Great American Main Streets in the Kansas City Area
Imagine a leisurely day of shopping and dining at locally owned businesses where you are greeted with a smile. Does it seem like a distant memory of years gone by? With the revitalization of historic shopping districts in recent years, many areas have been transformed into beautiful places to live, work and play, bringing the Great American Main Street back to life. Hosting farmers markets, girls nights out, holiday events, sales and great boutiques and cafes for an “any day getaway,” these districts make a wonderful day trip, and we’re fortunate to have many right in our own backyard.
Downtown Lee's Summit
The Downtown Lee’s Summit shopping district is one of the most vibrant in the area. Start with a discovery of the area’s history at the Lee's Summit Historical Society Museum, housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of downtown. The area offers restaurants ranging from upscale to the local diner, but kids’ favorites are Poppy's Ice Cream, serving homemade ice cream, and the Filling Station BBQ, housed in an old Texaco Station, with indoor or sidewalk dining. Of course, the day isn’t complete without shopping. Visit KD's Books, the quintessential bookstore for kids. If you love to cook, stop by A Thyme for Everything, a kitchen shop with all your cooking needs. At Embers Candle Bar, you can create your own scented candle. Mindgames and Magic is the ultimate game shop for RPG and board game fans. For fun, head to Arcade Alley where you can play old-school video games. In addition to these stops, you’ll find a variety of other shops and restaurants.
Historic Downtown Overland Park
Downtown Overland Park is one of the most eclectic districts in the area with a strong celebration of the arts, including the Art Deco Rio Theatre, one of Kansas’ original movie theaters, that shows independent films. For lunch, the district boasts diversity, too. You can enjoy a variety of restaurants all under one roof at Strang Hall where chef-driven restaurants offer a grown-up food court experience. Another delicious favorite is El Salvadoreño where you can enjoy an authentic El Salvadoran feast. Learn something new at the Culinary Center of Kansas City, offering more than 450 classes from gourmet cooking to beginning skills for all ages. Other fun shops include The General Store, The Tasteful Olive and Penzeys, a spice shop.
Historic Leavenworth
Famous for its prisons and the military fort bearing its name, Leavenworth, "the First City in Kansas," is also a fun and nostalgic day trip courtesy of Leavenworth Main Street. Begin with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, one of the most whimsical sites in Kansas. Learn the history of Parker’s carousel business from hand-carved horses to the introduction of aluminum animals, and conclude with a spin on a 1913 carousel! Eat at Pullman Place Family Restaurant, decorated with railroad memorabilia, including a special glass top table with a model train running inside! The district is also home to many shops and boutiques, including the unique Queen’s Pantry, selling British goods like fine teas, cookies and delicacies. In addition to these stops, you’ll find book stores, antique shops, boutiques, a toy store and more in downtown Leavenworth.
Historic Downtown Liberty
Historic Downtown Liberty is legendary for history buffs and shoppers alike! The most infamous landmark is the Jesse James Bank Museum, site of America's first daylight bank robbery. Take a brunch break at Ginger Sue's Bruncheonette. Visit the James Country Mercantile, selling supplies for historic reenactors, including 19th-century gear, clothing, toys, paper dolls, books and more! In addition to these sites, you’ll find a variety of stores selling clothing, books, antiques, artisan foods, toys, gifts and more.
Independence Square
Independence is best known as the home of President Truman. Make a visit to the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, one of 15 presidential libraries in the United States. The museum underwent a marvelous renovation and reopened just over a year ago. The new exhibits capture the story of Truman and his presidency, and visitors read, listen, watch, look and relive (through film and interactive displays) key moments in American history. Cinematic films are shown throughout the museum previewing the various exhibits and setting the stage for the stories they tell. In addition to the museum, you may also visit the Truman Home. Before Truman, the Civil War was raging and, before that, pioneers moving! Step back in time with a mule-drawn wagon ride on the Independence Square, courtesy of Pioneer Trails Adventures. Your guide will tell tales of the trails, the Civil War and, of course, Harry Truman. After your tour, enjoy shopping and dining or a movie or game of bowling. Two of the square’s most unique shops are Blue and Grey, selling Civil War books and collectibles, and Scandinavia Place, with gifts from around the world. For a delicious treat, visit Clinton’s Soda Fountain, the location of the original Crown Drug Store, Truman’s first boyhood employer. Or, dine below street level at the Courthouse Exchange, where rock walls create a cozy atmosphere as you enjoy pub-style dining.
Tip: Read our Guide to Visiting the Truman Library and Independence with Kids.
Each district in this guide is home to many unique attractions, and this list barely scratches the surface! Search “Day Trips” on KCParent.com to discover many more attractions in each district and other Main Streets in Missouri and Kansas.
Kristina Light loves writing about great places to visit in the Kansas City area on KCParent.com.