US Travel Guide - Kansas City

Kansas City Entertainment

Theres never a dull moment in Kansas City. Whether you're a theater lover or a sports enthusiast, a history buff or a roller coaster fan, you'll find plenty to keep you busy in this vibrant Midwest metropolis.

Northland
If theres one attraction that brings more visitors to Kansas City than any other, it has to be Worlds of Fun. This 175-acre theme park features more than 140 rides and attractions. Be sure to take a spin on the Mamba; its one of the longest, tallest and fastest steel roller coasters in the world. Worlds of Funs sister park, Oceans of Fun, offers more than 60 acres of water fun. Bring your swimsuit, nose plug and lots of sunscreen. If you're feeling lucky, try the Station Casino & Hotel or Harrahs North Kansas City Casino & Hotel. In addition to the usual gaming options, both riverboat casinos offer hotels, dining and more. The Northland also boasts interesting historical sites, including the Jessie James Farm and Museum and the Jessie James Bank Museum.

Downtown
The concrete playground known as downtown Kansas City mixes the towns rich heritage with its exciting modern attractions. One of the most popular stops is Union Station. When it opened to the public in 1914, Union Station was the third largest passenger train station in the country (New Yorks Grand Central and Pennsylvania Stations were first and second). Abandoned in the 1950s due to the increase in air and automobile travel, Union Station was recently restored to its former grandeur, and now houses Science City, a tiny town built inside the station that features 50 'neighborhoods,' each with a different science-based focus. Another downtown mainstay is Crown Center. This massive complex not only houses the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards, but it also includes excellent restaurants, lots of shopping, live theater and two hotels. A trip to Kansas City wouldn't be complete without a visit to the 18th and Vine District, known the world over as the site where Kansas City-style jazz music was born.

Plaza/Westport
If you're the shop until you drop type, you're going to love the Country Club Plaza and Westport districts. Designed in 1922, the Plaza is the countrys first shopping area especially designed to accommodate automobiles. Its Spanish architecture, one-of-a-kind shops, national retailers and outstanding restaurants make this a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Where the Plaza is more upscale, Westport is down to earth. The area is the oldest neighborhood in the Kansas City area, with many of the trendy nightclubs, cafes, galleries and shops taking up residence in the quaint brick buildings that once housed supply stores serving settlers heading west in covered wagons. To satisfy a more artistic taste, try a few of the citys outstanding fine art museums. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is considered one of the finest in the nation, with its outstanding collections of European, American and Oriental art, Chinese Temple Room, outdoor sculpture garden and more. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art offers permanent and traveling exhibits featuring some of the most respected artists of our time. If you think art is only for serious adult viewing, think again. The Toy & Miniature Museum offers a delightful display of antique dolls, doll houses, trains, miniatures and Victorian toys that will charm the young and the young at heart.

Johnson County
Overland Park, one of Johnson Countys most vibrant areas, offers a seemingly endless array of exciting entertainment options. The Farmers Market gathers around the clock tower in downtown Overland Park every Wednesday and Saturday from May through October. Here you'll find fresh, locally-grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, jams, crafts and more. The Shawnee Indian Mission Historical Site, which began as a mission school serving Native American children in the 1820s and '30s, later became a popular resting area for settlers traveling the Santa Fe Trail. If you're looking for something fun for younger visitors, try the Deanna Rose Childrens Farmstead, a five-acre farm complete with a petting barnyard, picnic areas and nature trails.

East Metro
Its all about sports in East Metro. Here you'll find the Truman Sport Complex, home to Arrowhead and Kaufman Stadiums. Whether you're a Kansas City Chiefs fan, a Kansas City Royals fan or both, you'll feel the excitement from the moment you take your seat. For a bit of history, try a trip to Independence for a stop at the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum and the Truman Farm Home.

South KC
If you're anywhere near South Kansas City, you must spend a day at the Kansas City Zoological Park. Animals from around the globe are housed in outdoor exhibits that closely resemble their natural habitats. You'll see rhinos, gorillas, cheetahs, zebras, sea lions, kangaroos and more at this world-class zoo. Also on the grounds is the Sprint IMAX Theatre, where you'll experience movies like 'Everest' and 'Dolphins' on a screen more than six-stories tall. South Kansas City is also home to the Starlight Theatre, one of only two professional, open-air theatre companies in the nation.

G. Hermann