One Day in Kansas City, Missouri: A Frugal Travel Guide

A few weeks ago, I drove 4 hours from Northwest Arkansas to Missouri for a weekend trip. My main intension was to go skiing at Snow Creek, a ski resort owned by Vail Resorts about 30 minutes North of Kansas City, Missouri. I can hardly say “resort” though as it was really just a bunny hill. That’s a story for another time… I skied Saturday, then spent the night in Kansas City and used Sunday to explore the city. Although Kansas City is a relatively large city, you can definitely hit all the highlights in less than 24 hours, so here’s my guide to one day in Kansas City, Missouri

Breakfast at Messenger Coffee Co. + Ibis Bakery

To start the morning, you’ll want to venture over to the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, MO to hit Messenger Coffee Co. My intentions for visiting this hot spot was originally just to grab coffee, but the location is so much more than just a coffee shop.

The brand was established in 2013 when (3) smaller coffee shops joined forces with the intension of bringing fair-trade coffee to Kansas City and roasting bean locally. Their flagship roasting facility and restaurant didn’t open until 2017, in an old abandoned warehouse in the Crossroads Arts District. This area is noticeably an up-and-coming neighborhood as trendy shops and restaurants continue to call it home.

They have actually teamed up with Ibis Bakery to bake all the delicious loaves and pastries right on location. These gluten-filled treats are sold at other shops all over the city as well. You can smell that fresh bread from a mile away! Their breads are SO GOOD I actually got back in line to buy a whole loaf of their staple Country Bread for only $8.50 before leaving.

Messenger Coffee Co. is so large it takes up 3 floors. The bottom floor is where the coffee shop and bakery stand. There are a few tables to sit at so you can watch the bakers and coffee artisans at work. On the 2nd floor, you’ll find the roastery with roasters likely in action during your visit. There is also a larger seating area. Then, the 3rd floor is the rooftop patio with views stretching for miles around.

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Union Station

After grabbing some breakfast, drive a few blocks South to check out Union Station. You can enjoy the stunning interior architecture and design while sipping on a coffee/drink at Harvey’s restaurant and bar. Inside Union Station, you’ll find Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, a couple small theaters, and rotating exhibits.

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National WWI Museum and Memorial

Towering over Union Station, perched on a hill across the street, you’ll find the National WWI Memorial. As a memorial to honor those who served our country in WWI, you’ll find historic WWI period artifacts, exhibits of special war remains, immersive VR experiences, and structures symbolic of the times. As one of the highest points in Kansas City for miles around, you’ll have wonderful views of the city. General admission is $18 for adults, or you can pay a little bit extra to see their special exhibits as well.

Lunch at the Historic City Market

With about 20 food vendors as well as a bunch of other locally-owned shops, the Historic City Market is a great place to grab a cheap lunch and spend some time walking around. It’s open from 9am – 3pm, and there’s a farmer’s market every Saturday and Sunday.

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Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the history of African American baseball and its impact on the advancements of not only Major League Baseball but desegregation as a whole in America.

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American Jazz Museum

Located in the same building as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, you’ll find the American Jazz Museum. With a mission to expand the influence, awareness and appreciation of jazz, this museum shares artifacts that helps tell the story of jazz’s impact in Kansas City, the nation, and the world. You’ll have the opportunity to listen to various styles of jazz from the biggest names like Ella Fitzgerald while exploring the exhibit. They also have a jazz club right on site called The Blue Room with events all throughout the week.

Don’t forget to check out Groupon for discounted tickets to both museums. Tickets are normally $10 each, but you can get them for less than that on Groupon.

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Nelson-Atkins Art Museum

Your last stop for the day, before grubbing out, needs to be to the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The art museum is FREE to visit, but you do have to book a reserved time slot. You’ll enjoy a mix of American artworks, contemporary pieces, and ancient treasures from all around the world. Not only is the art worth seeing, but the building itself is just magnificent. As a note, the contemporary art is in a different section from the main entrance so make sure you don’t miss it. I almost did!

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Dinner at Q39 BBQ

You’d be a fool to go to Kansas City and not try some of their BBQ (unless you’re vegan like me). Chances are you’re probably looking for the perfect BBQ joint in town, and Q39 is the spot to be. There are 2 locations in town – one in Midtown and the other South. Prices are extremely reasonable with a full rack costing only $30 and the everything else on the menu going down from there.

They serve up all the Kansas City-style BBQ staples like brisket, ribs, smoked chicken and sausage. But, I recommend getting the Judge’s Plate so you can try all 3! You’ll definitely want to get one of their famous appetizers to start as well, like the wings, brisket poutine, or bacon-wrapped shrimp. Now, don’t forget the sides… that’s where I was hanging out. You can’t go wrong with their apple slaw, baked beans, white bean cassoulet, crispy fries, or cucumber onion salad.

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Party in Power & Light

Looking for the ultimate night cap? The Power & Light district in downtown is the place to be. At the fabulous open-air Kansas City Live venue, you’ll be right in the heart of all the action. It was a little nostalgic for me as it gave me total L.A. City Walk vibes. There’s one restaurant and bar after another, like Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint, Howl at the Moon, and The Dubliner. Or you can just grab a drink at one of the small bars right in the center of Kansas City Live. And don’t forget to stop at Insomnia Cookies on your way out of the areas. They’re open ’til 3am!

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