While packing my bags for my FAM trip and preparing to visit Kansas City Kansas (KCK) for the first time, I couldn’t help that I was kind of only thinking about the Wizard of Oz.
I’ll admit—I was only expecting wheat fields and, well… not much of anything else. (Sorry, Kansas!) But WOW, was I wrong!
This underrated city (not to be confused with Kansas City, MO!) completely shattered every preconception I had about Midwest destinations.
From world-class soccer to hidden historical sites, some of the iconic things to do in Kansas City Kansas made it one of the most surprising places I’ve visited lately.
Furthermore, I’ll be giving you some pretty good reasons why this Midwest gem deserves to be on your bucket list of road trip destinations to visit in the U.S.
Perfectly positioned along I-70 and just hours from major Midwest cities, KCK is ideal whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or adding an unexpected stop to your cross-country or heartland adventure.
And trust me, you’ll want to stay longer than just a quick pit stop.
As a slow traveler who loves to dig deeper into destinations, I’m all about the small-town feels and lesser-known attractions.
So imagine my excitement when visiting a marble store was part of the itinerary!
It was one of the most amazing toy stores I’ve ever been to and we were even able to experience a live demonstration of the marble-making process.
But I won’t spoil all that fun just yet!
For now, just forget everything you thought you knew about Kansas (like I had to!).
Here are the Kansas City Kansas attractions that transformed this skeptical traveler into a Midwest believer.
Reason No. 1: Kansas City Kansas is the REAL Soccer Capital of America
As someone who’s not an actual soccer fan, I didn’t even know that KCK is known as the Soccer Capital of America!
And quite honestly, the stadium for the Sporting Kansas City team at Children’s Mercy Park took my breath away!
This isn’t just a soccer stadium—it’s a state-of-the-art complex with cool spaces that give you all the movie feels.
And their locker room? I expected, well, just lockers, of course. But in reality, the team’s locker room looks more like a high-end business suite!
But what touched my heart the most was learning about their Victory Project and their honoree chair, dedicated to kids battling cancer.
For each home match, they’ll have a Victory Project honoree and give them a full VIP weekend experience.
To me, this shows how much this venue is deeply connected with the community, and that my friends, is priceless!
You can download the Sporting KC app for updates on game dates and check out their Where You Belong page for all their seating options. Soccer season runs from February to December.
💁♀️Traveler’s Tip: Have your app downloaded with your digital tickets ready before you arrive as Sporting KC is mobile ticketing only and screenshots of your tickets are not accepted. The stadium has a clear-bag policy and this is a cash-only facility, so plan accordingly.
Reason No. 2: The Cultural Journey on Foot You Never Knew Existed
If you want to peek into KCK’s soul, a walking tour with Urban Hikes KCK will completely change your perspective on downtown Kansas City Kansas.
Their tour guides expertly weave together highlights from the KCK Legacy Trail, making city history come alive with every step.
The tour winds through the historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood, where you’ll spot vibrant story-telling murals like the Mathias Splitlog and Wyandot Echoes artwork.
History buffs like me will love the stops at the Huron Indian Cemetery (also known as Wyandotte Cemetery) and the Quindaro Townsite ruins.
I mean, the cemetery alone—a National Historic Landmark, is definitely worth the trip.
This is where Lyda Conley and her sisters—known as the Conley Sisters, fought to prevent their sacred ground from being desecrated.
These brave women literally shut down the gates with padlocks, built their own little 8′ x 6′ shack which they named “Fort Conley” and guarded their ancestors’ graves with shotguns!
As a cool fact, part of their pact was that squirrels and birds needed to be kept happy. Isn’t that something?!
The story of the Conley Sisters is so fascinating and empowering that deserves more than just a mention in this post.
🎙️Explore Further: I encourage you to listen to this podcast episode from A People’s History of Kansas City which tells the story in a very captivating way.
As for the Quindaro ruins, well, you can’t get much more “hidden gem” than this!
This National Register of Historic Places site near North 27th Street has worn many hats: bustling river port, ghost town, and now an active archaeological site.
Back in the 1850s, it served a crucial role as the first Missouri River free port and a secret station on the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Though Quindaro’s heyday was brief (it declined after Kansas became a free state), this site is quite interesting and a must-visit for history lovers.
💁♀️Know Before You Go: You can only go down to the Quindaro Ruins if you’re part of a tour like Urban Hikes KC. Remember your comfy shoes and mosquito repellent!
Reason No. 3: The KCK Taco Trail Experience That’ll Change Your Life Forever
I mean, tacos? I’m sold! As a taco lover, this is one of the must-do experiences that you can’t leave without and it just might be the most fun food tour I’ve ever done.
60+ taquerias scattered around downtown KCK, and you get to explore them via party bus! Each taco tour focuses on a specific theme (Carnitas, Carne Asada, Chicken, or Al Pastor), and you visit four different spots during your tour.
The best part? You get to vote for your favorite tacos, and there’s an app where you can track your taco adventures and earn rewards. (Yes, if I were closer to KCK, I would be actively working my way through the taqueria list!)
📲PRO Tip: Download the KCK Taco Trail app before your tour so you can have it ready to check in at all the taquerias during your tour and visit the rest on your free time—or should I say…on every “Taco Tuesday”!
Reason No. 4: KCK Has a Slice of Italy, Literally
I mean, Classic Napoletana pizza in Kansas—who would’ve thought?
At 1889 Pizza Napoletana they fire up their pizza in their copper-clad ovens at upwards of 1,000 degrees.
They also make their sauce with San Marzano tomatoes and use a special “00” Caputo flour for dough perfection that would make any Italian nonna proud.
But let me tell you about their Quattro Formaggi Pizza. For those cheese lovers out there, let me introduce you to the deliciousness of…
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a heavenly mix of Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Fontina, and fresh basil.
Then, end it with a mouth-watering ice cream flight. Now that’s Amore!
You seriously cannot leave without checking this place out! And the ambiance? It’s perfect and gorgeous too, with chic decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a modern Italian bistro.
📷 Photo Worthy: The chic and glowing ambiance makes for great photo ops!
Reason No. 5: Gas Station BBQ That’s Worth the Road Trip
I guess many will agree that the BBQ scene in Kansas City Kansas is one of the best things the city has to offer.
That being said, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que—formerly known as Oklahoma Joe’s, is one spot that you don’t want to miss!
Who would’ve thought that one of the best BBQ joints in America would be housed in a gas station?
But trust me on this one because Anthony Bourdain didn’t name it one of his “13 Places to Eat Before You Die” for nothing!
Plus, it’s also one of the favorite BBQ spots of Travis Kelce—Tight End for the NFL Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, you all know I don’t typically eat meat because I just don’t like the taste and texture.
But…I do have to admit that the Ribs, Smoked Turkey, Mac-N-Cheese, Corn, and Dirty Rice were really good! Heck, even the fries tasted out of this world!
The Z-Man Sandwich (sliced brisket, provolone cheese, and crispy onion rings on a Kaiser roll) and Burnt Ends—crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, carrying more flavor than an entire season of your favorite show (no less), seem to be the top choices and favorites of many. For all the right reasons, of course!
Reason No. 6: This Strawberry Hill Coffee Shop Will Change How You Think About Coffee
Let me tell you about Splitlog Coffee Co., the spot that completely changed my coffee standards.
I mean it when I say, that I’ve now set my expectations higher when it comes to coffee.
This isn’t your average coffee shop. As local roasters with a laid-back vibe, they’ve become a beloved spot in the Strawberry Hill community.
During our visit, we had the opportunity to experience a private Coffee Cupping class (that’s fancy talk for coffee tasting) and it was a one-of-a-kind experience!
I like to believe that it turned me into that friend who knows their Colombian from their Ethiopian beans faster than you can say “extra shot.”
Reality? I still can’t tell the difference.
Nonetheless, I definitely learned how to slurp like a pro. You read that right. Slurping is actually “a thing” or should I say “THE” thing in coffee tasting that sort of ‘sprays’ the coffee across ALL your taste buds so you can catch every single flavor note you never knew existed.
📹 Watch my coffee-cupping skills in this quick video 😎
☕Did You Know? The louder you slurp, the better the coffee-tasting experience!
We also learned about different processing methods and what makes each cup unique.
Where else can you become a coffee connoisseur while actually enjoying yourself and drinking the best coffee in Strawberry Hill, KCK?
Grab a seat on their outdoor patio or cozy up inside where you might find yourself browsing their merch corner. I couldn’t resist snagging one of their super cute Heather Grey hats 😊
Reason No. 7: There’s a Piece of Paris Hiding in KCK (With Iconic City Views!)
If you’re looking for the second-best skyline view of Kansas City, MO, let me introduce you to the Rosedale Memorial Arch! (and don’t worry, I’ll spill the beans about the best view in town later.)
This isn’t just any arch—it’s a miniature replica of France’s famous Arc de Triomphe, which was built in 1923 to honor those Rosedale residents who served during WWI, this arch stands proudly atop Mount Marty in Rosedale Park.
If you look closely beneath the arch, you’ll find a humble yet powerful memorial plaque that honors the brave Rosedale residents who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
While the arch is somewhat visible when driving I-35, very few visitors and even locals drive up to it or realize this hidden treasure exists right in their own backyard.
💁♀️Traveler’s Tip: For a completely different experience, visit near sunset time for a beautiful golden view of the Kansas City, MO skyline.
Reason No. 8: Visit Kansas City Kansas to Walk Where Lewis and Clark Once Camped
Whether you enjoy visiting historic places or not, there’s always this insane feeling when being right where history was made that you just can’t deny.
That’s exactly how the history buff in me felt when I visited the historic Kaw Point Park—where you literally walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark.
It was at this spot right where the Kansas and Missouri rivers meet, where these famous explorers camped for three days back in June 1804 for their Corps of Discovery Expedition.
But the best part is this: while the world around has changed in immense ways, Kaw Point still looks a lot like what Lewis and Clark might have seen. A natural site with wooded trails dotted with wildflowers and wildlife.
It’s like a little piece of time from 1804 has been preserved right in the heart of KCK!
For us adventurous types, you can hike or bike the Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail through the historic Woodsweather Bridge which connects to Kansas City, Missouri.
And yes, it’s right here at this very spot that you’ll get the BEST views of the Kansas City, MO skyline!
📷 Not-to-miss Photo Ops: Get pictures with the Lewis and Clark statue, the Kansas City, MO skyline, the beautiful wooden trails, and the outdoor amphitheater.
Reason No. 9: This Small-Town Taproom is Worth the Detour
Tucked away in the small town of Bonner Springs, just outside KCK, Range 23 Brewing offers something quite special.
The taproom serves a great variety— from craft beer and hard lemonades to cocktails on tap, all in one beautiful and cozy spot.
While their production currently operates from Piper (west KCK), their new facility will open in 2025 right down the street from this taproom in Historic Downtown Bonner Springs.
In this taproom, you’ll find year-round beers alongside rotating seasonal specialties, including their unique Prairie Juice line of hard lemonades and even craft sodas.
But one of the main things that makes this spot worthy of visiting is its location.
With it being right in the center of Bonner Springs’ quaint downtown, you can spend an afternoon browsing the local antique shops and then cap off your treasure hunting with a signature drink at Range 23.
Small-town charm and craft beverages? That’s a perfect combination!
💁♀️Traveler’s Tip: Make it a mini-day trip and explore Bonner Springs’ antique shops and this next one on the list!
Reason No. 10: You Can Watch Real Marbles Being Made and Feel Like a Kid Again!
You already know I love saving my favorites for last!
The time has come to tell you about one of KCK’s most unexpected treasures—the Moon Marble Company, which is also located in Bonner Springs.
I mean, I would’ve never thought I would get to see someone making marbles by hand, but hey…I’ll take it!
The first thing you should know is that you’ll be stepping foot into something much more than just a toy store.
This is an incredible wonderland of nostalgia and artistry all rolled into one!
From the moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by marbles of all colors and sizes, wooden toys, and even a “museum” in the bathroom that’ll make your inner child jump with joy and excitement.
But the real magic happens during their live marble-making demonstrations.
Watching how Bruce Breslow (artisan and owner) transformed molten glass into perfectly round works of art was mesmerizing.
Bruce also shares fascinating details about the marble-making process and historical facts about glassworking.
Of course, I came home with one of Bruce’s signed marbles and grabbed three more for Carlos and my boys.
Also, their outside chalk wall is impossible to resist (chalk lover me couldn’t help but add my own artistic touch!).
Whether you’re 5 or 95, this quirky spot captures the pure joy of discovering something totally unique.
💁♀️Traveler’s Tip: Check their schedule for marble-making demonstration times. You won’t want to miss the show!
Planning Your Visit to KCK
When Is The Best Time to Visit?
Plan your visit to Kansas City Kansas during spring or fall for the most comfortable outdoor exploring. However, each season offers a unique charm for experiencing many of KCK’s attractions!
Getting Around
- If you’re flying, renting a car in Kansas City is recommended for maximum flexibility
- Ride-sharing services are available everywhere and could be a reliable choice depending on your travel schedule and itinerary
Where to Stay
- You can stay near Legends Outlet for easy access to most attractions in downtown KCK and it’s less than half an hour from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI). This is also the best place to stay if you’re catching a Sporting KC soccer game at Children’s Mercy Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kansas City Kansas Worth Visiting?
If you’re into exploring unique and lesser-known destinations, then absolutely! Kansas City Kansas deserves a spot on your Midwest road trip route, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking for fascinating road trip attractions between major cities.
I spent just a few days exploring and could have easily stayed longer because there was always something unexpected around every corner, and that’s the kind of travel that I enjoy the most.
What If I Only Have One Day To Visit Kansas City Kansas?
If you’re short on time, here’s my perfect one-day itinerary:
- Kick off your morning with an Urban Hikes KC culture and history tour.
- Have lunch at Joe’s Kansas City BBQ—the line will be worth every minute of wait!
- Later in the afternoon, catch a live marble-making demonstration at Moon Marble Company (check their schedule in advance).
- Then, wrap up your day with the KCK Taco Trail Party Bus Tour. I mean, what better way to end your day than with some of the best tacos in the Midwest?
If you’re a soccer fan and are visiting KCK during soccer season, definitely get your tickets for a Sporking KC match!
💁♀️Traveler’s Tip: The marble-making demonstrations may have limited schedule times and the Taco Trail tours can fill up quickly, so be sure to plan and make reservations in advance.
Final Thoughts
I wish I could go on and on about the many more experiences I had in KCK. Like sipping cocktails at a tiki bar (with bonus skyline views from the parking lot!), trying my first Vietnamese coffee, and even living my Wizard of Oz dreams by walking through the Yellow Brick Road at Legends Outlet.
After experiencing all these incredible things to do in Kansas City Kansas, it completely transformed my view of what slow travel in a Midwest city could be. I mean, who knew KCK would pack so many surprises?
Although Kansas City Kansas may not be your typical “let’s book a flight and go” destination, it certainly deserves a spot on your Midwest road trip itinerary.
This is a place where culture, food, and history come together in the most unexpected ways. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or just looking for something unique and different, I promise Kansas City Kansas will surprise you.
Have you visited any of these spots in KCK? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Yanitza is an avid adventurer with 15+ years of hiking experience and outdoor travel. As a PADI-certified scuba diver, she’s also passionate about ocean conservation. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, Yanitza obsesses over The Vampire Diaries and dreams of traveling to Mallorca, Spain.