Greater KC Region

Overview

Ready for even more KC-area adventure? Check out these nearby communities for the perfect day trip or overnight journey, usually less than an hour away from downtown Kansas City. Once you’ve made the drive, you’ll find rich history, high-caliber sports, Main Street charm and many more chances to experience the region’s expansive culture firsthand.

Lawrence

Quirky and entirely enticing, Lawrence, Kansas, boasts an authentic main street packed with locally-owned boutiques, chef-owned restaurants, live music, and a vibrant art scene. The city is home to a pair of universities—the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University—and deep Civil War history. It’s less than an hour west of downtown KC.

No other city in the United States can boast an array of basketball history like Lawrence. Although the game was invented in Springfield, Massachusetts, Lawrence is where basketball grew into its own. In fact, the University of Kansas has the only college basketball program founded by the inventor of the game, Dr. James Naismith. A game at the legendary Allen Fieldhouse is essential for visitors looking to have the quintessential college gameday experience.

Massachusetts Street (referred to by locals as “Mass Street”) is the main street that runs through Downtown Lawrence. Several blocks of Mass Street are listed on the National Register of Historical Places, and today, the storied buildings house local restaurants, intriguing shops, bookstores, bars, breweries and more. It’s the perfect day trip destination to stumble upon your next unexpected find.

Weston

Less than 45 minutes north of KC, Weston offers historic charm and some of the area’s best outdoor exploration. From Kansas City, take I-29 North to exit 20 (just north of Platte City). Go west on Highway 92 to Tracy, Missouri.

Catch a glimpse of the Missouri River as Lewis and Clark saw it in 1804 from the Weston Bend State Park scenic overlook. The scenic overlook provides visitors a view of the River, Fort Leavenworth, and beyond. The 1,133-acre park has a hiking trail meandering through the woods and along the edge of the bluff with great views of the river. Five tobacco barns remain on the land to interpret the important role of tobacco in the area’s history.

Holladay is the oldest distillery in the United States operating at its original site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Lewis and Clark discovered natural limestone springs in the rolling hills of Missouri. Years later Ben Holladay saw these limestone springs as the ingredient for great whiskey needed to supply the vast number of wagon trains passing through Weston. In 1856 he started his distillery.

Travel back in time to one of the oldest breweries in the country at O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub. Opened in (you guessed it) 1842, the pub features a 20-foot-tall cellar space popular among locals and visitors, as well as live music each weekend throughout the year.

Louisburg

Less than 45 minutes from downtown Kansas City, the Kansas community is home to Louisburg Cider Mill & Country Store. A great pick all year long, it’s especially beloved for its annual Ciderfest. Apple cider donuts, corn mazes and so many more seasonal attractions make it a staple for your Midwestern autumn.