Group Itinerary Favorites

Experience Kansas City’s most famous traditions—jazz and barbecue—both of which have roots in KC that date back to the 1920s. Belly up to the bar and sample the heavenly ’cue at some of the city’s 100+ barbecue joints. Then, discover how Kansas City jazz defined an era through KC legends like Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Big Joe Turner. 

Possible stops include: American Jazz Museum, Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue, Gates Bar-B-Q, Mutual Musicians Foundation and various jazz clubs throughout the city.

More boulevards than Paris. More fountains than any city but Rome. And an entire neighborhood modeled after Seville, Spain. Explore the art and architecture of some of Kansas City’s most famous neighborhoods, from the Old World charm of the Country Club Plaza to the emerging artists of the trendy Crossroads Arts District.

Along the way, take in a tour of Kansas City’s beautiful fountains. From large and majestic to small and whimsical, each one has a character all its own.

Possible stops include: Country Club Plaza, Crossroads Arts District and a fountain tour.

From pioneers to a president, a lot of America’s history has passed through nearby Independence, Mo. Learn how the journeys of settlers heading west on the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails all started in Independence. Then, explore the life of the city’s most famous citizen—Harry S. Truman. 

Possible stops include: National Frontier Trails Museum, Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, Truman Home and Independence Square.

Discover Kansas City’s signature attractions, from old favorites to new kids on the block. Uncover the treasures of the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Visit the nation’s World War I Museum at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Marvel at 5,000-year-old masterpieces at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Plus, visit popular attractions such as The College Basketball Experience and the Kansas City Power & Light District. 

Other possible stops include: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Money Museum and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art.

In need of some serious retail therapy? Kansas City has the cure. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts as you browse the unique boutiques in the nearby towns of Parkville or Weston, Mo. Shop the distinctive stores of the Tuscan-themed Briarcliff Village, including nationally known Nell Hill’s. And, discover the trademark neighborhood charm that flourishes in the boutiques in nearby areas such as the Brookside and Prairie Village. 

Other possible stops include: Corinth Square, Lawrence, Legends Outlets Kansas City, Town Center Plaza and Zona Rosa.

Gangsters in Kansas City? You bet! Explore the tumultuous Pendergast era of the 1930s that seethed with corruption, thumbed its nose at Prohibition and allowed gambling halls and brothels to operate openly. Learn about the Union Station Massacre, drive by the homes of crime bosses and sample some of the city’s most famous brews at Boulevard Brewing Co. and the Roasterie.

Possible stops include: Boulevard Brewing Co., Kansas City Gangster Tour, Roasterie Coffee Co. and Union Station.  

For visitors who want to travel off of the beaten path, Kansas City has several unique and offbeat attractions. See the world’s largest collection of fine-scale miniatures and one of the nation’s largest collections of antique toys at TheNational Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Leila’s Hair Museum features more than 2,000 pieces of jewelry made of human hair, plus the famous locks of Abraham Lincoln and Marilyn Monroe. Next, travel to Leavenworth to see the sideshow exhibit at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum. You’ll see two shrunken heads, a Fiji Island Mermaid and a petrified human hand. 

Other possible stops: Patee House Museum, Glore Psychiatric Museum, Puppetry Arts Institute and 1950s All-Electric House.

Jesse James has drawn worldwide fascination for being known as America’s Robin Hood and a cold-blooded killer. James was born, raised and killed in the Kansas City region. Your group can explore the legacy of this notorious outlaw at many sites throughout the area, including:

• Jesse James Farm & Museum (Kearney) – The home where Jesse was born and his brother, Frank, died. The Farm holds the world’s largest collection of James family memorabilia.
• Jesse James Bank Museum (Liberty) – The site of the country’s first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, committed by the James’ gang
• Bob Ford’s Gravesite (St. Joseph) – The gravesite of the man who killed Jesse James.
• Jesse James Home (St. Joseph) – The home where Jesse was shot and killed.
• 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum (Independence) – The jail where Frank James resided while standing trial. He turned himself in for protection due to his fear of assassination after his brother’s death.

Throughout the tumultuous four-year war, Missouri witnessed more battles and engagements than any other state, with the exception of Virginia and Tennessee. Kansas City, situated between pro and anti-slavery forces, experienced its share of bloody battles and border clashes. Groups can tour several Civil War sites, including:

• Forest Hill Cemetery – KC’s most historic cemetery was established on the site of Shelby’s Last Stand. The confederate general is buried here, along with many veterans of his famous Missouri Brigade.
• Harris-Kearney House – The public museum is Kansas City’s oldest brick home—and was a witness to the 1864 Battle of Westport, a major turning point in the war.
• Wornall Majors House Museums – During the Battle of Westport, both sides of the army used the farmhouse as an emergency field hospital.
• Union Cemetery – Among the many Civil War highlights of this cemetery is the gravesite of Josephine Anderson, sister of “Bloody” Bill Anderson, who was killed in the 1863 jail collapse that caused William Quantrill to retaliate by attacking and burning nearby Lawrence.A war monument, dedicated to the memory of 15 confederate unknown prisoners of war, is also located on the grounds.

Extend your stay and tour numerous Civil War battlefields that are located throughout the region, including Lone Jack Battlefield and the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.