Officially founded in 1838, Kansas City has witnessed pivotal moments in American history. What’s now Kansas City was a campsite for Lewis and Clark during their famous exploration, a popular stop along the Santa Fe and Oregan trails, and later, the home of influential jazz clubs and musicians. Whether you love war, music, sports, or architectural history, Kansas City has much to offer any history buff. While in town, be sure to check out the following museums, districts, and attractions.
Spend Time at Kansas City Museums
Kansas City is home to nationally-renowned museums that take visitors back in time. Whether you want to explore the local, regional, or national history, Kansas City has a museum for you.
- Airline History Museum– The National Airline History Museum is located in Hangar 9 at the Historic Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. It plays a vital role in preserving Kansas City’s aviation history and presenting it to visitors. Once the former TWA Airlines headquarters, this museum currently highlights the “Golden Age of Aviation” with an extensive collection of artifacts, aircraft, and exhibits covering everything from the first historic flights by the Wright Brothers through today’s age of mega jets.
- American Jazz Museum– A highly interactive museum that has preserved American jazz’s history and its renowned contributors- from Duke Ellington to Charlie “Bird” Parker, the American Jazz Museum will appeal to any music enthusiasts. Main attractions at the museum include Parker’s sax and a sequined gown that once belonged to Ella Fitzgerald. You will also find various listening stations where you can test your music memory, work with mixing boards, and learn more about this iconic music style while engaging with the content through a series of touch screens.
- Negro Leagues Baseball Museum– This national museum honors the many accomplishments of black baseball stars who played during the Jim Crow era. It educates visitors on the trials they faced on and off the baseball diamond, celebrates their contributions to the sport, and puts their talent on display.
Check Out the Historic Districts
Kansas City has a few historic districts, each with its own character and charm. Two districts that are well worth the trip include:
- The Westport Historic District– Dating back to the 1830s, the Westport Landing is where wagon trains heading west on the Californian, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails stopped for supplies and repairs. The red-brick buildings are currently home to trendy boutiques, specialty shops, hip bars, and upscale restaurants, making this area one of Kansas City’s liveliest social scenes.
- The 18th and Vine Historic District– During the ’20s, this charming neighborhood defied prohibition mandates and swayed and grooved to the smooth sounds of Duke Ellington, Charlie “Bird” Parker, and Ella Fitzgerald at places like the famous Blue Room. After undergoing an extensive reclamation process, this area has once again become a flourishing part of the city.
Make a Stop at Union Station
Still standing tall and proud, the fantastically renovated Union Station is over 100 years old. What makes the Union Station a must-see for history buffs is its incredible architecture, paired with its plethora of exhibits and experiences, including traveling shows and the kid-friendly Science City.
Popular walking tours allow you to catch a glimpse of the building’s rich history. It takes about two hours or more to explore Union Station’s entirety, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Visit City Hall and the Observation Deck
City Hall and its Observation Deck offer a unique glimpse into the past with views of exquisite art deco architecture and interior design—think elegant lines, hand-pressed oak veneers and paneling, and luxurious Italian marble. The elevator takes you to an open-air observation deck on the 30th floor, which offers stunning vistas of downtown and the surrounding area.
Visit Lenexa, Kansas City’s Next-door Neighbor
Operating out of The Legler Barn, The Lenexa Historical Society Museum is another noteworthy attraction you should add to your Kansas City trip itinerary. This museum and organization seek to preserve history in Lenexa, a town right outside of Kansas City. You will find many of Lenexa’s historical artifacts here, along with the Frisco Train Depot Complex.
If you want to avoid pricey downtown hotel rates, staying at one of the nearby hotels in Lenexa, Kansas is a convenient option. Lenexa is far enough from the heart of Kansas City that staying there will likely bring down your overnight expenses. However, it’s still within a convenient driving distance of Kansas City’s many attractions.
See the Truman Farm Home
The Truman Farm Home was built circa in the 1890s by Harry S. Truman’s maternal grandmother. The young Harry S. Truman worked on the 600-acre farm into his late teen years. The home is now open for free guided tours limited to six people every half hour. The grounds are also available year-round for self-guided tours.
Time Well Spent for Any History Lover
No matter how long you plan to stay in Kansas City, you’ll have no shortage of historical sites to see. To make the most of your visit, be sure to do your research before traveling, plan your days strategically, and buy museum tickets online to save precious time.
