Kansas City, KS Visitor Guide

Welcome to Kansas City, Kansas (KCK), a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. As the heart of the Kansas City metro area, KCK offers urban excitement with a welcoming community feel. 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

• Kansas City, Kansas, was incorporated in 1872, evolving from Wyandot Indian settlements and a key trading post along the Missouri River in the 1830s.
• It played a pivotal role as a hub for the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, with the 1850s Kansas-Nebraska Act sparking growth and the meatpacking industry booming in the early 1900s.
• Notable figures like Wyandot leader William Walker shaped its early governance, and the city’s industrial past is preserved at sites like the Huron Cemetery and Strawberry Hill Museum.

Interesting Facts

• KCK’s population is 156,607 (2023), with a diverse demographic (42.1% White, 26.5% Hispanic, 23.7% Black per 2020 census) and a median household income of $56,143, reflecting its working-class roots.
• The city is home to the Kansas Speedway, a NASCAR track opened in 2001, hosting major races like the Hollywood Casino 400, drawing over 80,000 fans annually.
• KCK’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood, settled by Croatian immigrants in the 1880s, is famous for its Slavic heritage and vibrant cultural festivals.
• The city claims a share of Kansas City’s barbecue fame, with local joints perfecting burnt ends, a dish invented here in the 1970s.

Local Attractions

• Strawberry Hill Museum: Explore a 1887 Victorian mansion showcasing KCK’s Slavic heritage with cultural exhibits. Open Sat-Sun, 12-5 PM; admission: $7 adults. Accessibility: Limited, stairs to upper floors. Address: 720 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS 66101. Phone: (913) 371-3260. Website: strawberryhillmuseum.org.
• Kansas Speedway: Experience NASCAR races or tour the 1.5-mile track. Event tickets: $30-100; tours $15. Accessibility: Wheelchair seating, elevators. Address: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 328-9300. Website: kansasspeedway.com.
• Wyandotte County Lake Park: A 400-acre park with hiking trails, fishing, and boating. Open daily; free entry. Accessibility: Paved trails, some uneven terrain. Address: 91st St & Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 721-3400. Website: wycokck.org/parks.
• Legends Outlets Kansas City: Shop 100+ stores or dine in this outdoor retail center. Open daily; free entry. Accessibility: Flat, wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 788-3700. Website: legendsshopping.com.
• Pro Tip: Download the Visit Kansas City KS app for real-time maps and event updates.

Local Restaurants

Savor Kansas City’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):

• Slap’s BBQ: Famous for Kansas City-style burnt ends and smoked ribs. Expect $15-25 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 553 Central Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101. Phone: (913) 621-7427. Website: slapsbbqkc.com.
• El Pollo Guasave: Specializing in Sinaloa-style Mexican chicken and tacos. Prices range from $8-18. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 1601 Meadowlark Ln, Kansas City, KS 66102. Phone: (913) 287-3311. Website: elpolloguasave.com.
• Danny’s Bar & Grill: Offers comfort food like smoked brisket sandwiches and local beers. Budget: $10-20. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 10940 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66109. Phone: (913) 299-9000. Website: dannysbarandgrill.com.
• Kris’ Kitchen: Known for soul food classics like fried catfish and peach cobbler. Average cost: $12-20. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 6147 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102. Phone: (913) 287-3300. Website: kriskitchenkc.com.
• Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for Slap’s BBQ, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.

Local Hotels

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Kansas City at Village West: Priced at $100-140/night. Offers indoor pool, free hot breakfast, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 1400 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 422-7800. Website: radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/country-inn-kansas-city-village-west.
• Hampton Inn Kansas City Village West: Priced at $110-150/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 1400 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 721-2600. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcvwshx-hampton-kansas-city-village-west.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kansas City KU Medical Center: Priced at $105-145/night. Includes free hot breakfast, fitness center, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 3932 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103. Phone: (913) 236-8700. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/kansas-city/mcikc/hoteldetail.
• Chateau Avalon Hotel & Spa: Priced at $120-180/night. Offers luxury suites, spa services, continental breakfast. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 701 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 596-6000. Website: chateauavalonhotel.com.
• Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.

Other Information for Tourists

• Getting Around: Navigate with KCK’s Unified Government Transit buses (Address: 701 N 7th St, Kansas City, KS 66101. Phone: (913) 573-8351. Website: wycokck.org/transit) or rideshares like Uber. 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 NASCAR races and festivals; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
• Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try burnt ends at Slap’s or soul food at Kris’ Kitchen. For dietary needs, El Pollo Guasave offers gluten-free options.
• Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Kansas Speedway NASCAR races in May/October (Address: 400 Speedway Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111. Phone: (913) 328-9300. Website: kansasspeedway.com) or the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Festival in June (Address: 720 N 4th St, Kansas City, KS 66101. Phone: (913) 371-3260. Website: strawberryhillmuseum.org).
• Safety & Health: KCK is generally safe, but stay cautious in busy areas like the Legends. Clinics at Providence Medical Center (Address: 8929 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66112. Phone: (913) 596-4000. Website: providencekc.com). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
• Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Rosedale Farmers’ Market on Sundays (May-Oct) (Address: 5020 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102. Phone: (913) 573-5311. Website: wycokck.org/market) and use reusable items—KCK supports eco-friendly initiatives.

Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals

Exploring Kansas City is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in KCK 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 Kansas City’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!

Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit visitkansascityks.com or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!