A stirring commemoration to those who fought in World War I, the solemn Liberty Memorial forms an integral part of Kansas City's dynamic skyline. Built in the year 1926 to honor those Americans who lost their lives during World War I, this towering memorial is skirted by other nationally and historically-significant sites like the Memory Hall and Exhibition Hall. It was funded entirely through private donations and it is the only commissioned memorial of its kind in the country that honors the 'Great War'. As dusk falls, the top of the tower is lit brightly, towering over Kansas City's urbane landscape. The memorial is home to the National WWI Museum, the official U.S. museum that contains the tanks, guns, memorabilia and interactive exhibits which display the nuances of the early 20th Century warfare.
Located along Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City, the Arabia Steamboat Museum recounts the story of the Arabia, a steamboat that sank in 1886. When it sank, there were only parts and pieces that could be salvaged, however, these remnants and artifact are now displayed here. The museum claims to have the largest amount of pre-Civil War artifacts in the entire world. It is a great museum for all ages and is sure to captivate adults as well as children alike.
This impressive cluster of bars, restaurants, lofts and cafes known as River Market is located where the new city was first established in the 1850's. The district sits on the South side of the Missouri River and its location provides beautiful views while city dwellers shop in the wide variety of specialty stores, markets and boutiques. Every day of the week more than 40 local vendors haul in regional goods and crafts which attract hordes of shoppers to the massive City Market. The reasonable prices and unique choices are only part of the draw; many of the quaint in-house businesses can be found in some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Kansas City.
Take a trip back in flight-time with a visit to this museum that celebrates aviation history. It is located inside a hanger at the old Downtown Airport and visitors can see airplanes, photos, audio/video productions, artifacts, logbooks, uniforms and other items that illustrate the grace of propeller-driven travel. Individuals who lived and worked among the aircraft during their glory days sometimes lead informative and entertaining tours. Groups of ten or more must call ahead to reserve one.
This impressive museum pays tribute to the music and performers within the inimitable American art form jazz. The history of this music is told through interactive exhibits where you can listen to performances, watch videos and learn more about the greatest jazz musicians, from those perennial favourites Dizzy and Miles to those lesser-known cats like Horace Peterson and Tony Williams. Visitors will also learn about the history of African-American artists in local Kansas City lore and their many contributions to the community. The museum, which adjoins the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, rents its stage for special events and group tours are available.
This museum is devoted to the history of Kansas City and its environs. The museum is housed in the stately Beaux-Arts mansion that once belonged to the lumber tycoon R.A. Long. The estate was given to the city in 1938 and converted into a museum shortly thereafter. Inside, visit the 50-room wing known as the Corinthian Hall or the StoryTarium, which is an interactive area that presents the history of the city as well as the people who created it. In addition to Kansas City history, the museum also focuses on community events that run the gamut, from Latino heritage exhibits to LGBT programs.
One of the oldest houses in Jackson County, the Rice-Tremonti House stands tall at the mouth of the Santa Fe Trail since its establishment in 1844. Built for Archibald Rice and his kin, the house has borne witness to many changes in American History including the mining boom in California, Civil War and many more. Built in a Gothic-Revival style that was a favored style of architecture in this era, the house has been enlisted a part of the US National Register in 1979. The site, along with the adjacent house, known as “Aunt Sophie's Cabin”, is now visited frequently by history buffs and tourists.
Owned and operated by Jerry Eisterhold, Vox Vineyards invite visitors to take a tour of the winery and the surrounding vineyards. Overlooking the scenic mountains and the Missouri river, the winery has become a popular tourist attraction. Tasting sessions and events take place at the Vox Vineyards throughout the year. Choose from a variety of bubbles and enjoy gourmet cheeses along with your glass as you settle down in their tasting room. Vox Vineyards is a must visit attraction while touring the city.
Here is your chance to look at art from a new point of view and draw inspiration from showcased pieces at Richard Allen Cultural Center in Leavenworth. The museum opened its doors to visitors in the year 1992, and ever since, it has offered a glimpse into the history of African-Americans in America. It dedicates to showcasing and educating the public about the rich history of African-Americans and their contributions to every phase of American life. The venue offers workshops, seminars, and lectures for students. On display are photographs of African-American pioneers who lived in and around the area from the 1870s to 1920s, military artifacts from African-American soldiers who served on Fort Leavenworth, a Ku Klux Klan costume, photographs depicting KKK activities in Leavenworth, and much more.
Covering an area of 32000 square feet (3,000 square meters), the Kansas City Missouri Temple is an operating temple of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Built in 2012, the temple made of white precast concrete boasts of two majestic towers, limestone and accent stone interiors, olive branches that symbolize peace, stained and etched-glass windows. However, the highlight of the temple is clearly the gold-leafed angel Moroni statue. Dedicated to Thomas S. Monson, the 16th president of the LDS Church, the Kansas City Missouri Temple is a must-visit during your time in the city.
Boasting impressive Victorian architecture, Carroll Mansion was built in the year 1880. Featuring remarkable woodwork on the facade and glass windows, the gorgeous historic house is a museum operated by Leavenworth County Historical Society. Take a riveting guided tour around the house and learn interesting details about previous owners. Admire the period furnishings and antique items at the display. Call ahead to book your tour.