Gladstone Visitor Guide
Welcome to Gladstone, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Just minutes from downtown Kansas City, this suburban gem offers a welcoming community for a quick getaway or extended stay. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!
History
- Gladstone was founded in 1952, named after British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, evolving from a farming area into a thriving Kansas City suburb.
- Originally part of the Missouri Territory’s Clay County, settled in the 1820s, it grew with the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the 1880s, boosting commerce.
- The city’s development surged post-World War II, with suburban expansion driven by veterans and families, reflected in historic sites like the Atkins-Johnson Farmhouse.
Interesting Facts
- Gladstone’s population reached 27,719 in 2023, with a diverse demographic (78.4% White, 8.9% Hispanic, 7.2% Black per 2020 census) and a median household income of $65,477, balancing affordability and quality of life.
- The city is home to the Atkins-Johnson Farmhouse, a pre-Civil War structure from 1854, now a museum showcasing pioneer life in Clay County.
- Gladstone hosts the oldest continuous community theater in Missouri, the North Star Community Theatre, founded in 1978, performing at Oak Grove Park.
- Its proximity to Kansas City (10 miles) makes it a gateway to urban attractions while offering suburban parks and a small-town vibe.
Local Attractions
- Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum: Explore a restored 1854 farmhouse with exhibits on pioneer life and Civil War history. Open Wed-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM; admission: $5 adults. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps available. Address: 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. Phone: (816) 423-4100. Website: gladstone.mo.us/farmmuseum.
- Oak Grove Park: A 40-acre park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic shelters, ideal for family outings. Open daily; free entry. Accessibility: Paved trails, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 7600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. Phone: (816) 436-2200. Website: gladstone.mo.us/parks.
- Linden Square: A community hub hosting festivals, farmers’ markets, and outdoor concerts. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat, paved areas. Address: 602 NE 70th St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 436-2200. Website: lindensquare.info.
- Gladstone Community Center: Offers indoor pools, fitness classes, and recreation programs. Open daily; day pass: $6. Accessibility: Elevators, accessible facilities. Address: 6901 N Holmes St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 423-4200. Website: gladstonecommunitycenter.com.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit KC app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Gladstone’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen: Known for farm-to-table small plates and an extensive wine list. Expect $15-30 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 1526 NE 62nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 437-8262. Website: tanninwinebar.com.
- La Fuente Mexican Restaurant: Specializing in authentic Mexican dishes like mole poblano and fresh salsas. Prices range from $10-20. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 6957 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 436-1160. Website: lafuentekc.com.
- Smokehouse Barbecue: Famous for slow-smoked ribs and Kansas City-style BBQ. Budget: $12-25. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 6304 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 454-4500. Website: smokehousebbq.com.
- The Heights Bar & Grill: Offers craft burgers and local beers with a cozy vibe. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 6501 N Cosby Ave, Kansas City, MO 64151. Phone: (816) 587-5800. Website: theheightsbar.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for Tannin, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.
Local Hotels
- Hampton Inn Kansas City/Liberty: Priced at $100-140/night. Offers free breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 8551 Church Rd, Kansas City, MO 64157. Phone: (816) 415-9600. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcilbhx-hampton-kansas-city-liberty.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kansas City North: Priced at $105-145/night. Features free hot breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 8230 NW Prairie View Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151. Phone: (816) 587-1000. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/kansas-city/mcipv/hoteldetail.
- Comfort Suites Kansas City-Liberty: Priced at $90-130/night. Includes free breakfast, indoor pool, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 8200 N Church Rd, Kansas City, MO 64158. Phone: (816) 781-7273. Website: choicehotels.com/hotels/us/en/mo/kansas-city/mo335.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Kansas City North: Priced at $95-135/night. Provides free breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 8101 NE 82nd St, Kansas City, MO 64158. Phone: (816) 792-4000. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcifn-fairfield-inn-suites-kansas-city-north.
- Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.
Other Information for Tourists
- Getting Around: Navigate with rideshares like Uber or drive via I-29 or MO-152. Public transit via Kansas City Area Transportation Authority connects to KC (Address: 1200 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108. Phone: (816) 221-0660. Website: ridekc.org). Taxis at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com). Car rentals at the airport are ideal for exploring.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try BBQ ribs at Smokehouse or tacos at La Fuente. For dietary needs, Tannin offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Gladfest Fall Festival in October (Address: 602 NE 70th St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 436-2200. Website: gladstone.mo.us/gladfest) or the Linden Square Farmers’ Market (May-Oct) (Address: 602 NE 70th St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 436-2200. Website: lindensquare.info).
- Safety & Health: Gladstone is very safe with low crime; stay aware during festivals. Clinics at North Kansas City Hospital nearby (Address: 2800 Clay Edwards Dr, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Phone: (816) 691-2000. Website: nkch.org). Download the Missouri Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Linden Square Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 602 NE 70th St, Gladstone, MO 64118. Phone: (816) 436-2200. Website: lindensquare.info) and use reusable items—Gladstone supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Gladstone is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Gladstone and nearby areas. Choose from:
- Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
- Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
- Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
- Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
- Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.
Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Gladstone’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit gladstone.mo.us or visitkc.com for the latest info. Happy travels!