Hidden Gems in Kansas City
Hidden gems, with their authentic atmospheres and unexpected experiences, appeal to our inner sense of adventure. Tenured visitors, tried-and-true locals and first-timers will undoubtedly all agree that the off-the-beaten-path destinations in KC showcase a unique, intimate side of the City of Fountains unlike anywhere else.
See why Kansas City was recognized by CNN as one of "USA's Most Underrated Destinations".
Entertainment
- Mutual Musicians Foundation: The Foundation has been an institution in the Kansas City jazz scene for more than 100 years. Swing by to enjoy a late-night jam session that runs into the wee hours of the morning.
- Knuckleheads Saloon: Head across the tracks to the East Bottoms, where you’ll find this rough-and-tumble music venue that regularly hosts blues, country and rock acts on outdoor and indoor stages.
- Art Alley: No visit to Art Alley is the same thanks to the eclectic collection of wall-to-wall graffiti art, each piece an impermanent addition to the ever-changing canvas.
- The Rino: North Kansas City’s resident live music venue is connected to hip hotspot Colony KC, where you’ll find solid tunes and coffee for a nearly unbeatable combo.
- The Ship: The West Bottoms comes to life at night at The Ship, a nautical-styled speakeasy that touts a soulful jukebox and unexpected collection of music acts that roll through several nights a week.
- Prospero’s Books: Bibliophiles and bookworms love wandering through stacks and stacks of rare and used titles in this iconic shop on West 39th Street.
Food & Drink
- Splitlog Coffee Co.: A quick jaunt to KCK’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood takes you to this quaint café known for its warm, sunny environment and rotating single origin roasts.
- Manifesto: While this speakeasy can easily be identified as the founder of KC’s cocktail renaissance, it remains as innovative—and under-the-radar—as ever thanks to its undeniably understated cool.
- The Antler Room: The Antler Room is one of the buzziest restaurants in the city. Tucked away in charming Union Hill, sample Mediterranean small plates during date nights and special occasions to really feel at home.
- Brookside Poultry Co.: This casual hangout is nestled in the cozy Brookside region—and touts dang good fried chicken that draws big crowds from around the neighborhood.
- Swordfish Tom’s: Disconnect from the world around you and connect to those in front of you at this subterranean speakeasy. Reserve this low-lit cocktail experience for intimate occasions.
Destinations
- West Bottoms: Many know it as the spot for First Weekends, a time for antique shopping and food truck feasts. But this underrated neighborhood features everything from Southern-style meat-and-three dining (EJ’s Urban Eatery) and fresh-roasted coffee (Blip) to carefully crafted cocktails (The Campground) and craft beer (Stockyards Brewing Co.).
- Olathe: A less-than-30-minute drive south of Downtown KC reveals the lush greenspace and family-friendly environs that are so prominent in Olathe. Favorite picks include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, KC Wine Co., Olathe Farmers’ Market, Red Crow Brewing Company and Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site.
- Weston: This popular day trip destination is home to several wineries, a brewery, the iconic Holladay Distillery, beloved sheep’s milk producer Green Dirt Farm Creamery and a charming Main Street that’s as romantic as it is historic.
Related
Over/Under: Lofty heights and Underground Sights in KC
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.
A Guide to Kansas City's Cultured Cocktail Scene
KC’s cocktail scene is supremely cool and infinitely creative, which, not coincidentally, are two ingredients essential to any of the drinks these places serve.
Three Stop Hop: West Bottoms
Three Stop Hop is a series from Recommended Daily and Visit KC that lets you experience a neighborhood or corner of the city in three unique stops. Today, take a trip through Kansas City's historic Stockyards District for a few drinks and diversions in an irresistibly charming setting.
There's more to see in KC
1827 Log Courthouse
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7111
Visit WebsiteAdventure Oasis Water Park
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7370
Visit WebsiteAmerican Jazz Museum
Region: 18th and Vine Neighborhood, Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-8463
Visit WebsiteAmerican Royal Association
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 221-9800
Visit WebsiteBeast Haunted House, The
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 842-4280
Visit WebsiteAmigoni Urban Winery
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (913) 890-3289
Visit WebsiteBrush Creek Community Center
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 513-0730
Visit WebsiteBruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 513-0700
Visit WebsiteChicago and Alton Depot
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7955
Visit WebsiteCinder Block Brewery
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 298-6555
Visit WebsiteCity Hall Observation Deck
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 513-2689
Visit WebsiteElmwood Cemetery
Region: East
Phone: (816) 231-0373
Visit WebsiteEwing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 932-1260
Visit WebsiteGangster Tour
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 471-1234
Visit WebsiteGreat Wolf Lodge
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (913) 907-2954
Visit WebsiteHallmark Visitors Center
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 274-3613
Visit WebsiteHeritage League of Greater Kansas City
Region: Downtown
Phone: (913) 663-9731
Visit WebsiteHorace M. Peterson III Visitors Center
Region: 18th and Vine Neighborhood, Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-8463
Visit WebsiteJohnson County Museum
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 826-2787
Visit WebsiteKaleidoscope
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 274-8301
Visit WebsiteKansas City Convention & Entertainment Facilities
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 513-5000
Visit WebsiteKansas City Fun Trolley Tours LLC
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 500-5417
Visit WebsiteKansas City Northern Railroad
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 746-5663
Visit WebsiteKemper Museum of Contemporary Art
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 753-5784
Visit WebsiteLakeside Nature Center
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 513-8960
Visit WebsiteLanesfield Historic Site
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 893-6645
Visit WebsiteLenexa Convention and Visitors Bureau
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-1414
Visit WebsiteLoose Park
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteLouisburg Aquatic Center
Region: Overland Park
Phone: (913) 837-3555
Visit WebsiteMacabre Cinema Haunted House
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 472-4467
Visit WebsiteMahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 971-5111
Visit WebsiteMidwest Genealogy Center
Region: East
Phone: (816) 252-7228
Visit WebsiteNational Frontier Trails Museum
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7575
Visit WebsiteNegro Leagues Baseball Museum
Region: 18th and Vine Neighborhood, Downtown
Phone: (816) 221-1920
Visit WebsiteOld Red Bridge Love Locks
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsitePenguin Park
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsitePlatte County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (816) 270-3979
Visit WebsitePuppetry Arts Institute
Region: East
Phone: (816) 833-9777
Visit WebsiteQuindaro Ruins Underground Railroad
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (913) 609-1587
Visit WebsiteRose Garden
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 784-5300
Visit WebsiteScience City at Union Station
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 460-2020
Visit WebsiteSegway, Bike and Stroll
Region: Midtown
Phone: (866) 752-7130
Visit WebsiteSouth Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 761-7660
Visit WebsiteSpring Hill Cemetery
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteStarlight Theatre
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 363-7827
Visit WebsiteThe Bay Water Park
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 965-9218
Visit WebsiteThe Edge of Hell Haunted House
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 842-4279
Visit WebsiteThe Money Museum at Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 881-2683
Visit WebsiteTony Aguirre Community Center
Region: Downtown, Westside/Southwest BLVD
Phone: (816) 784-1300
Visit WebsiteTrailside Center
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 942-3581
Visit WebsiteVaile Mansion and Arboretum
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7430
Visit WebsiteVietnam Veterans Memorial
Region: Midtown, Westport
Phone: (816) 561-8387
Visit WebsiteVisit Shawnee
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 631-6545
Visit WebsiteArabia Steamboat Museum
Region: Downtown, River Market
Phone: (816) 471-1856
Visit WebsiteUnion Station Kansas City
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 460-2000
Visit WebsiteThe Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 751-1278
Visit WebsiteOlathe Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 764-1050
Visit WebsiteLegends Outlets Kansas City
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (913) 788-3700
Visit WebsiteKansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 595-1234
Visit WebsiteCrown Center
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 274-8444
Visit WebsiteVisit Independence
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7575
Visit WebsiteNational WWI Museum and Memorial
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 888-8100
Visit WebsiteVisit Kansas City Kansas
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (913) 321-5800
Visit WebsiteKansas City Royals
Region: East
Phone: (816) 921-8000
Visit WebsiteLEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City
Region: Downtown, Crown Center
Phone: (816) 471-4386
Visit WebsiteSEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 471-4FUN (4386)
Visit WebsiteThe National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
Region: Midtown, South Plaza
Phone: (816) 235-8000
Visit WebsiteServaes Brewing Company
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 608-5220
Visit WebsiteChicken N Pickle - Kansas City
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 537-1400
Visit WebsiteBlade & Timber Power & Light
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 343-8489
Visit WebsiteBoulevard Brewing Co.
Region: Downtown, Westside/Southwest BLVD
Phone: (816) 701-7247
Visit WebsiteOverland Chauffeured Services
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 381-3504
Visit WebsiteJ. Rieger & Co.
Region: North East
Phone: (816) 702-7800
Visit WebsiteCity of Lenexa, Kansas
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7500
Visit WebsiteBingham-Waggoner Estate
Region: East
Phone: (816) 461-3491
Visit WebsiteErnie Miller Nature Center
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 826-2800
Visit WebsiteBlade & Timber Town Center
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 205-5421
Visit WebsiteCity of North Kansas City, Missouri
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 274-6000
Visit WebsiteGardner Chamber of Commerce
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 856-6464
Visit WebsiteBorder Brewing Company
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 469-5287
Visit WebsiteHarry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Region: East
Phone: (816) 268-8200
Visit WebsiteCity Market
Region: Downtown, River Market
Phone: (816) 842-1271
Visit WebsiteCasual Animal Brewing Company
Region: Downtown, Crossroads
Phone: (816) 214-5338
Visit WebsiteCity of Grandview, MO
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4800
Visit WebsiteCrane Brewing Company
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 743-4132
Visit WebsiteMissouri Town Living History Museum.
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 229-8980
Visit WebsiteJackson County Parks + Rec
Region: East, South KC
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteMartin City Brewing Company
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 268-2222
Visit WebsiteiFLY Kansas City
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 305-4359
Visit WebsiteHistoric Garment District Museum of Kansas City
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 513-0726
Visit WebsiteKansas City Automotive Museum
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 322-4227
Visit WebsiteFactory Cafe - The Roasterie
Region: Downtown, Westside/Southwest BLVD
Phone: (816) 931-4000
Visit WebsiteKansas City Renaissance Festival
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (913) 721-2110
Visit WebsiteGEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Region: East
Phone: (816) 920-9300
Visit WebsiteKemper Outdoor Education Center
Region: East, South KC, Westport
Phone: (816) 229-8980
Visit WebsiteTom's Town Distilling Company
Region: Crossroads, Downtown
Phone: (816) 541-2400
Visit WebsiteTorn Label Brewing Co.
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 656-5459
Visit WebsiteBrew Lab
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 400-2343
Visit WebsiteNorthland Regional Chamber of Commerce
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 455-9911
Visit WebsiteSplash Cove Aquatic Center
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 631-7177
Visit WebsiteVisitor Services at the JCPRD Administration Building
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteShawnee Town 1929
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 248-2360
Visit WebsiteSpring Hill Kansas - Historic Downtown
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteKansas City Chiefs
Region: East
Phone: (816) 920-9300
Visit WebsiteStrange Days Brewing Co.
Region: Downtown, River Market
Phone: (816) 469-5321
Visit WebsiteKansas City Parks & Recreation
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteJohnson County Arts & Heritage Center
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas, Overland Park
Phone: (913) 826-2787
Visit WebsiteKansas City Museum
Region: North East
Phone: 816-702-7700
Visit WebsiteThomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 631-0054
Visit WebsiteVisit Overland Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 491-0123
Visit WebsiteShawnee Historic Murals
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 631-2500
Visit WebsiteThe Regnier Family Wonderscope Children's Museum of Kansas City
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 643-6700
Visit WebsiteCrown Center Ice Terrace
Region: Downtown, Crown Center
Phone: (816) 274-8411
Visit WebsiteBlack Archives of Mid-America, Inc.
Region: Downtown, 18th and Vine Neighborhood
Phone: (816) 221-1600
Visit WebsiteVisit KC
Region: Downtown, Power & Light
Phone: (816) 691-3800
Visit WebsiteLewis and Clark Lookout, Case Park
Region: Downtown
Phone: N/A
Visit WebsiteKC Wine Co. & KC Pumpkin Patch
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 484-6251
Visit WebsitePathlight Brewing
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: 913-400-2615
Visit WebsiteTransport Brewery
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: 732-998-5899
Visit WebsiteDowntown Shawnee
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 631-2500
Visit WebsiteAubrey Vineyards
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas, Overland Park
Phone: (913) 909-2926
Visit WebsiteExBEERiment Brewing
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 938-4175
Visit WebsiteWest Bottoms Whiskey Co.
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 239-0520
Visit WebsiteThe College Basketball Experience
Region: Downtown, Power & Light
Phone: (816) 949-7500
Visit WebsiteAmazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure-Kansas City
Region: Midtown, Westport
Phone: (805) 603-5620
Visit WebsiteBreakout KC - Park Place
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 298-1081
Visit WebsiteBreakout KC - River Market
Region: Downtown, River Market
Phone: (816) 945-CODE(2633)
Visit WebsiteRockcreek Brewing Co.
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: 913-218-0017
Visit WebsiteT-Mobile Center
Region: Downtown, Power & Light
Phone: (816) 949-7100
Visit WebsiteSinkers Lounge
Region: Downtown, Power & Light
Phone: (913) 374-0105
Visit WebsiteCallsign Brewing
Region: North KC
Phone: (660) 541-0420
Visit WebsiteKansas Speedway
Region: Kansas, Kansas City, Kansas
Phone: (866) 460-7223
Visit WebsiteGhost Tour, Haunted Taxi Ghost Tours & 1322 Maple House Of The Dead
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: 913-205-9775
Visit WebsitePinstripes Overland Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 681-2255
Visit WebsiteDowntown Lee's Summit
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 246-6598
Visit WebsiteKirk Family YMCA
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 842-9622
Visit WebsiteBRKTHROUGH
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 948-5800
Visit WebsiteRiver Bluff Brewing
Region: Downtown, River Market
Phone: (816) 255-2360
Visit WebsiteCity Barrel Brewery + Kitchen
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 298-7008
Visit WebsiteStockyards Brewing Co.
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 945-7729
Visit WebsiteOak & Steel
Region: Downtown, Crossroads
Phone: (816) 610-8955
Visit WebsiteChicken N Pickle - Overland Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 703-5950
Visit WebsiteRaytown Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Region: Westport, South KC, East
Phone: (816) 353-8500
Visit WebsiteRestless Spirits Distilling
Region: North KC
Phone: (816) 492-6868
Visit WebsiteMain Event Kansas City North
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 281-2020
Visit WebsiteFull Moon Escape
Region: Downtown, West Bottoms
Phone: (816) 842-4280
Visit WebsiteKC Rainbow Tour
Region: Downtown
Phone: (574) 226-9550
Visit WebsitePuttery
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Visit WebsiteKC Wheel
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 608-6918
Visit WebsiteFaulkner's Ranch Event Venue
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 761-5055
Visit Website