Kansas Travel Guide
*This post is originally from IHG’s Guide to Kansas
Kansas City is a major Midwestern hub with 55 million people living within a day’s drive of the city. The diverse range of highlights, from an impressive jazz music scene to performing arts venues, iconic barbecue, are spread throughout the area, so you don’t have to look far to find great hotels in Kansas City or nearby.
Things to See
Founded in 1838, Kansas City boasts long and storied roots in American history that are still visually evident in many attractions. Stop at Clark’s Point and stand on the spot where Lewis and Clark first surveyed the area in 1806. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, which includes the one-time home of President Harry S. Truman, dates back to the 1890s and preserves its early 20th century features while offering a glimpse into the early and post-presidential life of this American icon. See Union Station for a prime example of a historic site that’s gained new life from renovations in 1997 to the original 1914 rail station. The Station now houses a planetarium, an interactive science center, a live theatre, a rail exhibit and more. Families will enjoy witnessing and joining in creative construction at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, discovering friendly aquatic creatures at SEA LIFE Aquarium, visiting the 202-acre Kansas City Zoo or the Schlitterbahn Kansas City Water Park. Business travelers as well as those visiting for leisure will enjoy the rich cultural, creative, commercial and culinary offerings of the downtown area, particularly in the Power & Light District epicenter, which hosts more than 50 bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and shops.
Hotels in Kansas City
Hotels in Kansas City range from elegant buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places to contemporary constructions with luxurious amenities. Many locations feature outdoor pools for a summer splash, and some offer indoor pools, letting you swim in any season. Kansas City is busiest during the summer and holiday seasons, and low rates during January and February are accompanied by equally low temperatures. You’ll find a comfortable spring shoulder season from March to May, with gradually warmer temperatures and minimal crowds.
Where to Stay
Kansas City straddles the state line between Kansas and Missouri, so you can stay in either state and enjoy accommodations only minutes from the city’s best highlights. If you’re having trouble keeping track of your location, remember that anything west of State Line Road is in the state of Kansas, and hotels east of State Line Road are in Kansas City, Missouri. Stay downtown for easy access to the Library District and Power and Light District. Head further south towards Westport and 39th Street to stay in the heart of the city’s nightlife. Around 18th and Vine you’ll find the bustling jazz district, ideal for visitors interested in barbecue and blues music.
How to Get to Kansas City
The Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the best choice for visitors flying into the area. Kansas City’s bus system includes six routes to get you around the city. Passengers enjoy Wi-Fi on all MAX vehicles and Metro buses, so you can plan your next activity while you’re en route. Affordable visitor passes make it easy to utilize public transportation throughout your stay. You can purchase a single pass to bike for 30 minutes at a time at the Kansas City B-Cycle program, or invest in a multi-day pass for unlimited rides over the course of a day, week or month, and there are stations around the city.
