Kansas City is more than just barbecue, jazz and sports. The city has a lot of hidden gems that offer unique and memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, nature or adventure, you’ll find something to suit your taste in this list of 10 under-the-radar experiences in Kansas City.
Explore the Kansas City Workhouse
If you’re into urban exploration and haunted places, you’ll love the Kansas City Workhouse. This abandoned prison was built in 1897 and housed petty criminals who had to work in a quarry as part of their sentence. The workhouse was closed in 1972 and has been left to decay ever since. You can see the crumbling cells, the eerie chapel and the spooky tunnels that connect the buildings. Be careful though, as the site is not open to the public and trespassing is illegal.
Take a tour of Arrowhead Stadium
If you’re a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, you’ll want to take a tour of their home stadium, Arrowhead Stadium. You’ll get to see behind-the-scenes areas such as the locker room, the press box, the Hall of Honor and the field. You’ll also learn about the history and traditions of the team, such as the iconic tomahawk chop and the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd roar. Tours are available year-round, except on game days and major events.
Meet the penguins at the Kansas City Zoo
The Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals from around the world, but one of the most popular attractions is the penguin exhibit. You can see four different species of penguins, including king penguins, gentoo penguins, rockhopper penguins and Humboldt penguins. You can also sign up for a penguin encounter, where you can get up close and personal with these adorable birds. You’ll learn about their behavior, diet and conservation, and even get to feed them some fish.
Admire the South and Southeast Asian art at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the best art museums in the country, with a collection that spans more than 5,000 years of history and culture. One of the most impressive sections is the South and Southeast Asian Art gallery, which features sculptures, paintings, textiles and ceramics from India, Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. You can see stunning examples of Hindu and Buddhist art, such as a 12th-century bronze Shiva Nataraja and a 17th-century sandstone Buddha.
Splash around at Oceans of Fun
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, head to Oceans of Fun, Kansas City’s largest water park. You can enjoy more than 20 attractions, such as slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and raft rides. You can also try some thrilling rides, such as the Predator’s Plunge, which drops you into a near-vertical free fall, or the Constrictor, which twists you through tight turns and dark tunnels. Oceans of Fun is open from May to September.
Visit the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center
If you’re interested in learning about the diverse heritage of Kansas City, you should visit the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center. This museum is housed in a former orphanage that was built in 1887 by Croatian immigrants. The museum showcases the history and culture of various ethnic groups that settled in Kansas City, such as Croatian, Lithuanian, Polish, Slovenian and Ukrainian. You can see exhibits that display traditional costumes, crafts, music and food.
Catch a show at the RecordBar
If you’re a music lover, you’ll want to catch a show at the RecordBar, one of the best live music venues in Kansas City. The RecordBar hosts local and national acts, ranging from indie rock to hip hop to jazz. You can also enjoy a full menu of food and drinks, such as burgers, pizzas, salads and cocktails. The RecordBar has a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a capacity of only 300 people.
Explore the Union Station Kansas City
The Union Station Kansas City is more than just a train station. It’s also a hub of entertainment, education and culture. You can explore the history and architecture of the station, which was built in 1914 and restored in 1999. You can also visit the Science City which is housed in the station. It is a hands-on science museum that features interactive exhibits, labs and shows. It also boasts the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, which has a 60-foot dome and a state-of-the-art projection system.
Shop at the City Market
The City Market is one of the oldest and largest public markets in the Midwest. You can shop for fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, flowers and more from local farmers and vendors. You can also find a variety of ethnic cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Ethiopian and Mexican. The City Market is open every day of the week, but the busiest day is Saturday, when the farmers market is held.
Hike at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary
If you’re looking for some nature and tranquility, you should hike at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. This 115-acre park offers three miles of trails that wind through forests, meadows, streams and waterfalls. You can see a variety of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, turkeys and birds. You can also visit the White Alloe Creek Conservation Area, which is adjacent to the sanctuary and has more trails and scenic views.
