Spend a day enjoying shopping, dining, laughing, playing, and a bit of history in the Northland!
Six-Stop Tour: Midtown / Plaza
Take time to explore some of Kansas City’s most beloved gems in the winter!
Scenic Byways Near Kansas City
Kansas City may be best known for its cityscape, but it is also situated in the Heartland of the United States. Gorgeous scenic routes neighbor the metro area, showcasing the beauty of the Midwest. If you’re looking for driving routes with stunning views, you will love the scenic byways listed below!
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
Where: Council Grove to Cassoday, KS.
Map: Click here!
Number of miles: 47.
Details: This byway weaves through a landscape that has remained unchanged throughout the centuries, offering a glimpse into the past. As you drive through the rolling Flint Hills, you will pass many of the world’s remaining tallgrass prairies. Be sure to stop by the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where you can see bison, a historic ranch, and beautiful views of the prairies and wildflowers. Other points of interest along the byway include the Kaw Nation Heritage Park and the Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum.
Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
Where: Fort Leavenworth to White Cloud, KS.
Map: Click here!
Number of miles: 63.
Details: This byway gets its name from the ancient glaciers that are said to have passed through the region, creating a landscape with picturesque hills and rocky valleys. As you drive along the byway, you will see fertile farmlands, clear streams, and the Missouri River bluffs. Historic points of interest include Fort Leavenworth, a Pony Express route, and the birthplace of Amelia Earhart.
Native Stone Scenic Byway
Where: Dover to Manhattan, KS.
Map: Click here!
Number of miles: 75.
Details: Named for the natural limestone formations along the route, this byway features unique towns and fences built from limestone. Lush farmland blankets much of the landscape, and an abundance of wildflowers grow from late spring to fall. The route passes through the Mission Creek & Mill Creek valleys, as well as part of the Flint Hills. Be sure to stretch your legs at Echo Cliff Park, where you can hike up the cliff to admire the view.
Old Trails Road Scenic Byway
Where: Napoleon to Lexington, MO.
Map: Click here!
Number of miles: 15.
Details: Located on Missouri’s Route 224, this byway winds through orchards and vineyards, following the Missouri River. You can see the river bluffs, lush foliage, and rolling hills, as well as historic Lexington, Fort Osage, and a nearby marker for the Santa Fe Trail. If you would like to see more historic points of interest on your drive, click here for directions to neighboring routes.
BONUS – Cliff Drive State Scenic Byway
Where: Chestnut Trafficway & Cliff Drive, MO.
Map: Click here!
Number of miles: 4.
Details: This byway is currently off-limits to motor vehicles, but bikers and pedestrians are welcome. As Kansas City’s only scenic byway, Cliff Drive preserves a portion of the area’s natural beauty. Those who travel through the wooded path will see limestone bluffs, a waterfall, and North Terrace Lake. Other points of interest include Kessler Park, the Concourse, the Kansas City Museum, and more.
Do you know of any other beautiful routes near Kansas City? Please let us know in the comments below!
Enjoying the Great Outdoors
The air is brisk and it’s sweater weather. City-dwellers often are tempted to spend the colder months cuddled up inside with warm drinks, hot soup, blankets and books … and all of these things are delightful. However, it’s easy to miss out on the grandeur and beauty of the great outdoors this time of year if we don’t make a point to get outside. Fortunately, many great local sites are just a short drive or day trip away and offer terrific cold weather adventures.
A Bountiful Harvest: Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens in Kingsville, MO (about 20 minutes east of Lee’s Summit), is a beautiful botanical garden that happens to be open year-round. The Heartland Harvest Garden, where everything is edible, is one of the best-loved attractions at the site, and on Nov. 3 Powell Gardens is giving a “Thanksgiving from the Garden” tour. The tour is included with admission and provides inspiration to incorporate new varieties of seeds, nuts, vegetables and other edible plants into your Thanksgiving dinner plan. You’ll even learn about edible flowers on this tour and how to include these ideas in your cooking.
Throughout the winter, the indoor conservatory displays feature a variety of plants, and the outdoor gardens become a winter oasis. From Nov. 29 through Jan. 5 (Thu.-Sun. evenings), visitors are invited to the Festival of Lights. This year’s display theme is Luminosity, featuring a dazzling display of colored lights along a mile-long walking path through the Heartland Harvest Garden. Free children’s activities, including an ornament station, are included with admission. With roaming carolers (on select evenings), hot cocoa and treats, this holiday tradition is a favorite.
America’s National Mammal, the Bison: Prairie Park State Park
The bison is iconically American. The animal played an important role in the lives of Native Americans and it roamed the plains and prairies of Missouri and Kansas for thousands of years. In Missouri, bison still find a home at Prairie State Park in Mindenmines (about an hour north of Joplin, MoStateParks.com/park/prairie-state-park). Scenic trails and picnic spots are found throughout the park with beautiful tallgrass prairies. On Nov. 2, celebrate National Bison Day at the park with two special hikes (10:00 and 1:00). Visitors are invited to take a guided hike, photograph bison and enjoy the autumn prairie. You may visit the park year-round.
America’s National Emblem, the Bald Eagle: Loess Bluffs
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge (north on I-29 near Mound City, MO, FWS.gov/refuge/loess_bluffs) is a 7,440-acre scenic wildlife preserve consisting of wetlands, grasslands and, most notably, a breeding ground for migratory birds and wildlife. The beautiful and unique hills offer remarkable views of rocks, geologic features and native plants and prairie. The hallmark of the refuge, however, is its role in the migration of the American bald eagle. The birds are known to migrate to the refuge in late fall and early winter, making this a wonderful day trip for families to enjoy a bit of nature this month or next. Throughout the season, you’re likely to see several hundred bald eagles, and some golden eagles, at the site. Some eagles spend winter and summer at there. Visitors may enjoy bird watching and exploring throughout the year, but November and December are especially wonderful for eagle watching. This year, mark your calendar for the annual Eagle Days on Dec. 7 and 8. The free event includes live eagle shows, staffed spotting scope stations, guided bus tours, exhibits, activities, videos and more.
Wild Turkeys: Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
Legend has it that Benjamin Franklin believed the turkey should be America’s national bird. Although he never actually proposed using the turkey as the symbol of freedom, he did defend it as “a more respectable bird, and withal a true original Native of America.” It’s not our national symbol, but the turkey is the centerpiece of most Thanksgiving meals. You can visit wild turkeys at one of the best local nature centers and conservation areas in the metro, Burr Oak Woods (Nature.MDC.mo.gov), located in Blue Springs. The 1,071-acre property includes a variety of nature trails for every ability and skill level, as well as the first nature center in Missouri. Walking or hiking the trails allows visitors to watch wildlife and explore limestone boulders, restored prairies and woodlands, and outdoor play spaces where children learn more about nature. The center includes hands-on exhibits for children, an aquarium with native fish, and wildlife and bird watching areas. Guests at the center enjoy watching the wild turkeys that roam the property, including the bird watching land around the center. Every month, the center hosts free workshops and programs for children and families to learn more about local conservation.
Outdoor Stories: Ernie Miller Nature Center
Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe offers beautiful paved trails to enjoy fall foliage and wildlife, as well as a small nature center with animals and exhibits. The center regularly hosts classes and storytime events for young children, but they especially celebrate the art of storytelling with their Tellebration event in November. On Nov. 16, visitors are invited to celebrate the International Day of Storytelling with nature stories starring live animals and including themes of environmental awareness and ancient myths. Learn more about this event and other Johnson County Parks and Rec events at JCPRD.com.
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland: Overland Park Arboretum
The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are open year-round with walking trails through picturesque gardens that always offer something new to see. Although the gardens are always a fun family outing, a favorite tradition for many local families is the annual Holiday Luminary Walk (ArtsAndRec-OP.org). This year’s event will be held weekends Nov. 29-Dec. 14. Visitors walk through woods and gardens over a mile of candlelit pathways, enjoying music and holiday lights. The most whimsical features of the event are the gnome and fairy villages, the colorful Children’s Garden and visits with Santa. The perfect finale for the evening is a mug of hot Louisburg cider around the campfire and a horse-drawn wagon ride. Reservations are required for this event, and discounts are offered for garden members and First National Bank customers.
Kristina Light and her girls enjoy outdoor activities year round.
Off the Beaten Path in KC
Got the travel bug, but can’t go far? Try visiting a new part of town, where lesser known spots offer one-of-a-kind experiences.
Urban & Unique
Start your adventures where it all began: Kansas City’s historic river front. Arrive early and stroll the produce and crafts stalls in the River Market (5th & Walnut). Then, visit the nearby food, antique and ethnic shops. Kansas City’s historic Garment District, where local workers produced clothing sold around the world, is a few blocks north.
The Garment District Museum is in the heart of Kansas City’s once robust clothing manufacturing district. The museum features changing exhibits of the fashionable clothes produced here during the 1920s through the 1960s. A commemorative park located across the street features a fountain and a 22-foot “Needle” sculpture.
Before returning your free parking ticket, stop by the five-story Central Library of Kansas City in the former National Bank of Kansas City building. Marble fixtures, chandeliers, the old vault (now a movie theater), historic artifacts and a spectacular rooftop with reading area and an over-sized chess set make an unforgettable impression.
Nearby: The Money Museum, located in the Federal Reserve Bank near 20th & Grand. Entry is free, and everyone takes home a bag of cash (Shredded-but but still, it’s cash!). Interactive exhibits explain how the nation’s economy works. View one of the largest cash vaults in the United States, design your own money and try lifting a solid gold bar.
Hungry? Options abound at the River Market and the Power and Light District (between 12th & 14th streets, and Baltimore & Grand), or park at Crown Center and validate your parking ticket at one of its restaurants/food court businesses.
The Northland
Gladstone and Parkville offer significant historic and recreational resources worthy of repeat visits.
Gladstone:
Enjoy a rural retreat in a growing suburban community. The Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, one of Clay County’s oldest continuously occupied properties, makes its public debut April 27. The 22-acre farm includes the restored farmhouse, outbuildings, two barns and a cemetery. Visitors view part of the farm’s 1826 log cabin and experience life on a typical early 20th century Missouri farm.
Nearby: Happy Rock Park, at NE 76th & Antioch, is a 79-acre park with a 1.3-mile fitness trail, picnic areas, tennis courts, ball fields, batting cages and three playgrounds. Oak Grove Park, at NE 76th Street & Troost, is a 17-acre park with a ½-mile walking trail and the permanent home of Gladstone’s renowned Theatre in the Park. This year’s program offers Guys and Dolls (July 5-7) and The Music Man (August 2-4).
Parkville:
Make a day of it and visit Parkville, a quaint riverfront town located 5 miles north of downtown. Parkville’s historic architecture and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and galleries are within walking distance of English Landing Park, a miniature golf course, a picturesque university and the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
English Landing Park is a family-friendly recreational spot with picnic shelters and a playground; the 3-mile riverfront trail is a favorite among walkers, runners and bikers. Festivals and live performances are held throughout the spring and summer months.
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary, north of the park and the university, is a 40-acre wildlife preserve with several trails amid forests, wetlands and a waterfall.
Nearby: The neighborhood north of town has a variety of historic houses. A few blocks west is the Banneker School, the first African-American one-room schoolhouse in Platte County, built with help from Park University students in 1885 (8th & West).
Hungry? Parkville offers everything from pizza and sandwiches to specialty coffees and fine French cuisine. Restaurants are located along Main Street and west of the park in the English Landing Shopping Center.
Independence, Missouri:
Independence offers some unusual sites that take you off the beaten trail. Through July 31, the Puppetry Arts Institute features the most famous puppet in history: Pinocchio. Tour the museum’s collection of locally-made Hazelle Inc. marionette and hand puppets and international puppets, then take in a performance and make a puppet.
Nearby: A truly unique experience awaits you at Leila’s Hair Museum, with displays of more than 400 hair wreaths made before 1900, as well as jewelry and watch chains fashioned from hair.
Truman Home and Neighborhood: If you’ve just gotta see Harry, visit him at home. Start your tour at the visitor’s center at 223 N. Main St. Before or after your tour, explore the print or cell phone tours that showcase several buildings important to Truman throughout his life. The Truman Farm Home in Grandview is a 25-minute drive.
Hungry? Stroll-Harry style-over to Independence Square, where local restaurants and shops offer a variety of casual to upscale fare. The Courthouse Exchange Restaurant, located below street level, is a favorite (113 W. Lexington Ave., 816.252.0344).
Fairway to Shawnee, Kansas:
Discover Johnson County’s Native American history and its rural heritage.
The Shawnee Indian Mission Museum in Fairway preserves one of the largest Methodist missions established in the region to educate and minister to the Shawnee, Delaware and other nations from 1839 to 1862. The stories of the missionaries and the students who lived here and attended the Manual Training School are presented at the 12-acre National Historic Landmark.
Shawnee Town 1929 is a recreated village reflecting life in Shawnee between 1840 and 1920. Recent additions focus on the market farming heritage of the 1920s. Several events are planned for spring/summer 2013, including a Farmstead Open House (May 4), Old Shawnee Days (June 8) and Garden Party (June 22).
Nearby: The Johnson County Museum of History and the 1950s All-Electric House.
Hungry? Many family-friendly chain restaurants are located along Shawnee Mission Parkway. A modern version of wFritz’s Railroad Restaurant, here miniature trains deliver your food, is located at 13803 W. 63rd St., about two miles from Old Shawnee Town.
Kathy Stump lives in Parkville, from where she and her family enjoy exploring the surrounding area.
Family Friendly KC from A to Z
Explore off-the-beaten path attractions and local favorites for a uniquely KC experience.
Apple cider donuts made from scratch right before your eyes are just one of the delicious treats to enjoy on a visit to Louisburg Cider Mill, a favorite fall attraction. Watch as cider is made at the mill, explore the corn maze, shop in the country store and play at the pumpkin patch.
Build an “earthquake proof” Lego tower at Legoland Discovery Center, where you can play with the world’s biggest box of Legos, watch a film in the Lego Studios 4D cinema, enjoy rides and explore a miniature Kansas City in Lego Miniland.
Candlelit paths throughout Overland Park Arboretum create a festive atmosphere at the annual luminary walk with live musical entertainment, Santa Claus in the depot, horse-drawn wagon rides, hot cider around a campfire and mystical gnome and fairy villages.
Dine at Fritz’s restaurant (multiple locations across the metro), where trains deliver food straight to your table.
Eat the ultimate Kansas City concoction at Betty Rae’s, an ice creamery offering an original frozen confection incorporating famous Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que into one of its many amazing made-from-scratch ice cream flavors.
Fly through the air at iFly, an indoor sky diving adventure where instructors will give you the adventure of a lifetime.
Giant sunflowers greet thousands of visitors every autumn at Grinter Farms where acres of the beautiful yellow flowers bloom in the heart of Kansas.
Hug Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang at Winterfest at Worlds of Fun. Be dazzled by thousands of holiday lights, live festive shows and holiday activities as the amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland.
Imagine and play at the Johnson County Museum where their interactive KidScape exhibit is a child-size village fostering creative play.
Jump to new heights through the Warrior Obstacle Course or Slam Dunk Zone at Urban Air, Overland Park’s ultimate indoor trampoline park.
Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains, boasting more fonts than any city other than Rome. Be sure to check out some of the more than 200 fountains officially recognized by the City of Fountains Foundation.
Lace up your ice skates this winter and enjoy the city’s outdoor rink at Crown Center’s Ice Terrace.
Make a masterpiece at Kaleidoscope, a free, hands-on children’s art center where imagination knows no limits.
Nose-to-nose views of historical U.S. aircraft include the first Lockheed Constellation ever restored, a Martin 404, a DC-3 and a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar at the Airline History Museum.
Oscar-winning films, holiday classics, current and retro films are shown at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where your movie-watching experience is unforgettable. Catch a movie party where favorite films are celebrated with games, delicious food and drink and fun.
Photograph the family with an 11-foot-tall bronze spider and her baby on the lawn of the Kemper Museum of Modern Art, one of the city’s free art galleries.
Quiet is not required on the roof of the Central Library in downtown Kansas City, where you may play with a giant chess set or read a book discovered when you walk through the pages of a children’s story to explore the children’s department.
Ride a real stagecoach at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop where history comes to life and you can learn about early pioneers on the Kansas prairie.
Share a Skyscraper, a giant ice cream soda, with your favorite pals at Winstead’s, one of Kansas City’s original diners.
Take a ride through downtown aboard the free KC Streetcar and enjoy our KC Streetcar scavenger hunt.
Underwater pumpkin carving is a thing, and you can watch as scuba divers carve jack-o’-lanterns at Sea Life in October.
View the city from atop the City Hall Observation Deck (Mon.-Fri., 9:00-3:00) on the top floor of Kansas City’s City Hall. It’s a great site to capture panoramic photos of the city skyline.
Wind your way through a corn maze. Discover local corn mazes with the KC Pumpkin Patch Guide.
eXit the ultimate family-friendly escape room at Paradise Park. The venue offers 45-minute escape experiences where you unravel the mystery of Sasquatch or solve a puzzle as a cyber sleuth.
Yell and cheer for Sporting KC, KC Mavericks, Royals and Chiefs as a fan of our city’s sports teams.
Zoo visits are especially memorable overnight when you enjoy a family slumber party in the penguin, polar bear, stingray or African exhibits of the Kansas City Zoo.