From bike tours to shopping, here are 11 locals’ favorite ways to explore Kansas City

Kae Lani Palmisano
File photo by Rich Sugg/rsugg@kcstar.com

What better way to experience Kansas City like a local than to ask the locals!

This summer, we asked readers of The Kansas City Star “what would be the one thing you’d recommend to someone who is new to Kansas City” and we got around 100 really thoughtful responses. These tips were so good we used many of them to help build our Guide to the City of Fountains, a new section of our website and newsletter that will help locals navigate what to eat, see and do in Kansas City.

So if you’re looking for a new way to connect with Kansas City, or a family friendly activity to enjoy this weekend here are some suggestions from locals!

  • “To explore the KC downtown sign up for an Urban Hike. Things you drive by and just don’t know they are there will be talked about at a much slower pace.” - Tim Hines, resident for 62 years

  • “Worlds of Fun. It’s a family oriented park filled with lots of attractions. It has rides for all ages and awesome roller coasters. And it has some great food too! And of course, the best time to go is in the fall when they put out pumpkins and it’s so festive. And for the adults there’s Halloween Haunt, filled with scary attractions.” - Dawn Sutton, resident for 51 years

  • “Unity Village. Beautiful scenery and fountains, very picturesque, amazing hiking trail.” - Sydney Harris, resident for 3 years

  • “Wyandotte County Lake. Yes beautiful and peaceful and away from the rush of the city.” - Greg Stockhoff, resident for 62 years

  • “Go to City Market on the weekends. There are a lot of local vendors and fresh produce, from honey to meat, to veggies and paintings, spices, they’ve got you covered. Get out on the weekend and get some reasonably priced things! You could spend at least an hour or two without knowing it. Plenty of food spots!” - Jennifer & Destry Lagemann, resident for 1 year

  • “You can ride the streetcar to see [City Market] and it has so many things. Great way to grab breakfast and go. There is an art garden on Sundays and food and a garage sale. So much in one area.” - Ashley Edmonsond, resident for 38 years

  • “Downtown Lee’s Summit. Amazing retail and great dining. Feels like a small town.” - Donnie Rodgers, resident for 8 years

  • “Visit downtown Parkville. Cute shops, good food, walking trails, pretty views, Park University.” - Helena Roberts, resident for 41 years

  • “Go to Emma Case Junior Park at 8th and Jefferson. From the park, you can see why Kansas City exists. You can see the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers; where the two highways that go from Mexico to Canada and from California to Virginia intersect. You can see Wheeler airport and view the Lewis and Clark memorial as well as grain elevators and rail yards. In short, it is the best single place to see and understand our history.” - Christopher Iliff, lifelong resident

  • “Take a E-Bike tour from Waldo to the Plaza. It’s a great way to explore the Waldo area and the Plaza area while getting some exercise.” - Tovi, resident for 39 years

  • “Take a stroll around the Country Club Plaza & eat at Jack Stack BBQ. [Will give you] a feel and taste of Kansas City.” - Arlyn Converse, resident for 47 years

Advertisement