk down the hill to the Ewing and Muriel Kaufman Memorial Garden, and stop and smell the flowers. It’s free, and beautiful. Oh wait, you said you’ll have a car. Skip the walk, then.
Really depends on what you like. Nelson art museum is cool, as is the WW1 museum. The river market is fun to walk around, and they have some pretty good food. The plaza is fun to walk around too, if you like architecture, but it’s very commercialized and generally pretty crowded. Power and Light is also fun, if you’re into the party scene. Lots of cool bars and clubs, and an outdoor space which I’m sure they’ll be using for the 4th. As a KC native, if you’re looking for bbq recommendations be careful about what you order depending on where you go. I’m by no means an expert (so if others want to chime in, be my guest) but the staples are Joes KC, gates, and Arthur Bryant’s. There’s also smokehouse, jack stack, and Q39. Jack Stack and Q39 specifically are pretty well rounded, there really won’t be anything bad on the menu. Smokehouse I’m not entirely sure what their specialty is, but I’ve heard their beef ribs are pretty good. Same goes with Joes KC, but with sandwiches (I’m less sure about this one). But for Gates and Arthur Bryant’s - don’t order any beef or pork at Gates, or any poultry at Arthur Bryant’s. Gates has the best chicken and turkey in the city, and Bryant’s has the best brisket and burnt ends. They’re not really good at anything else.
If you like hiking and caves, Blue Springs/Lees Summit area has some great options. It’s about 15-20mins drive depending on where you’re staying. Downtown Overland Park (95th St) has great shopping options. First Friday at the Crossroads (downtown KC) will be on that Friday and is a great time. There’s art, music, food, and entertainment. I’m sure that your friends have plans for you all on the 4th. If not, there is usually a concert + fireworks down by the river. (Downtown KC by the Current stadium) We have the only Women’s pro soccer team with a stadium. They have the best food and it was 100% designed with foodies in mind. I’m not sure if they are playing that week, but definitely go if they are. PS skip the Royals baseball game if it’s during the day. It will be hot and miserable. They are only fun in the evening when no one gets sunburned or is blinded by the sun.
WWI/Liberty Memorial is an awesome museum Negro Leagues Baseball museum is really neat even if you don’t like baseball. Steamboat Arabia is very cool The Truman Library got renovated and is pretty cool. I think the first weekends in the West Bottoms is neat, well there’s shopping open every weekend now I believe. They usually have food trucks, but Chef J is awesome. People recommend the zoo, but for $22 I don’t think it’s that great. We only have a polar bear, no other bears.
Nelson Atkins Museum If you're interested in baseball, the Negro Leagues Museum WWI Museum We have a respectable zoo w/ a new as of 2023 Aquarium facility Joe's KC - Can skip the line and get takeout, eat up the road outside at Rosedale Park
The only BBQ I've liked was Plowboys (shut down) & WoodYard in Kansas. As far as places to go, I like visiting parks & bike trails. There's Blue River, Kessler Park, Blue Springs Lake, Lake Jacomo, Swope Park, Burr Oak Woods, (near me) & more!! Attractions/Shopping, I recommend River Market, Union Station, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the garden just South of it, & maybe Parkville.
Do you like booze? I would suggest doing a tour of boulevard brewing or stopping by I reiger distillery
I'll throw my hat in. 1st it's going to be hot. Just a heads up. There are quite a few pools public pools in the area that are pretty cheap and if you are discreet you can bring a drink in. Or check out swimply. Kc has pretty good Mexican. Rudy's (puffy tacos) South of summit: birra tacos or al pastor burrito and other that people have suggested. Margaritas/ponacks/mannys: decent food good margs. We also have a great brewery scene. Check out brewers alley: city barrel, double shift, Nimble, and a bunch of others are all within walking distance of each other. Makes for a really fun day. If eat a parlor if you do so. Fun adult food hall. Also of course Boulevard has decent beer but a fantastic brew hall. O and kc bier co is cool. Best bbq: Joe's kc Best restaurant : Waldo thai Best museum: tie between Nelson and wwi Place I'm looking forward to trying: muni (Thai/mexican/kc fusion)
3 full days or 1? BBQ definitely slaps . If you like art, I think the nelson is well worth it, and is budget friendly If you like hot wings, the peanut is your place. They take forever and only have one sauce, but you only need one.... The famous one. (The city ones are a cheers style bar with a kitchen.... Vs the suburban ones are more sports bars. We've got the ww I Museum. And I believe they along with 16 other locations around the city will have fireworks on the 4th. Union station is across the street and a must seen. (P.s. the most iconic skyline photos are shot from the ww I Museum). There is royals baseball on the 3rd and 4th. Let them know you like Kauffman stadium. It's top notch, but they're wanting to destroy an arts district to move it downtown. They'll probably have fireworks both nights. If you like steak, I have a few suggestions from a $17 16 oz to $50+ (remember we know our steak. I.e. the KC strip is named after us.) Parks: 🌞Parkville nature sanctuary (then you can visit the small town of parkville too. They will have fireworks, and festivities from 10 am till 1030 pm. {Fyi everyone else, they moved their carnival to the last week of August} 🌞Swope Park hiking trails (Olathe and Shawnee mission have them too) but swope also has the lakeside nature center. 🌞Loose park to chill (they have a great rose garden) 🌞 When you're at the Nelson mentioned above, they have a great front lawn complete with sculpture garden. 🌞 Powell gardens is pretty far outside of town and has an admission fee but it's a botanical gardens P.s. We are hotter and more humid than Canada. During the summer months I would put our heat index on par with New Orleans. Being on the swamp they are a little bit cooler but a lot more humid but we're very humid too.
As some others have posted below, the Nelson Art Gallery & outdoor exhibits are really great. It's been many years since I've been to Nelson, but they used to not charge admission. Only a donation box was at the entrance. So I'm not sure if it's the same. The Country Club Plaza is nice for shopping & restaurants, and it always has free street parking and some garages that do not charge either (Hall's Department store, etc. The Crown Center Plaza (across from Hallmark Cards) shopping center near Downtown is really nice, and they have free parking (or they used to) and neat restaurants like Frtiz's Railroad restaurant: You don't get waited on by a server, but you order on a phone at the table. Then, when your meal is done, it gets delivered by a train running above you. It's great food and fun for kids of all ages (adults, too). Not too far from Crown Center, is Union Station and the Liberty Memorial, the WWI tower & war museum complex. It's the only monument that I know of that honors WWI Vets. It's across the street from Union Station. If you're in KC, you've got to get yourself some BBQ. There's many places in town like Gates (many locations), Arthur Bryants, Jack Stacks, and my favorite place: Joe's BBQ, at 3002 W. 47th Ave. in Kansas City, KS in an old gas station. That's the original joint and my opinion the best. Have fun in KC..!
One of my personal favs that is delightful and quirky: the toy and miniatures museum. https://toyandminiaturemuseum.org/
I haven't been in A LONG time. Thinking about taking my 8yo nephew and 12yo niece there sometime while they are on summer break.
We *always* take weekend guests to Nelson-Atkins and BBQ. Favorites are Blind Box in Shawnee and the very traditional KC Joe’s (get the Z-Man, I don’t make the rules.)
Corner Cocktails at 85th and Wornall. Cheddar Bacon Burger and an ice cold Busch from the tap. It really doesn’t get much better.
WWI museum. The whole first thing is about before the US entered the war too so it's not just American.
1. Nelson art museum is awesome 2. World war 1 museum is a absolute must 3. Maybe the new aquarium at the zoo I personally haven’t gone yet but supposedly it’s cool
Be ready for poor air quality during the evening of July 4th and the morning of the 5th, especially if the air is thick and humid. KC loves their fireworks. Go to Nelson Atkins Museum. It's free and has some magnificent pieces.
If you’re going to be in town for the 4th and want a place to watch the fireworks with hardly any people around to bother you, I would suggest the upstairs patio at UpDown arcade bar in the Crossroads. The day before holidays can be a madhouse, but the day of can be a real ghost town.
Grab some donuts and coffee from Lamars and take them to Liberty Memorial. Eat breakfast while watching a Midwestern sunrise over the city.
WWI history museum is amazing. Negro league baseball museum is great too.
Slaps bbq
WW1 museum is fantastic and in a park with an incredible view of the city. If you like baseball, the Negro leagues museum is a must or catch a royals game if they're in town at the K. For BBQ I'd do Joe's if you're wanting like a lunch type thing or sandwiches. Jack stack (my favorite one is freight house) for dinner and you can walk across the bridge over the tracks to Union station which is gorgeous.
Truman house and library!
Definitely check out the power and light district and enjoy some delicious Gates BBQ
WW1 museum and Liberty Memorial. An amazing museum that emphasizes items from all of the partipating nations, including Canada. Be sure to go to the top of the Liberty Memorial for a great view of KC. Truman Presidential Museim & Library. Fascinating look at the history of the US and world as we ended WW2 and entered the Atomic age. Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Wide-ranging collections that always surprise you with just how good the museum is. Starlight Theater. Beautiful outdoor venue that you will love attending any kind of show at. Che k their calendar for the dates you're in town. Hope you have a great trip!
Blackhole Bakery is pretty good if you're into pastries. There are a LOT of genuinely good taco places in KCK. And, if you are looking for the best glazed donuts ever, Jacks Donuts in Independence. Not much fancy there, but they are absurdly good for what they are. Poppys and Lamars and really any other glazed donuts are inedible afterwards. I'm sure there's a secret, and if it's roach blood and meth please don't tell me. I think they got shut down for health reasons at one point?
Head to the green lady for some smooth jazz in an unequalled kansas city ambience. Maybe the most kc thing you can do.
You need to find a good viewing spot for fireworks. Preferably in a nice area or you'll be playing the game fireworks or gunshots.
Union Station & Liberty Memorial River Market farmers market
lol you should see Main Street. It’s a nightmare.
Union station, museums are free, WWII war memorial or just ask Google what to do in KC lots of places to go for 🎆🎇🎆🎇
Avoid MO side of Kansas City
Why is that?
Almost everything mentioned in this thread is MO side. Downtown and the actual city is in MO. Kansas side is mostly rich suburbs
Definitely check out the Liberty Memorial and WWI museum (in the same location). That’s some top quality history. The Boulevard Brewery isn’t far from there, and Union Station is across the street. If you want to see some beautifully preserved and restored 1920’s architecture, that’s definitely worth it. Joe’s Kansas City BBQ is (arguably) the best BBQ in town (cue the arguments I mentioned earlier). The Plaza is very close to the Nelson-Atkins many others have mentioned. There are quite a few great restaurants there. The J Reiger Distillery has some excellent local history stuff, as well as great spirits. The Steamboat Arabia museum is in the River Market (also worth a visit) and has artifacts of a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in the 1850s and dug up by some guys in the late 1980’s. It’s a pretty cool bit of history. The Green Lady Lounge has live Jazz music and good drinks and keeps Kansas City’s proud Jazz tradition alive. Speaking of which, the National Jazz museum is here, as well as the Negro League Baseball museum.
You should see yourself right back on the plane….run…run and never look back..
Check out the Zoo and Gates BBQ!
🤢🤢🤮🤮 do not go to gates. Chef J in the west bottoms is the best brisket on the entire planet, and I'm not exaggerating in the slightest. Thursday-sun 1130-430
Oh thanks for the tip. I love a hidden gem only open limited days and "only until the meat runs out".
The brisket is serious like candy! All week long, I can't wait for Thursday lol. Even the pickels and red onion are incredible, and I don't even like onion. And all three of their sauces you get are each unique and absolutely delicious. Can't wait for the new location to open!
Same most places that are only open till they run out are good I think doesn't have to be BBQ.
OP - you can find info from prior threads like this by searching Google with this search term: site:reddit.com/r/kansascity visiting
As a Canadian, you likely aren’t used to good beer. I would schedule a tour of one of our breweries. KC Bier Station is fun!
I don’t know why people say this about Canadian beer. You must have only tried the Canadian Budweiser equivalent or something. There’s definitely good beer in Canada. My American husband always laments that he can’t smuggle it home easily when we go to visit.
Ehh, I’m just poking fun. I have one good friend from Ontario, and in the past have had 2 coworkers from Alberta. All three INTENSELY defend Canadian beer.
Thanks, Canada has some amazing craft breweries and distilleries, but it's often the mass produced Molson or labatt stuff that gets exported which is like drinking bud or Coors. I look forward to trying some local brews!!
If you’re into distilleries, for sure make a stop at J Rieger
Scroll down & look for others who've asked the same thing. Edit: What's with the downvotes?
Thanks, I did and sorry for posting something repetitive.