Summary
Kansas City, straddling the border between Missouri and Kansas, showcases a vibrant cultural scene rooted in its rich jazz heritage, complemented by exceptional barbecue cuisine and a multitude of quality craft breweries.
The city is positioned at the junction of the Missouri and Kansas rivers and was incorporated as a city in March 1853. Its numerous fountains are a significant tourist attraction, with many located throughout the urban landscape.
Like most major urban centers, it offers a variety of entertainment options, including art galleries, museums, restaurants, and bars. Additionally, it provides excellent day trip opportunities for those visiting.
Below are the finest day trips from Kansas City:
1. Powell Gardens
Covering 915 acres and located less than 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Powell Gardens offers a picturesque natural retreat ideal for a day trip.
This botanical garden features diverse sections to explore, including an indoor conservatory, a Rock and Waterfall garden, and beautifully landscaped hills and meadows.
Visitors should not overlook the education center, notable for its thoughtfully designed architecture that harmonizes with the surrounding nature.
2. Lake Jacomo
Spanning 970 acres, Lake Jacomo is situated in Jackson County and is recognized as one of Parks and Recreation’s most sought-after destinations.
Notably, its name derives from a blend of “Jackson County, MO,” utilizing the first letter of each word.
The lake provides a range of water-based recreational activities, including windsurfing, sailing, boating, and fishing.
Common catches include carp, striped bass, bluegill, and crappie.
Lake Jacomo also hosts popular events such as sailboat regattas, allowing visitors to witness a parade of vibrant boats on the water.
3. Weston
Located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Weston offers a variety of entertainment options for a day trip.
Green Dirt Farm is particularly well-regarded, providing high-quality products such as grass-fed lamb and sheep’s milk cheese, alongside unique Farm Table Dinners that feature four courses of locally sourced cuisine.
These dinners aim to educate visitors about the origins of their food.
Following your farm visit, consider exploring the local brewery or winery for a refreshing drink.
4. Somerset Wine Trail
The Somerset Wine Trail consists of four award-winning wineries: Somerset Ridge, White Wind Farm, Middle Creek, and Night Hawk.
This region is notably one of the fastest-growing in terms of wine production in the United States, due to the fact that all these wineries cultivate their grapes on-site and produce their wines locally.
Somerset Ridge is the oldest and largest winery, featuring over 20 acres and a selection of more than 20 wines, catering to all preferences from dry to sweet to sparkling.
The Somerset Trail is an ideal setting to learn about the winemaking process, tour a vineyard, and sample some of their finest offerings.
5. Excelsior Springs
Situated conveniently close to downtown Kansas City, Excelsior Springs is a small community renowned for its impressive Elms Hotel and Spa.
This historic spa facility dates back to 1888 and has been visited by numerous notable individuals, including Harry S. Truman and Al Capone.
An extensive array of wellness services is offered, ranging from facials to massages, hydrotherapy to pedicures.
A salon is also available on-site.
This location is ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
6. Independence, MO
Independence, known for being the long-time residence of the 33rd president of the United States, Harry S. Truman, is a significant attraction for visitors to Kansas City.
Actress Ginger Rogers also counted Independence as her home, adding to the city’s historical significance.
In Independence, one can tour Truman’s former residence and the presidential library, gaining insight into his intriguing and impactful life.
Beyond presidential sites, Independence features a stunning gothic mansion, several local shops, and numerous dining options for lunch or dinner.
7. Missouri Town 1855
Located just east of Independence, Missouri Town 1855 is a captivating living history museum featuring a variety of actors who reenact historical scenes.
This immersive experience showcases a range of 1850s residences, a functioning blacksmith shop, and a mercantile.
The site encompasses over 30 acres and includes 25 buildings, many of which are furnished with original items and equipment.
8. Prairiefire
Located approximately half an hour from Kansas City, Overland Park is home to Prairiefire.
This entertainment complex features museums, restaurants, bars, a cinema, and a bowling alley.
Its collaboration with New York’s American Museum of Natural History ensures that the museum hosts world-class exhibits, complementing its variety of dining options.
This contemporary attraction provides a relaxing environment for visitors, whether seeking intellectual engagement or a more leisurely outing.
9. Hermann
The German-influenced community of Hermann is a fascinating destination for a day visit.
Founded in 1837 by German immigrants from Philadelphia, Hermann is situated along the banks of the Missouri River.
Visitors can explore various local shops and dine in restaurants that often boast locally made wines.
The area is surrounded by excellent wineries, such as Hermannhof, and many host live music events on their outdoor terraces.
Without a doubt, it is a splendid location to spend the day.
10. Lawrence
Lawrence is an ideal destination for those seeking a break from the hustle of city life.
As the county seat of Douglas County, it is home to the University of Kansas and serves as a hub for cultural and historical attractions.
Notable sites include the Spencer Art Museum, the Watkins Museum of History, and the Liberty Hall theater.
Additionally, Lawrence boasts a surprisingly vibrant music scene, recognized by publications like the New York Times and Esquire.
Moreover, the university’s sports teams are well-known throughout the region, frequently offering high-caliber games to attend.
South Park, the city’s largest park, often hosts events such as music festivals, and nearby Clinton Lake provides a great spot for a swim.
11. St. Joseph
St. Joseph was once an outpost and frontier town on the route to the Wild West, but it has also gained notoriety as the birthplace of Eminem.
However, it is most recognized for being the location where Jesse James met his demise.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate St. Joseph, as it boasts over 26 miles of parkways.
Visitors can hike or cycle along the trails, discover the lagoon, and enjoy a picnic at one of the numerous convenient spots throughout the park.
For those interested in horseback riding, the Pony Express Museum, which features stables dating back to 1860, provides opportunities for rides in the area.
12. Louisburg
Despite its small size, Louisburg offers a range of attractions.
The area features an excellent aquatic center that includes golfing and swimming, as well as a scenic lake with a lovely path winding around its perimeter.
Additionally, visitors can find a conservation site and sanctuary housing a Siberian tiger, along with the Powell Observatory, which features an impressive public telescope.
First-time visitors particularly enjoy the local cider mill, especially during the autumn Cider Fest.
Overall, it makes for a fantastic day trip with diverse options for everyone.
13. Carthage
Carthage serves as a historical dream destination for enthusiasts of the Old West and Civil War; it was the site of numerous battles, including the first and second battles of Carthage.
The city flourished following the Civil War, leading to the construction of many magnificent buildings made from local marble.
Situated in Jasper County, Missouri, Carthage is also known as ‘America’s Maple Leaf City’ because of its stunning autumn foliage.
A nearby lake offers opportunities for swimming as well.
14. Atchison
Atchison merits a visit to discover its most renowned inhabitant: the pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.
Earhart was the first woman to complete a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, among other remarkable achievements.
Approximately sixty miles from Kansas City, Atchison is home to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace museum, maintained by a group of female pilots.
Additionally, the International Forest of Friendship, an arboretum dedicated to individuals in aviation, can be found here.
15. Leavenworth
Leavenworth was the first city incorporated into Kansas in 1854, and it offers a variety of attractions in this compact city, including a local brewery, artisanal crafts, an exceptional shopping district with antiques, and numerous fine dining establishments.
While visiting, be sure to stop by Fort Leavenworth, which houses the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park and the Frontier Army Museum, both of which provide insightful historical lessons.
The Richard Allen Cultural Centre is also worth a visit, featuring a wealth of interesting artifacts from the area’s black pioneers.
