Popular Missouri Vacation Cities

What to Know

Located in the heart of America, Kansas City is famous for jazz, barbecue and fountains. Yes, fountains. With more than 200 of the picturesque structures, the "City of Fountains" boasts more waterworks than any city other than Rome.

Located at the start of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails, Kansas City is also known as the "Gateway to the West." Signs of the city’s pioneer past are evident throughout the city, from historic landmarks to modern attractions.

Kansas City is also rich in African-American history. Negro Leagues baseball and the city’s jazz heritage are celebrated at the 18th and Vine Historic District. The proud birthplace of Charlie "Bird" Parker and adopted home of William "Count" Basie, Kansas City is where jazz transitioned from big-band style to bebop in the 1930s.

Thanks to the area’s famous stockyards, the city is known for fine steak, but barbecue is the true specialty. What makes Kansas City barbecue unique is the sauce-a thick, tomato-based concoction with a spicy kick. Local favorites include Arthur Bryant’s and Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue.

Where to Go

Pay your respects to Kansas City’s jazz legends at downtown’s 18th and Vine Historic District. Tour the American Jazz Museum, then visit the adjacent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Catch a live jazz performance at the museum’s Blue Room club or the Gem Theater, a 1912 movie house turned performing arts facility.

Art lovers will find plenty to do in Kansas City. Gallery-hop in downtown’s hip Crossroads Art District, an artsy area that comes to life the first Fridays of the month. Visit the celebrated Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, stroll through the property’s Sculpture Park then head to the nearby Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Union Station, a grand landmark built in 1914, is home to the interactive Science City museum, the KC Rail Experience train exhibit, a planetarium, a theater and traveling exhibits. After exploring the restored train station, visit the nearby Liberty Memorial and tour the stirring National World War One Museum.

For a unique shopping experience, head to Country Club Plaza, a sprawling retail, dining and entertainment center designed in the style of Seville, Spain. Hit the shops, then relax in one of the Plaza’s piazza-style courtyards, where you’ll find some of those famous fountains.

When to Go

July and August can get hot and humid, late spring and early summer tend to be the rainiest times of year, and January is the coldest month. Milder spring months are a pleasant time for fun on the Missouri River, although the riverboat casinos can be enjoyed year-round.

Memorial Day weekend is a festive time to visit Kansas City, with city-wide festivities and flocks of visitors to the National World War One Museum. Every Labor Day weekend, the Santa-Cali-Gon Days street festival celebrates the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. Held in nearby Independence, the festival features live country music, carnival rides, food and a marketplace.

If you happen to be in town during the winter holidays, be sure to stop by the Plaza. Every winter, horse-drawn carriages, carolers and 80-miles of holiday lights create a winter wonderland.