Kansas City, Missouri: A Heartland Haven for Cultural Treasures

Jazz runs so deep in Kansas City, that it's the only UNESCO City of Music in the USA – a distinction given by the United Nations to cities with a strong musical culture and history. Begin your musical journey at the American Jazz Museum in Missouri's iconic 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. Trace the evolution of the city’s jazz scene as you walk through exhibits and discover the legacies of trailblazers like Charlie "Bird" Parker, whose music once filled these very streets. Don’t just read about the music—experience it in the Blue Room, the museum’s intimate jazz club where local artists bring the exhibits to life three nights a week. For bold arrangements offering a fresh spin on the genre, catch a performance by the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. After nightfall, put on your dancing shoes and visit the Green Lady Lounge. Here, live music fills the air every night and no reservations are necessary.

Experience Kansas City’s living history firsthand. The Westport district, the city’s oldest neighborhood, once thrived as a fur trading hub. Admire its preserved 19th-century architecture while popping into boutiques and art galleries – or dine at one of the many acclaimed restaurants open from brunch to late night. While in the area, be sure to explore the 1855 Harris-Kearney Historical House Museum, Kansas City’s oldest residence that served as headquarters for the Union Army during part of the Civil War. Next, dive into rich baseball legacy at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Long before breaking barriers as the first Black player in Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs — one of the most storied teams in Black baseball history. Interactive exhibits and life-sized bronze statues of the league’s greatest players set the stage for a compelling look at the era with an abundance of photographs, jerseys and artifacts.

The barbecue scene in Kansas City is nothing short of legendary, with more than 100 restaurants offering their own flair. The city's signature method of smoking meat at low temperatures for up to 18 hours creates a melt-in-your-mouth flavor that draws crowds from across the globe. Grab a seat at Q39 to savor burnt ends or head to Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, where the ribs reign supreme. For a taste of history, grab a plate at Arthur Bryant's Barbeque, a Kansas City institution since 1908, or join the queue at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, where the Z-Man sandwich is a crowd favorite for its pairing of tender brisket and crispy onion rings on a Kaiser roll. Starting in Spring 2025, you can visit the world’s first Museum of BBQ. This immersive experience will take you through barbecue history spanning various regions and showcase the techniques that make Kansas City's barbecue some of the best you'll ever have.

With professional teams in the National Football League, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and the National Women's Soccer League, there's always sports action happening in Kansas City. Time your visit right and you'll have your choice of thrilling matchups. For an unforgettable experience, tailgate with diehard fans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium before a Chiefs football game or head to Kauffman Stadium to enjoy a Royals baseball game in one of the most scenic ballparks in the USA. Its stunning fountains and sweeping views make it a perfect spot to soak in the sights and sounds of "America's favorite pastime." To cheer on the Kansas City Current, soccer lovers should visit CPKC Stadium, the world's first stadium designed for a women's professional team. More soccer awaits at Children's Mercy Park where Major League Soccer team Sporting Kansas City brings a European play style to the heart of the Midwest.

To begin your trip, fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri, and pick up a rental car. The heart of the city is just a 30-minute drive away.