Only in KC
A Billion Dollar Experience
Have you ever seen $40 million in cash? Have you ever held a gold bar? At the Money Museum, your little coin collectors can see every coin ever made in the United State, and little detectives can test their skills at identifying counterfeit currency. You can watch the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City employees and robots sort and move cash for distribution to the nation’s commercial banks. This is one of only two Federal Reserve Money Museums in the states. And best of all, the friendly staff will give you a bag full of cash to take home– shredded of course.
Have a Merry-Go-Round
Ride a beautifully restored 1913 carousel in the first city of Kansas at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth. During his reign as the “Carnival King,” Parker built about 1,000 traveling amusement rides, five permanent amusement installations and produced a number of traveling family shows.
Voted one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas in 2009, this museum houses two of the remaining 16 Parker carousels. Also check out the oldest operating hand-cranked wooden carousel, built around 1860, and the band organ donated by Melissa Etheridge, who grew up in Leavenworth.
While in the area, check out the Frontier Museum at Fort Leavenworth, see a piece of the Berlin wall and drive past the buffalo herd by the penitentiary—minutes away and free. Try the Corner Pharmacy for lunch, a good, inexpensive old-style lunch counter with awesome milkshakes.
Discover a Buried Treasure – Steamboat Arabia
On Sept., 5, 1856, the Steamboat Arabia, fully loaded with fresh supplies and westward bound passengers, hit a snag on the Missouri River. She rapidly sank into the swirling thick, muddy waters. Despite numerous salvage attempts, the Arabia—and her cargo—remained lost to the river.
But over time, the river shifted. In 1988, the Arabia was discovered in a farmer’s field about a half-mile from the river. This unique exhibit is the result of a long recovery effort revealing thousands of well-preserved artifacts from the 1850s.
Play with the Greats
Kansas City has a little-known but significant jazz history that’s nicely commemorated at the American Jazz Museum. Your little musicians can practice mixing music, try the harmonizing stations and listen to the jazz greats with the museum’s interactive exhibits. Hear live jazz in the Blue Room, or across the street at the restored Gem Theatre, you can see performances by jazz masters in the Jazz Museum’s “Jammin’ at the Gem” concert series.
Get your money’s worth by visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, housed in the same building. Although small, both museums are informative and interesting.
Stroll Through History
The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum was the first of 12 presidential libraries. It exhibits memorabilia from Truman’s life and includes a research facility. You can see his preserved office and, in the courtyard, you’ll find his burial site. Check out the free film series and the “Second Saturdays” information program. Explore the historic district, laden with historic markers. See where the former president met his wife, went to school, worked, lived, played poker and drank whiskey.
Entertainment Under the Stars
Starlight Theater is one of only three self-producing outdoor theaters left in the United States. Experience open-air plays, musicals and concerts – including Tony Award-winning hits direct from Broadway. This is the largest outdoor stage in the nation. Sitting under the stars to enjoy a top-notch performance is a beautiful experience, but you are at the mercy of the weather, so be prepared. Get there early to score a good parking spot, stroll by the fountain and gardens and check out the walk of stars.
Victoria Pressley is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom who loves exploring museums and historical sites with her husband and their two toddlers.
Tip: Visit KC Going Places for details on these venues and more local attractions!