Kansas City is an energetic city with a rich history and unexpected discoveries. Part of the city’s charm lies in its beauty, with impressive boulevards, spacious parks and dazzling fountains. But it’s the unique adventures that make your time here special—eclectic cuisine, swinging jazz, one-of-a-kind museums and fantastic shopping.

Kansas City Traditions

World-Famous Barbecue—KC’s signature food is served at more than 100 barbecue establishments.

City of Fountains—Kansas City is home to more than 200 fountains—more than any other city in the world except Rome, Italy.

Swinging Jazz—From the roaring ‘20s, jazz reigned in Kansas City, producing the swinging signature sound that became known as Kansas City-style Jazz. Live jazz can be heard at more than 20 area nightclubs.

Just the Facts

Population

• Metro population of 2 million (15 county area)
• 26th largest metro area in the U.S.
• Four largest area cities: Kansas City, Mo.; Overland Park, Kan.; Kansas City, Kan.; and Olathe, Kan.

Location

• KC is a bi-state metro on the Missouri-Kansas line
• Most centrally-located major metro area in the U.S.
• If you’re flying, KC is just a 3-hour flight from either coast

KCI Airport

• Airport code: MCI
• Serviced by 14 major airlines with 70 nonstop destinations daily
• Three terminals feature the “drive-to-your-gate” design concept
• One of the most passenger-friendly airports in the world

Famous Kansas Citians

• Robert Altman
• Charlie Parker
• Ed Asner
• Walter Cronkite
• Paul Rudd
• William “Count” Basie
• Walt Disney
• Kate Spade
• George Brett
• Melissa Etheridge
• Calvin Trillin
• Don Cheadle
• Jesse James
• Harry S. Truman
• Chris Cooper
• Satchel Paige
• Dianne Wiest

KC-based Companies

• AMC Entertainment
• American Century Investments
• American Italian Pasta
• Applebee’s International
• Boulevard Brewing Company
• Embarq
• Garmin International
• H&R Block
• Hallmark Cards
• Interstate Bakeries
• Russell Stover Candies
• Sprint-Nextel
• Yellow Roadway Corporation

KC Inventions

• Bogdon’s Reception Stick
• Cherry Mash
• Chicken Spiedini
• Rival Crock Pot
• Greenies
• Jazz Jam Session
• McDonald’s Happy Meal
• Multi-screen Theater Concept
• Valomilk
• Wishbone Salad Dressing