With its diverse blend of culture, food and attractions, Kansas City extends literally and figuratively into the clouds and far beneath the earth’s surface, uncovering treasures both unique and inspiring in the same breath.
Here’s where to find the loftiest heights and underground sights in KC:
Breathtaking Vistas
Liberty Memorial – National WWI Museum and Memorial
Iconic in size and significance, the memorial overlooks Downtown KC and Penn Valley Park for one of the best views in the city. Take the elevator to the top of the 217-foot tower, grab a pic and then tour the National WWI Museum and Memorial, which recently commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of 1918.
Rooftop Terrace at Kansas City Public Library
There’s more to discover at the central branch of the public library than just your next favorite novel. Aside from its parking garage designed to resemble a bookshelf, visitors can also work their way up to the rooftop terrace, where they’ll find an incredible view of the city skyline, as well as a larger-than-life-size chess board begging for a play.
Underground Experiences
Travel back in time to one of the oldest breweries in the country. Opened in (you guessed it) 1842 in historic Weston, the pub features a 20-foot-tall cellar space popular among locals and visitors, as well as live music each weekend throughout the year.
Self-proclaimed as an “underground supper club,” The Test Kitchen serves up unique meals prepared by some of the top chefs in KC. For a set donation, members are treated to one-of-a-kind fare. Not to mention that each event is totally different than the last, down to the prep techniques, dishes and top-secret location.
Rooftop Revelry
Grab a table here for a progressive take on classic American dishes—and an outlook of KC’s famed Country Club Plaza. The restaurant, located on the top floor of The Fontaine, serves seasonally driven fare with a uniquely local touch. Or, step out onto the rooftop patio for drinks poolside, making for a one-of-a-kind experience in the clouds.
Percheron Rooftop Bar at Crossroads Hotel
The incredibly cool Percheronbar atop Crossroads Hotel offers unrivaled view of its namesake arts district, plus plenty of bocce and frozen cocktails to help beat the heat.
Subterranean Sightseeing
Founded in 1856, the distillery reopened its doors for public tours in 2016 for the first time in 30 years. Travel to Weston, to see how Holladay makes use of natural spring water to craft spirits sold worldwide. Tours include a stop in an ancient cave—a hand-dug space constructed in the mid-1800s where limestone water was first used to make the company’s bourbon.
Sky-High Thrills
African Sky Safari – Kansas City Zoo
Take your sightseeing to new heights on this aerial trip through the Kansas City Zoo. Let your toes dangle 35 feet above exotic animals from the plains of Africa before landing safely on the other side, where you’ll be greeted by one of the best chimpanzee exhibits in the world.
Secretive Speakeasies
Embark to the Crossroads Arts District, where you’ll find speakeasy Swordfish Tom’s, an intimate cocktail lounge located in a retrofitted boiler room. Dim lighting and limited phone use mean that conversation is key in this trendy hideaway.
Rustic, woodsy vibes collide with specialty drinks at this covert cocktail bar in Westport. The cash-only establishment loves to experiment with new flavors and tastes while the locale is just secluded enough to feel like a private get-together among friends.
