Parkville Visitor Guide
Welcome to Parkville, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Nestled along the Missouri River, Parkville offers a charming mix of historic charm, scenic beauty, and a thriving arts scene just minutes from 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
- Parkville was founded in 1844 by Colonel George S. Park, evolving from a riverfront trading post into a bustling hub for steamboat commerce and the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad.
- It played a significant role during the Bleeding Kansas era and was home to Park College (now Park University), established in 1875, known for its historic Mackay Building.
- Notable figures like journalist William Rockhill Nelson, who studied at Park College, shaped its legacy, with history preserved at sites like the Parkville Historic District.
Interesting Facts
- Parkville’s population is 7,810 (2023), with a demographic of 85.4% White, 6.1% Hispanic, and 4.2% Black (2020 census) and a median household income of $81,250, reflecting its quaint yet affluent community.
- The city is home to Park University, one of the oldest private institutions in Missouri, with a campus featuring the nation’s only underground academic facility, the Park University Caves.
- Parkville hosts the annual Parkville Days Festival, a tradition since the 1970s, drawing thousands for music, food, and riverfront activities.
- Its English Landing Park, named after a historic steamboat landing, offers 68 acres of trails and scenic Missouri River views, a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Local Attractions
- English Landing Park: A 68-acre riverfront park with trails, picnic areas, and Missouri River views. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved trails, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 8701 McAfee St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 741-7676. Website: parkvillemo.org/parks.
- Parkville Historic District: Stroll Main Street for 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and art galleries. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Flat sidewalks, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 100 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 505-2227. Website: parkvillemo.org/downtown.
- National Silk Art Museum: Explore over 300 silk tapestries from 17th-century France. Open Tue-Sat, 11 AM-4 PM; admission: $5. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, ground-floor access. Address: 500 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 746-7660. Website: nationalsilkartmuseum.com.
- Park University Mackay Building: A historic 1886 limestone building with campus tours showcasing its Gothic architecture. Open Mon-Fri, 9 AM-4 PM; free. Accessibility: Limited, some stairs; call for accommodations. Address: 8700 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 741-2000. Website: park.edu.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit KC app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Parkville’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- Café des Amis: Known for French-inspired dishes like coq au vin and crème brûlée. Expect $20-35 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 112 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 587-6767. Website: cafedesamiskc.com.
- Stone Canyon Pizza: Specializing in wood-fired pizzas and craft beers. Prices range from $10-20. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 15 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 746-8686. Website: stonecanyonpizza.com.
- Frank’s Italian Restaurant: Offers homemade pasta and classic Italian dishes like lasagna. Budget: $12-22. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 100 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 741-8888. Website: franksitalianparkville.com.
- The Power Plant Restaurant & Brewery: Famous for craft brews and pub fare like smoked brisket sandwiches. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 2 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 746-5050. Website: powerplantbrewery.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead for Café des Amis via their website 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 Airport: Priced at $105-145/night. Features free hot breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 9550 NW Polo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 984-6800. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/kansas-city/mcika/hoteldetail.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Kansas City North: Priced at $90-130/night. Includes free breakfast, pet-friendly, fitness center. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 2214 Taney St, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Phone: (816) 221-1200. Website: wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta.
- Best Western Plus Kansas City Airport: Priced at $95-135/night. Provides free breakfast, indoor pool, airport shuttle. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 11130 NW Ambassador Dr, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-0900. Website: bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.26101.html.
- 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 MO-9 or I-29. 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 Parkville Days; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try coq au vin at Café des Amis or pizza at Stone Canyon. For dietary needs, Frank’s offers gluten-free pasta options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Parkville Days Festival in August (Address: 8701 McAfee St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 505-2227. Website: parkvillemo.org/parkville-days) or the Parkville Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 100 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 505-2227. Website: parkvillemo.org/farmers-market).
- Safety & Health: Parkville is very safe with low crime; stay aware in busy festival areas. Clinics at Saint Luke’s North Hospital (Address: 5830 NW Barry Rd, Kansas City, MO 64154. Phone: (816) 891-6000. Website: saintlukeskc.org/locations/saint-lukes-north-hospital). Download the Missouri Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Parkville Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 100 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152. Phone: (816) 505-2227. Website: parkvillemo.org/farmers-market) and use reusable items—Parkville supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Parkville is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Parkville 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 Parkville’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit parkvillemo.org or visitkc.com for the latest info. Happy travels!