While every attempt has been made to ensure the greatest degree of accuracy of the contents within, 20 States on Wheels makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this book and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this book. No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, contents of this book or its URLs to other Internet resources. Reference in this the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by 20 States on Wheels. Many of the photographs used in this book were taken directly by team members of 20 States on Wheels. All photographs not taken by our team members were posted online under Creative Commons 2.0 copyright licensing, and an attribution to the photographer is listed.
for Haley Rue, fellow adventurer, whose spirit lives on.
Kansas City, KS/MO by Brad
I was really set on reviewing the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum. When we arrived, though, I was crestfallen to see that the museums were closed for the day. It was a Monday and I had not anticipated the hours being different. We went up to the door anyway just in case. A man who worked there let us into the lobby and explained to us a little about the museum. I asked if we could just peek around a little and he told us that we could “if we bought him some lunch.” I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, but I couldn’t let the opportunity to see inside go to waste! I told him “sure thing,” and he let us inside to peek around. The exhibits were mostly dark, and none of the television screens or music listening booths were on. It was a neat “Night at the Museum” experience. We walked around and checked out the ramps and the accessibility of the bathrooms. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the history and rich culture over the past century in the primarily black neighborhoods around the Kansas City area ing notes and thanked the man in the lobby. “How about that lunch?” he
K S C
it to him. He tipped his head in thanks and walked out the door. Cyn and I had bribed anyone, and for such a silly reason: to see a museum!
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
191
Basics Weather Kansas City sees four distinct seasons. Here are some basic guidelines: Spring Mild temperatures, though storms are frequent; highs in the 60s, lows in the 40s. Bring a rain jacket.
Autumn Generally mild weather, except during hurricane season, which can bring
Summer Hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms; highs in the 80s, lows in the 60s. Bring an umbrella.
Winter Prepare for a range of temperatures and degrees of wetness. Highs in the 30s and 40s, lows in the teens and 20s. Bring a coat and rain gear.
and 70s, lows in the 40s and 50s. Pack for rain.
Parking with a Disability Placard Kansas and Missouri DO accept disabled parking placards from other states. Drivers with disability placards in Kansas City can park in regular metered parking spaces for free for 4 hours at a time.
Accessible Taxi The following company offers wheelchair accessible taxis in Kansas City: Yellow Cab Toll-free: (888) 471-6050 Phone: (816) 471-5000 Yellow Cab recommends that wheelchair users call an hour and a half in advance to secure an accessible taxi.
192
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
Kansas City, KS
Accessible Van Rental The following company rents wheelchair accessible vans in the Kansas City area: United Access Kansas City Toll-free: (877) 501-8267 Phone: (816) 471-0305 8200 NW 97th Terrace, Kansas City, Missouri 64153 United Access offers wheelchair accessible vans and has one van with hand controls. Be sure to reserve it at least several weeks in advance, especially if you plan to travel during the summer or around the holidays.
Public Transportation Fares:
Regular: Seniors (65+), Disabled, Youth: Day pass : Visitor Pass :
K S C
$1.50 $0.75 $3.00 per day $10.00 for 3 days
Persons with disabilities must show a medicare card or a reduced fare card is necessary to prove eligibility for the reduced fare. To apply for a reduced fare card, call (816) 221-0660 or visit the KCATA website: www.kcata.org/fares/reduced_fares/ Bus The Kansas City Metro Bus system is accessible and gives priority seating to people with disabilities. Staff will assist in boarding and leaving the bus as needed, and one attendant may ride for free. An attendant is described as a person assisting the wheelchair user with mobility. Subway Kansas City does not have a subway system.
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
193
Attractions
Kansas City, KS
National WWI Museum and Liberty Memorial 100 W. 26th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 (816) 888-8100 www.theworldwar.org Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
museum fully accessible; memorial tower is not accessible accessible restroom available inside museum lot with designated handicap parking Adults: $14.00 Seniors/Students: $12.00 Youth(6-17): $8.00 Members/Children (under 6): Free Regular Hours Mon: Closed Tues-Sun: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Summer Hours (Memorial Day - Labor Day) Sun-Fri: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The museum consists of two parts: an accessible museum, and an inaccessible memorial tower.
The National World War I museum, dedicated to the War to End All Wars, is composed of two parts: an accessible indoor museum, and an inaccessible memorial tower. The museum, which houses the largest collection of WWI arthough the carpets on the exhibit level spot reserved for wheelchair users. The museum rents out wheelchairs for free at the front desk. The memorial tower, a tall pillar with a view over the city, requires guests top, and thus is not accessible for those unable to walk.
194
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
Joe’s classic barbecue operates out of a gas station.
Courtesy of Marshall Astor
K S C
Joe’s Kansas City BBQ 3002 West 47th Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66103 (913) 722-3366 www.joeskc.com Entrance fully accessible main entrance Bathroom accessible restroom in gas station Parking lot with designated handicap parking Hours Mon - Thurs: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m Fri-Sat: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m Sun: Closed Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, whose ribs were named “Tastiest Ribs in America” by USA Today in 2013, is an award-winning barbecue joint and one of the most loved restaurants in Kansas City. Joe’s, which is located in the back of a gas station, has lines that are consistently out the door, so make sure to arrive early. Designated handicap parking is available in the lot outside, and the main entrance is accessible. 20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
195
Attractions American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 221-1920 https://www.nlbm.com http://americanjazzmuseum.org/ Entrance Bathroom Parking Price
Hours
fully accessible main entrance accessible restrooms available in lobby area street parking, or lot with designated handicap parking in Gregg Community Center parking lot Adults: $10.00 Seniors: $9.00 Children (5-12): $6.00 Children under 5 years: Free Tues-Sat 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sun: 12 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
The American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which are connected under one roof, each tell a narrative about the historical African-American community and culture in ing, with each museum easily navigable by wheelchairs. Though there are some areas with a few steps, ramps next to these allow for maneuverability. The museum rents out wheelchairs for free upon request.
196
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
Kansas City, KS Bronze statues of -
K S C
One building houses both the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Jazz Museum. 20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
197
Hotels
in Kansas City
This randomly compiled list displays some of the hotels with accessible rooms in Kansas City.
Hotel Name
Star Rating
Address
Phone
Econo Lodge Downtown North
1
2232 Taney Street, Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 421-6000
816 Hotel
2
801 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111
(816) 931-1000
American Motel
2
7949 Splitlog Ave, Kansas City, KS (913) 299-2999 66112
Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown
2
770 Admiral Blvd, Kansas City, MO (816) 472-8808 64106
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City – Merriam
2
7400 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS (913) 722-0800 66203
2
3001 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 931-5700
Best Western Country Inn - North
2
2633 NE 43rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64117
(816) 459-7222
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
3
200 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
816) 421-6800
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
3
Crown Center, 1 E Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
(816) 474-4400
Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown
3
1301 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 474-6664
Hilton Garden Inn Kansas City/Kansas
3
520 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101
(913) 342-7900
Hotel Phillips Kansas City
4
106 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 221-7000
Hilton President Kansas City
4
1329 Baltimore Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105
(816) 221-9490
Raphael Hotel
4
325 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64112
(816) 756-3800
Downtown/Union Hill
198
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
# Accessible # with Roll-in Shower Designated Distance to Rooms Showers Accommodations Handicap Parking Downtown (miles) 2
2
chair available
yes
6.2
3
3
built-in bench
yes
4.3
3
3
built-in bench
yes
11.7
7
2
built-in bench
yes
0.6
7
2
built-in bench
yes
11.2
5
3
chair by request
yes
2.2
1
0
none
yes
6.3
29
11
built-in bench
yes
0.6
14
14
built-in bench
yes
1.3
11
9
built-in bench
yes
0.5
10
10
built-in bench
yes
3.9
12
12
built-in bench and chair by request
valet parking
0.6
5
6
chair by request
valet parking
0.6
2
2
chair by request
yes
5.4
20 States on Wheels Kansas City, KS
K S C
199