Kansas City Area  [ View other REGIONS.]

Kansas City is the western anchor to Missouri River country. The heart of the Kansas City Area encompasses an all-American city with a distinctly European flavor. Kansas City complements its heartland appeal with the dazzling fountains of Rome, bold architecture of Spain, and the wide boulevards of Paris.  (Please click on the member CVB's name on the map or in this description for more detailed information.)

Begin your visit at the colorful City Market area of the restored downtown riverfront district, where the Arabia Steamboat Museum displays thousands of artifacts salvaged from a steamboat that wrecked near the city in 1856. If you want great shopping, dining and nightlife on your vacation, look to the Country Club Plaza. Developed in the 1920s as America's first shopping center with fountains and Moorish architecture. Head north to the historic Westport district for great live blues, jazz and R&B. Be sure to visit the 18th and Vine Historic District, with the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Don't forget to sample some of Kansas City's famous barbecue.

The famous Union Station has been beautifully restored and is now home to Science City, an interactive adventure where kids and adults alike enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. With five unique districts to explore, you're sure to find a new adventure around every corner. Riverboat casinos offer a variety of dining choices along with gaming entertainment.

If family fun is on your agenda, head to Worlds of Fun, an internationally themed amusement park, and next door is Oceans of Fun, a tropically themed water park. Or you'll want to get tickets for the baseball Royals or football Chiefs at the twin-stadium Truman Sports Complex.

Just east of Kansas City is Independence. Here you can visit the home and presidential library of Harry S. Truman. At the National Frontier Trails Center, learn about the role of the city as a supply point for the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.

Travel east to Sibley and Fort Osage, a reconstructed fort from the War of 1812, overlooking the Missouri River. A short drive north of Independence brings you to Jesse James country. Liberty's Jesse James Bank Museum is the site of the nation's first daylight bank robbery. Further north, near Kearney, is the Jesse James Farm and Museum, where you can learn more about this notorious outlaw.

From city skyline to rural charm, there's plenty waiting for you in the Kansas City area. One thing's certain - whatever you want in a vacation, you'll find it here.

Kansas City Region Links:

Independence
Greater Kansas City
Lee's Summit