Table of Contents
Map Of Kansas And Missouri
Introduction
Kansas and Missouri are two states located in the heart of the United States, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With vibrant cities, charming small towns, and stunning scenery, these two states have something to offer for every type of traveler.
Top Attractions
When it comes to top attractions, both Kansas and Missouri have plenty to offer. In Kansas, you can visit the famous Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, explore the Kansas City Zoo, or take a tour of the state capitol building. In Missouri, you can visit the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, enjoy the rides at Silver Dollar City theme park, or explore the historic Independence Square.
Hidden Gems
For those who want to venture off the beaten path, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas, you can visit the quirky Mushroom Rock State Park, explore the stunning Monument Rocks, or take a trip to the charming town of Cottonwood Falls. In Missouri, you can visit the historic town of Hermann, explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, or relax at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks.
Food Scene
Both Kansas and Missouri are known for their delicious cuisine. In Kansas, you can try the famous Kansas City-style BBQ, indulge in a slice of homemade pie, or sample some locally made wine. In Missouri, you can enjoy a delicious plate of toasted ravioli, savor some gooey butter cake, or explore the thriving craft beer scene.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Kansas and Missouri doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly tips to help you save money on your trip. You can take advantage of free admission days at museums and attractions, visit farmers markets for affordable and fresh produce, or explore the great outdoors with free activities like hiking, biking, and camping.
Outdoor Adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, both Kansas and Missouri offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. In Kansas, you can hike through the rugged Flint Hills, explore the stunning rock formations at Castle Rock, or go fishing at one of the many lakes and rivers. In Missouri, you can go spelunking at the famous Meramec Caverns, hike through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, or go kayaking at the beautiful Current River.
Historical Landmarks
Kansas and Missouri are rich in history, with plenty of landmarks and monuments to explore. In Kansas, you can visit the historic Boot Hill Museum, explore the Nicodemus National Historic Site, or learn about the state’s role in the Civil War at the Mine Creek Battlefield State Historic Site. In Missouri, you can visit the famous Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, explore the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, or discover the history of the Pony Express at the Patee House Museum.
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas, you can take the kids to the interactive Exploration Place science center, explore the hands-on exhibits at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, or visit the Sedgwick County Zoo. In Missouri, you can enjoy a day at the Silver Dollar City theme park, explore the St. Louis Science Center, or visit the Sea Life Aquarium.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something unique and off-the-beaten-path, both Kansas and Missouri have plenty to offer. In Kansas, you can visit the quirky Garden of Eden sculpture park, explore the stunning Gypsum Hills, or take a tour of the historic Chase County Courthouse. In Missouri, you can visit the colorful City Museum in St. Louis, explore the unique Joplin Museum Complex, or take a ghost tour of the historic town of St. Joseph.
Natural Wonders
From towering rock formations to stunning lakes and rivers, Kansas and Missouri are home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders. In Kansas, you can explore the stunning Monument Rocks, hike through the beautiful Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, or go birdwatching at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. In Missouri, you can visit the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks, hike through the stunning Ozark Mountains, or explore the breathtaking Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Vibrant Nightlife
Whether you’re looking for live music, craft cocktails, or a night on the dancefloor, both Kansas and Missouri have a vibrant nightlife scene. In Kansas, you can enjoy live music at the iconic Granada Theater, sip craft beer at the Free State Brewing Company, or dance the night away at the historic Liberty Hall. In Missouri, you can enjoy a night out at the famous Power and Light District in Kansas City, sip craft cocktails at the Manifesto speakeasy, or enjoy a show at the iconic Fox Theater in St. Louis.
Local Markets
If you want to experience the local culture and cuisine, be sure to visit one of the many local markets in Kansas and Missouri. In Kansas, you can visit the Lawrence Farmers’ Market, explore the bustling City Market in Kansas City, or sample some local wine at the Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery. In Missouri, you can visit the historic Soulard Farmers Market in St. Louis, explore the popular River Market in Kansas City, or sample some delicious cheese at the Baetje Farms Goat Cheese Creamery.
Beaches and Mountains
While Kansas and Missouri may not have a coastline, they are still home to some beautiful beaches and mountains. In Kansas, you can visit the sandy shores of Lake Wilson, explore the stunning Flint Hills, or go skiing at the beautiful Sunflower State Park. In Missouri, you can visit the beautiful beaches at Lake of the Ozarks, hike through the stunning Ozark Mountains, or go skiing at the popular Hidden Valley Ski Resort.
Cultural Immersion
If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, Kansas and Missouri have plenty of options. In Kansas, you can visit the historic Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, explore the Kansas African American Museum, or attend the annual Kansas City Ethnic Festival. In Missouri, you can visit the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis, explore the National World War I Museum and Memorial, or attend the annual St. Louis Art Fair.
Art and Music Scene
Both Kansas and Missouri have a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of galleries, museums, and live music venues to explore. In Kansas, you can visit the Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence, explore the Wichita Art Museum, or attend the annual Kansas City Jazz and Heritage Festival. In Missouri, you can visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, explore the Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis, or attend the annual Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia.
Walking Tours
If you want to explore the cities and towns on foot, both Kansas and Missouri offer plenty of walking tours. In Kansas, you can take a historic walking tour of Topeka, explore the scenic trails at the Konza Prairie Preserve, or take a ghost tour of the historic town of Atchison. In Missouri, you can take a historic walking tour of St. Louis, explore the scenic trails at the Katy Trail State Park, or take a ghost tour of the historic town of St. Charles.
Architectural Marvels
Both Kansas and Missouri are home to some stunning architectural marvels. In Kansas, you can visit the stunning St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Pilsen, explore the beautiful state capitol building in Topeka, or marvel at the stunning architecture of the Boller Brothers-designed Temple Israel in Wichita. In Missouri, you can visit the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis, explore the stunning Union Station in Kansas City, or marvel at the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
Historical Sites
Both Kansas and Missouri are rich in history, with plenty of historical sites to explore. In Kansas, you can visit the famous Fort Scott National Historic Site, explore the historic town of Abilene, or learn about the state’s role in the Civil War at the John Brown Museum. In Missouri, you can visit the historic town of Arrow Rock, explore the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, or learn about the history of the Pony Express at the Patee House Museum.
Biking Routes
For those who love to bike, both Kansas and Missouri offer plenty of scenic routes to explore. In Kansas, you can bike through the stunning Flint Hills, explore the scenic trails at the Konza Prairie Preserve, or bike the Flint Hills Nature Trail. In Missouri, you can bike the Katy Trail State Park, explore the scenic trails at the Ozark Greenways, or bike the beautiful Katy Trail State Park.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, both Kansas and Missouri have plenty of wellness retreats to choose from. In Kansas, you can visit the charming town of Cottonwood Falls and stay at the luxurious Grand Central Hotel and Spa, enjoy a yoga retreat at the Prairie Guest