Mission Visitor Guide
Welcome to Mission, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Nestled in Johnson County, Mission offers a charming suburban escape with easy access to Kansas City’s urban attractions. 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
- Mission was founded in 1951, named after the Shawnee Indian Mission, a 1830s Methodist mission that served as a school for Native American children and a stop on the Santa Fe Trail.
- It evolved from a rural area into a thriving suburb post-World War II, driven by its proximity to Kansas City and the development of the Mission Shopping Center in the 1950s.
- Notable figures like missionary Thomas Johnson, who established the Shawnee Mission in 1839, shaped its early identity, with history preserved at sites like the Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site.
Interesting Facts
- Mission’s population is 9,954 (2023), with a diverse demographic (81.2% White, 8.5% Hispanic, 5.7% Asian per 2020 census) and a median household income of $74,367, reflecting its family-friendly appeal.
- The city is home to the Powell Community Center, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2003, offering indoor pools, fitness classes, and community events.
- Mission’s Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center is named after a local civil rights leader who served as the city’s first African-American councilmember in the 1970s.
- The city’s compact 2.7-square-mile area includes vibrant shopping districts like the Mission Gateway and a growing network of bike-friendly trails.
Local Attractions
- Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site: Explore a 1839 mission school with exhibits on Native American history and the Santa Fe Trail. Open Wed-Sat, 10 AM-5 PM; admission: $5 adults. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, ground-floor access. Address: 3403 W 53rd St, Fairway, KS 66205. Phone: (913) 262-0867. Website: kshs.org/shawnee_indian.
- Sylvester Powell Jr. Community Center: Offers indoor pools, fitness classes, and community events. Open daily; day pass: $7. Accessibility: Elevators, wheelchair-friendly facilities. Address: 6200 Martway St, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 722-8200. Website: missionks.org/community-center.
- Streamway Park: A scenic park with paved trails for biking and walking, connecting to the Turkey Creek Trail. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved, wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 5100 Merriam Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 831-7275. Website: jcprd.com/parks/streamway-park.
- Mission Farmers’ Market: A vibrant market with local produce and crafts. Open Saturdays (May-Oct), 8 AM-1 PM; free entry. Accessibility: Flat, wheelchair-friendly lot. Address: 5635 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 362-9667. Website: missionmarketks.com.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit Overland Park app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Mission’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- The Corner: Known for farm-to-table breakfast and lunch dishes like avocado toast and quiche. Expect $10-18 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 5425 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66205. Phone: (913) 403-0222. Website: thecornerkc.com.
- Mission Taco Joint: Specializing in street-style tacos and craft margaritas. Prices range from $8-15. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 4095 Mill St, Kansas City, MO 64111 (near Mission). Phone: (816) 326-2360. Website: missiontacojoint.com.
- The Other Place: Offers homestyle Italian-American fare like lasagna and pizza. Budget: $12-20. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 7324 W 80th St, Overland Park, KS 66204 (near Mission). Phone: (913) 652-9494. Website: theotherplace.com.
- Lucky Brew Coffee: Famous for artisan coffee and house-made pastries. Average cost: $6-12. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 5555 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 831-2222. Website: luckybrewcoffee.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead for The Corner via their website or OpenTable.
Local Hotels
- Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Shawnee Mission: Priced at $110-150/night. Offers free hot breakfast, indoor pool, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 9000 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212. Phone: (913) 648-7200. Website: druryhotels.com/locations/overland-park-ks.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas City-Merriam: Priced at $100-140/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 7400 W Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66203. Phone: (913) 789-8000. Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/mcimehx-hampton-inn-suites-kansas-city-merriam.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Shawnee: Priced at $90-130/night. Includes free continental breakfast, fitness center, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 16510 Midland Dr, Shawnee, KS 66217. Phone: (913) 441-9200. Website: choicehotels.com/hotels/us/en/ks/shawnee/ks406.
- Extended Stay America Kansas City-Shawnee Mission: Priced at $80-120/night. Provides full kitchens, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 6451 E Frontage Rd, Merriam, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 262-4440. Website: extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/ks/kansas-city/merriam.
- 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 Johnson Dr. Public transit via Johnson County Transit connects to KC (Address: 1701 W 5th St, Shawnee, KS 66201. Phone: (913) 422-3130. Website: joceotransit.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 farmers’ market season; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try tacos at Mission Taco Joint or coffee at Lucky Brew. For dietary needs, The Corner offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Mission Summer Block Party in June (Address: 5635 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 362-9667. Website: missionks.org/events) or the Mission Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 5635 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 362-9667. Website: missionmarketks.com).
- Safety & Health: Mission is very safe with low crime; stay aware in busy shopping areas. Clinics at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission (Address: 9100 W 74th St, Merriam, KS 66204. Phone: (913) 676-2000. Website: adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-shawnee-mission). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Mission Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 5635 Johnson Dr, Mission, KS 66202. Phone: (913) 362-9667. Website: missionmarketks.com) and use reusable items—Mission supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Mission is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Mission 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 Mission’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit missionks.org or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!