Liberty Visitor Guide
Welcome to Liberty, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Known as the “Heart of Clay County,” Liberty offers a charming mix of historic sites and modern suburban appeal near Kansas City. 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
- Liberty was founded in 1822 as the seat of Clay County, named after Senator Henry Clay, evolving from a frontier settlement into a key stop on the Oregon and California Trails.
- It played a significant role in the Civil War, with the 1861 Battle of Liberty (First Battle of Independence) and was home to the first daylight bank robbery attributed to Jesse James in 1866 at the Clay County Savings Association.
- Notable figures like Alexander Doniphan, a prominent lawyer and Mexican-American War hero, shaped its early identity, with history preserved at sites like the Jesse James Bank Museum.
Interesting Facts
- Liberty’s population is 30,377 (2023), with a demographic of 83.6% White, 7.4% Black, and 6.2% Hispanic (2020 census), and a median household income of $81,352, reflecting its family-friendly suburban vibe.
- The city is home to William Jewell College, founded in 1849, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges west of the Mississippi, known for its historic Jewell Hall.
- Liberty hosts the nation’s oldest continuously operating county fair, the Clay County Fair, dating back to 1850, drawing thousands annually.
- The Historic Downtown Liberty Square, with buildings from the 1830s, is a National Register of Historic Places district, famous for its antique shops and vibrant festivals.
Local Attractions
- Jesse James Bank Museum: Relive the 1866 robbery in the original bank building with period artifacts. Open Mon-Sat, 10 AM-4 PM; admission: $8 adults. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, ground-floor access. Address: 103 N Water St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 781-4458. Website: jessejamesmuseum.org.
- Historic Downtown Liberty Square: Stroll through charming streets with antique shops, boutiques, and historic murals. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat sidewalks, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 792-6000. Website: historicdowntownliberty.org.
- Belvoir Winery: Tour a historic 1900s Odd Fellows Home turned winery with tastings and scenic grounds. Open daily; tastings $10. Accessibility: Mostly flat, some gravel paths. Address: 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 200-1811. Website: belvoirwinery.com.
- Liberty Jail Historic Site: Explore a reconstructed 1830s jail where Joseph Smith was held, with exhibits on Mormon history. Open daily, 9 AM-5 PM; free. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 216 N Main St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 781-3188. Website: history.churchofjesuschrist.org/liberty-jail.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit KC app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Liberty’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- The Artisan: Known for farm-to-table dishes like smoked pork chops and craft cocktails. Expect $15-30 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 118 S Main St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 781-0070. Website: theartisanliberty.com.
- Luigi’s Italian Restaurant: Specializing in homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Prices range from $12-22. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 8 E Franklin St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 792-5555. Website: luigisliberty.com.
- Hammerhand Coffee: Offers artisan coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and house-made pastries. Budget: $8-15. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 249 W Mill St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 429-6666. Website: hammerhandcoffee.com.
- Ginger Sue’s: Famous for comfort food like biscuits and gravy and seasonal pancakes. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 12 W Kansas St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 407-7100. Website: gingersues.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for The Artisan, 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-Liberty: Priced at $105-145/night. Features free hot breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 8230 N Church Rd, Kansas City, MO 64158. Phone: (816) 781-5555. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/liberty/mcilb/hoteldetail.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Kansas City Liberty: Priced at $95-135/night. Includes free breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 8101 NE 82nd St, Kansas City, MO 64158. Phone: (816) 792-4000. Website: marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcifn-fairfield-inn-suites-kansas-city-liberty.
- Sleep Inn & Suites Liberty: Priced at $90-130/night. Provides free breakfast, indoor pool, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 1840 N Church Rd, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 429-2600. Website: choicehotels.com/hotels/us/en/mo/liberty/mo336.
- 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-35 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 the Clay County Fair; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try pork chops at The Artisan or pancakes at Ginger Sue’s. For dietary needs, Luigi’s offers gluten-free pasta options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Clay County Fair in September (Address: 1300 E Liberty St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 781-7730. Website: claycountyfair.com) or the Liberty Fall Festival in September (Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 792-6000. Website: historicdowntownliberty.org).
- Safety & Health: Liberty is very safe with low crime; stay aware in busy festival areas. Clinics at Liberty Hospital (Address: 2525 Glenn Hendren Dr, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 781-7200. Website: libertyhospital.org). Download the Missouri Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Liberty Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 100 W Kansas St, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone: (816) 792-6000. Website: historicdowntownliberty.org/market) and use reusable items—Liberty supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Liberty is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Liberty 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 Liberty’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit historicdowntownliberty.org or visitkc.com for the latest info. Happy travels!