Kansas City's Spectacular Views
The arrival of fall temperatures means many of us will be looking for excuses to get outdoors and enjoy the weather before winter hits. What would be a better way to observe the fall season than to find a new favorite place to view Kansas City? From City Hall to observation decks, Kansas City has a wealth of great views to offer. Check out this list of amazing views in the Kansas City area—from metro views to park views, there is something here for every personality and family.
City Hall Observation Deck (414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO)
Your young architect will love this first observation point. The observation deck is on the fourth tallest city hall in the world, which rises into the sky as the third tallest Kansas City building. Don’t let the fact that it’s the third tallest skyscraper scare you away, though—it’s built on a hill and offers amazing aerial views of the city. Be sure to pay attention to the details on the inside of the building as well, like the detailed light fixtures in the lobby. There is no cost to visit this view, making it perfect for a low-cost trip. Picture ID is required to go through security, and the observation deck is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 3:00, weather permitting. While young and old lovers of beautiful architecture will enjoy seeing City Hall, don’t end your trip there. Before you leave, check out the 10-foot statue of Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad on the South Plaza of City Hall.
Kaw Point (8th Street & Jefferson, Kansas City, MO)
If your youngster loves planes and picnic lunches, Kaw Point is a perfect destination. This area offers a beautiful view of Kansas City across the Kansas and Missouri rivers. Have a picnic lunch under the trees while watching planes take off and land from the downtown airport. Kaw Point is a location where Lewis and Clark stopped on their journey west, and this point is marked with a beautiful statue of them. The education pavilion here features signs to help kids learn about the pair’s monumental expedition. Your young explorer will enjoy getting close to nature, as well, by hiking on the gravel trails on the west side of the park.
Liberty Memorial Observation Tower (100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO)
The Liberty Memorial is one of the best-known landmarks in Kansas City—but did you know there is a special viewing tower on its top? While parking is free, you will have to purchase a ticket to visit the top of the tower. Tickets are $5 to visit the tower, and children under 5 are free. Hours to visit are Tue.-Sun., 10:00-4:15. You will have to climb 45 stairs to see this view, so it is not handicap accessible. The adjacent World War I Museum is handicap accessible however, and I highly recommend you pay it a visit. Instead of buying a $5 ticket, you can purchase a ticket for the museum, which also includes admission to the tower. Art lovers will be excited to hear that a Thomas Hart Benton display focusing on how his experience in World War I shaped his art is being shown here until Oct. 12. Museum hours are Tue.-Sun., 10:00- 5:00; adult tickets are $14, while students with ID and seniors pay $12. Children from ages 6 to 17 are $8, and children under 5 are free.
Town of Kansas Observation Deck (East end of Main Street, Kansas City, MO)
If you are looking for something off the beaten path and not quite as popular but closer to nature, look no farther than the Town of Kansas Observation Deck. From the end of Main Street follow the Riverfront Heritage Trail toward the Missouri River. While the entire trail is 15 miles long, the observatory is less than a 5-minute walk from this starting point. This outlook is a great place to enjoy a view of the Missouri River, and you might even see some birds on the river. If you have an interest in trying new things or shopping, check out the City Market less than a block away (20 W. 5th St.), open on weekends year around. Featuring more than 140 vendors with local produce and crafts, the market offers something for everyone to enjoy.