Gems of Kansas City

GEMS

of kansas city

Photography by Eli Anderson

Kansas City may be located in “flyover country,” but don’t let that convince you there isn’t a rich cultural history that exists here. From towering memorials, testaments to love and charming green spaces, Kansas City has a little something for everyone. The following are some of KC’s brightest gems.

Top of Liberty Memorial

The Liberty Memorial is one of Kansas City’s most iconic landmarks. Anyone who’s lived in KC is familiar with the sky-high structure that overlooks the entire downtown landscape. Built in 1926, the memorial was dedicated by the U.S. Congress as a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Liberty Tower stands over 200 feet above the National WWI Museum and Memorial below and features an observation deck atop. An elevator ride and a climb up 45 stairs will offer a stunning perspective of downtown and miles beyond.

14th Street (between Main & Grand)

Warm weather brings lots of activity to Kansas City’s Power & Light District. On weekends, 14th Street, between Main and Grand is often blocked off to traffic and is opened up to pedestrians. Visitors will find outdoor dining options, live music and plenty of places to sit and enjoy sights and sounds. The two-block stretch is also lined by twinkling lights, creating a lovely summertime ambiance.

Love Locks Bridge

The Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge is located on the north side of downtown KC’s River Market. Nearly 700 feet long, the bridge is friendly to pedestrians and cyclists alike. Along the way, visitors can learn about the early history of Kansas City from the multiple alcoves and informational signs. The nearly 200-yard bridge is capped by a gated outlook, high above the Missouri River. The gate is adorned with hundreds of locks dedicated to loved ones and lovers alike.

Made in KC Parklet (Baltimore Avenue)

The next-best alternative to downtown cafe charm is the Made in KC parklet on Baltimore Avenue. Located between 12th and 11th streets in the Central Business District, the Baltimore MIKC location features a beautiful outdoor seating area inspired by outdoor dining restrictions this past year. The parklet features several seating options, beautiful plants and the hum of passing traffic. On cooler days, MIKC offers gas-powered heat lamps. One of the most impressive background features is located on the south side of the parklet: One Kansas City Place, Missouri’s tallest building.

Westside Storey

One of Kansas City’s most unique retailers is located in the Crossroads at 1701 Summit St. Westside Storey is full of well-preserved, vintage products that pay homage to Kansas City’s cultural history. From oldschool Chiefs and Royals jerseys, to vintage home decor, one can find just about anything to fit wardrobe and home with everything Kansas City. One can also find new threads with a call-back to the past

Made in KC Trolley Cafe

Made in KC Cafe is everything it says it is. Every bean, donut and breakfast sandwich is made right here in Kansas City. There are multiple locations around the metro, but perhaps the most unique shop is located in the River Market. Locals may be familiar with the old streetcar resting at 426 Delaware St. It served as an interesting bit of Kansas City’s trolley history but over the years became overlooked. MIKC ownership purchased the trolley in 2020 and converted it into a full-service cafe and mini gift shop. They also built a handicapped-accessible wooden patio with tables, chairs and sun umbrellas. Patrons are also welcome inside the trolley to escape the weather. Charm perfectly describes the Made in KC Trolley Cafe, and if you linger there long enough, you’ll see and hear the new KC Streetcar honk and rumble by.

Crossroads Murals

The Crossroads is one of Kansas City’s finest artistic gems. A myriad of art galleries occupy the district’s historic blocks, and a broad range of eateries and coffee shops fill the air with a sweet and savory aroma. The buildings in the Crossroads also reflect the area’s creative spirit. First Fridays during the warm weather months are a perfect opportunity to walk the blocks and admire the hundreds of murals expertly painted on building walls. From realism to psychedelic, Crossroads murals cover the gamut of creative expression.

Top of KC Library

The Central Library is the crown jewel of the Kansas City Public Library system. Located in the aptly named Library District downtown, Central Library features stunning architectural features, a movie theater housed in an old bank vault and the Missouri Valley Room, filled with local historical artifacts. On nice days, visitors can grab refreshments from the in-house coffee shop and bring them up to the rooftop terrace. The outdoor area includes plenty of seating options, an urban garden, a life-sized chess board and informational signs detailing Kansas City’s architectural history.

RoKC

Rock climbers have plenty of options in the KC area, but perhaps the most unique is nestled north of the river. RoKC is housed in a nondescript building in North Kansas City; the inside, however, is anything but. Climbers of all abilities can scale simple and challenging courses. Not for the faint of heart, RoKC’s tallest wall is 40 feet high. In addition to a myriad of climbing options, RoKC offers a yoga and fitness studio at its North KC location.

Eli Anderson is a Kansas City native and professional photographer with an eye for finding the sparkle in our city’s many gems.

FREE

Overland Park Arboretum

and cheap fun in kc

Visiting Kansas City or planning a staycation on a budget? The city offers abundant opportunities to explore and enjoy—without breaking the bank!

Stop by one of the city’s many nature centers for a peaceful (and free) escape from reality. If you’re planning a nature-themed staycation, you won’t want to miss Ernie Miller Nature Park (Olathe), Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Center (Liberty), Parkville Nature Sanctuary (Parkville) or George Owens Nature Park (Independence). You’ll also find the Overland Park Arboretum to be a beautiful and peaceful respite from the weariness of day-to-day life. Arboretum admission is $1-3.

Fans of history will have a blast exploring many historical sites! A few unique spots to visit for free include the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (Leavenworth, $6 per carousel ride), Legler Barn Museum (Lenexa) and Oxford Schoolhouse (Leawood).

Want to enjoy the arts scene without spending a dime? Make your way around the metro on a fountain scavenger hunt— there are more than 200 to find in this “City of Fountains!” The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free to visit (aside from parking), and the shuttlecocks and maze on the front lawn make this popular spot worthy of an Instagram post or two!

Downtown, you can hop on the KC Streetcar for a free ride from the River Market to Union Station! There are 16 stops along the 2-mile streetcar route where you can disembark and explore the city. If your ride takes you to or from Union Station, plan to spend a little time exploring the beautiful structure that’s been part of KC since 1901. Admission to Union Station itself is free; the additional experiences offered inside will vary in price.

If the kids are touring KC with you, check out the extensive list of parks and playgrounds throughout the metro. Meadowbrook Park (Prairie Village) features a treehouse-themed play area that kids love! McCoy Park (Independence) offers a Western town-themed inclusive playground. See if you can find the creek at Charles David Hartman Memorial Park (Lee’s Summit)! And, if the weather ruins your outdoor plans, check out Superkidz Club (Mission) or My Play Café (Lee’s Summit) for indoor play areas that are just for kids (prices vary).

If you just need a quick break from reality, there are still plenty of free options! Go for a leisurely stroll around the Country Club Plaza, picnic on the lawn by the National World War I Museum and Memorial or take selfies with blooms at the Kauffman Memorial Gardens!

Where will your sense of adventure take you?

Julie McKinley is a single homeschooling mom, freelance writer and theater teacher. She lives with her two cats and two kids in Lee’s Summit.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary C.W. Parker Carousel The Country Club Plaza