Even if you are a local, it can be difficult to see all the main attractions within a big city, and if you are new to the area it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. To help your expedition go a bit more smoothly, you will find below a shortly compiled list of historical places that new to the area travelers or even locals might never have visited before, and all can be found in Kansas City, Missouri. For those of you who are looking to travel with kids and your family, you should read “9 Tips For Family Road Trips” by Honda of Tiffany Springs.
Union Station
Union Station is an iconic former rail terminal, which was built in 1914, and originally featured 12 main lines and 30 subsidiary lines. The building was renovated in 1997, as part of $188 million overhaul to turn the station into an entertainment center. Carefully renovated to keep the historical integrity intact, the facility now blends history with stunning architecture. Main attractions that are featured within Union Station include shops, restaurants, movie screens and a live theater stage. A great site for a field trip with children, there are also exhibits on Kansas City’s railroad history and an interactive science center for younger visitors.
18th & Vine Historic District
If you are a music buff or jazz fan, the 18th & Vine Historic District is a must-stop destination. Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington made their names there in the iconic “Blue Room” during the roaring ’20’s, when prohibition was in effect and rebellion was in the air. After extensive work and reclamation put into the area over the years, the neighborhood is once again a main attraction in the area and features the American Jazz Museum.
Clark’s Point
Legendary explorers Merriwether Lewis and William Clark made a stop into Kansas City on their way back from exploring the West and looking for the Pacific Ocean. While admiring the area that is now known as downtown Kansas City, Clark remarked upon the location where he stood as a perfect spot for a fort. To stand in Clark’s spot is to see Kansas, Missouri and even the complex waterway system known to the area. But now visitors to Clark’s Point are also offered educational panels about Lewis and Clark’s expedition, as well a great bronze statue of the two explorers and their guide Sacajawea.
Westport Historic District
If you are looking for a hub of restaurants, bars and shops all within a scenic, historic locale, make your way over to the Westport Historic District. Once a stopping place for western-bound wagons coming from the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails, the spot now entertains red-brick buildings and an upscale, trendy environment. For high class food and a luxurious experience, there’s no better spot in Kansas City.
