You'll find Kansas City right on the western edge of Missouri, straddling the state line with Kansas. The city is made up of several neighborhoods you might be keen to explore, like the River Market District in the north, which is home to restaurants, bars, shops and ethnic markets. It has a proud tradition of jazz music and theatre, as well as a rich culinary culture largely defined by barbecue food. Pick up a car rental at Kansas City International Airport and you can visit other noteworthy destinations in the American Midwest and beyond.
Head to 100 W 26th Street in Kansas City and you'll find the Liberty Memorial, at the foot of which stands the National World War I Museum. The memorial was erected in 1928 to commemorate those who died in the Great War. In the museum, you'll find artifacts and exhibits including letters, films, weapons, uniforms and a tank with damage from a German shell.
You can learn about art from all over the world at this museum at 4525 Oak Street, which houses a large collection encompassing everything from Greek and Roman antiquities to Native American basketwork and pottery. It's also worth going for a leisurely stroll around the scenic gardens and taking in the impressive sights of the sculpture park.
Jazz is a quintessential part of the character of Kansas City, and it's thoroughly explored at this museum on E 18th Street in the Jazz District, an area that was once home to the likes of Count Basie and Charlie Parker. A saxophone played by Parker is among the pieces jazz aficionados will be keen to see at the site, along with a gown once worn by Ella Fitzgerald and many other exhibits.
Hop into your car rental in Kansas City and head east on I-70 and I-64 to reach St Louis, which you'll find on the western bank of the Mississippi River. The drive will take just over three and a half hours, but the journey will be worth it once you see how much there is to do in St Louis. The city boasts sights like the Gateway Arch in the downtown area, the St Louis Zoo, frequently ranked as one of the best in the country, and the second-largest herbarium in North America at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Kansas City is located in fairly close proximity to a number of other states, one of which is Nebraska, where you'll find cities like Lincoln and Omaha. Follow I-29 N and you'll reach Omaha in less than three hours. Known for its history and culture, the city is home to several theaters and performing arts centers, as well as the Omaha Children's Museum and the Durham Museum. The Old Market in the downtown area is a key part of the local retail industry and well worth a visit.
If you're keen to see some of the beautiful scenery and natural attractions found in Missouri and neighboring states, travel south-east from Kansas City to explore the Ozarks, a region that includes the St Francois Mountains of Missouri and the Boston Mountains of Arkansas. Within the Ozarks you'll find Mark Twain National Forest, where you can see sights including Greer Spring, and other beautiful locations like Roark Bluff on the Buffalo National River.
An SUV will be ideal if you're planning to rent a car in Kansas City to explore some of the wilder parts of Missouri.
Kansas City International Airport
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July, with an average of 322 hours of sunshine.
September sees 123 mm of rain on average.
Great American Barbecue, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, KC Riverfest