Check out our list of things to do in Kansas City, Missouri. From barbeque and jazz to fountains and parks, there’s something for everyone in KC!
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Introduction
Kansas City is known for its vibrant music and arts scene, its delicious barbecue, and its friendly people. There is so much to do in this Midwestern gem, from exploring the beautiful parks to visiting the world-class museums. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, here are some of the best things to do in Kansas City.
History
Kansas City was founded in the 1830s as a Missouri River port at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. The city was a stopping point for settlers heading west and became a major outfitting and provisioning center for wagon trains.
The founding of Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri was founded in 1850 at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. The city was originally called “The City of Kansas” and was incorporated in 1852. In 1889, the city was renamed “Kansas City” to differentiate it from its rapidly growing namesake in Kansas.
Kansas City grew rapidly in the late 19th century as a major rail hub and Meatpacking center. The city’sstockyards were the largest in the world and railroads brought millions of pounds of meat to the city each day. The city’s population exploded in the early 20th century, reaching over half a million people by 1920.
The city was also a major center of Jazz music in the early 20th century. Famous Jazz musicians like Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Lester Young all got their start in Kansas City’s vibrant music scene.
Today, Kansas City is a major Midwest metropolis with a population of over two million people. The city is known for its steaks, BBQ, jazz music, and its friendly Midwestern hospitality.
The Civil War in Kansas City
Kansas City was on the verge of becoming an important city when the Civil War began. The strategic location of the city, along with its access to the Missouri River, made it a key point for both Union and Confederate forces.
On August 12, 1861, Union and Confederate troops clashed at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek near Springfield, Missouri. The battle resulted in a costly Union defeat, but it did not deter the Union army from occupying Kansas City later that year.
For the next four years, Kansas City served as an important supply base for the Union army. It was also a haven for escaped slaves, who were seeking freedom in the North. In 1863, Kansas City was the site of one of the largest emancipation celebrations in the country.
As the war came to an end, Kansas City experienced a period of growth and prosperity. The city became known as a “cowtown” because of its thriving stockyards and meatpacking industry. In 1867, Kansas City was officially incorporated as a city.
The 20th century in Kansas City
Kansas City was a major player in the Westward Expansion of the United States in the early 19th century. It was a stopping point for many pioneers on their way to the American West, and it became known as the “Gateway to the West.” The city’s location on the Missouri River made it a prime spot for trade and transportation, and Kansas City quickly became a major hub for commerce.
The city continued to grow in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and by the mid-20th century, it was one of the largest cities in the United States. Kansas City was also an important center for jazz music, and its jazz scene was legendary. The city’s African American community was particularly vibrant, and Kansas City became known as a “city of fountains” because of its numerous public fountains, many of which were designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Kansas City’s economy began to decline, and its population began to shrink. The city struggled with high crime rates and poverty, and many of its residents left for other parts of the country. In recent years, however, Kansas City has seen a resurgence. Its downtown area has been revitalized, and its economy is growing once again. Today, Kansas City is a vibrant city with much to offer visitors.
Geography
The location of Kansas City
Kansas City is centrally located in the United States at the crossroads of I-70 and I-35. The city is situated on the Missouri River in the beautiful and rolling hills of western Missouri. Kansas City is within a day’s drive of more than half the population of the United States and Canada.
Kansas City is the largest city in Missouri with a population of over 460,000 people. The metropolitan area, which includes parts of Kansas and Missouri, has a population of over 2 million people.
The climate of Kansas City
The climate of Kansas City is a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa/Dfb) with hot, humid summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is 86 °F (30 °C) and January is 28 °F (−2 °C). There are about 211 days above 32 °F (0 °C) annually, and about 22 days where the high does not exceed 50°F (10°C).
Precipitation is abundant, averaging 39 inches (990 mm) annually. Snowfall occurs mostly in January and February, but sporadic snowfall can occur in November and December as well as March. Severe weather occurs on occasion in the form of tornadoes, particularly during the spring and summer months; Kansas City’s proximity to Tornado Alley puts it at an increased risk for such storms.
The geography of Kansas City
Kansas City is located in the Midwestern United States at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. The city has a total area of 315 square miles (810 km2), of which 304 square miles (790 km2) is land and 11 square miles (20 km2) is covered by water. The city lies in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties in Missouri.
Kansas City’s 2019 estimated population was 495,327, making it the 38th-largest city in the United States by population. It is the most populated municipality and historic core city of the Kansas City metropolitan area, which straddles Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. KCMO is part of a consolidated city-county government known as the Unified Government.
Kansas City is centered on Kaw Point, which lies at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. The Missouri River forms a border between Kansas City, Missouri to the north, and Kansas City, Kansas to the south. The two cities are commonly referred to as “KCK” (for Kansas City, Kansas) and “KCMO” (for Kansas City, Missouri). The first recorded explorers were French fur trappers who visited the area in 1673.
Demographics
As of 2019, the population of Kansas City, Missouri is estimated to be 499,447. The population of the city has been steadily increasing since 2010. The majority of the population is white (59%), followed by black or African American (29%), Hispanic or Latino (6%), and Asian (3%). The median age of the population is 34.5 years old.
The population of Kansas City
The population of Kansas City is 467,007, according to the 2010 Census. The city has a population density of 2,480 people per square mile. Kansas City is the 37th largest city in the United States and the 29th largest metropolitan area. The Greater Kansas City metropolitan area has a population of 2.1 million people.
The ethnic groups in Kansas City
Kansas City is home to a number of different ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans. The city has a long history of immigration, and this diversity is reflected in its food, music, and culture.
African Americans make up the largest minority group in Kansas City, accounting for nearly 30% of the population. The city has a rich African American heritage, and many of its most popular attractions – including the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum – showcase this culture.
Hispanics are the second largest minority group in Kansas City, making up about 15% of the population. The city has a large Hispanic community, and many Hispanic-owned businesses can be found in the historic Westside neighborhood.
Asians make up about 5% of Kansas City’s population, and there is a significant Vietnamese community in the city. Kansas City also has a large Chinese community, which is reflected in the city’s many Chinese restaurants and shops.
Native Americans make up less than 1% of Kansas City’s population, but there are a number of Native American-owned businesses and organizations in the city.
The religious groups in Kansas City
Kansas City is home to many different religions and religious groups. The city has a large Christian population, as well as a significant number of Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists. Kansas City also has a large number of atheists and agnostics.
Christianity is the largest religion in Kansas City, with about 60% of the population identifying as Christian. The majority of Christians in Kansas City are Protestant, with about 40% of the population identifying as Protestant. Catholicism is the second largest Christian denomination in the city, with about 20% of the population identifying as Catholic.
Muslims make up about 5% of the population of Kansas City, and most of them are Sunnis. There is also a small Shia community in the city. Jews make up about 3% of the population, and most of them are Reform Jews. Buddhists make up about 2% of the city’s population.
Atheists and agnostics make up about 25% of the population of Kansas City.
Education
The first thing anyone should do when visiting a new city is to research the educational opportunities that city has to offer. A quick Google search of “Kansas City Education” will bring up a ton of results, including the website of the Kansas City Public Schools. This website provides a great overview of the public education system in Kansas City, as well as links to the websites of each individual school.
The public schools in Kansas City
The public schools in Kansas City are administered by two school districts: the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) and the North Kansas City Schools (NKCS). Both districts offer a variety of educational options, from traditional public schools to charter and magnet schools.
The KCPS district includes more than 60 schools, serving about 17,500 students. The NKCS district consists of 27 schools and serves about 11,700 students. Both districts offer a variety of programs and services designed to meet the needs of all learners.
In addition to the public school districts, there are also several private schools in Kansas City. These schools range from small, faith-based institutions to large, secular academies. Private schools typically have higher tuition rates than public schools, but they may offer a more personalized education experience.
Kansas City is also home to several Higher Education institutions, including the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Metropolitan Community College (MCC), and Park University. These institutions offer a variety of degree and certificate programs to meet the needs of local students.
The private schools in Kansas City
If you’re looking for a top-notch education for your children, you’ll be pleased to know that Kansas City is home to many excellent private schools. Below are just a few of the many private schools in the area:
-Kansas City Academy
-Barstow School
-Notre Dame de Sion School
-Pembroke Hill School
-Rockhurst High School
The colleges and universities in Kansas City
The colleges and universities in Kansas City include some of the finest in the Midwest. The city is home to several large institutions of higher education, as well as a number of smaller colleges and universities.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is the largest university in the city, with an enrollment of over 14,000 students. The school offers a wide variety of degree programs, and is especially well-regarded for its programs in the arts and sciences.
Kansas City is also home to Rockhurst University, a private Jesuit university with an enrollment of over 2,000 students. Rockhurst University is known for its rigorous academic programs and its commitment to service learning.
Other colleges and universities in Kansas City include Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Avila University, Brown Mackie College, Donnelly College, and National American University.
Economy
Though it was once a regional economic powerhouse, today’s Kansas City is a much different place. The city has been through some tough times, but it is slowly turning itself around. The economy is still struggling, but there are a number of things that Kansas City is doing to try to improve its situation.
The industries in Kansas City
Kansas City is home to a number of industries, including agriculture, bioscience, manufacturing, andPlus
The major employers in Kansas City
The largest employers in Kansas City are:
– Cassidy Turley Real Estate Services: 2,500 employees
– United Soccer League: 2,400 employees
– J.E. Dunn Construction Company: 2,200 employees
– AMC Theaters: 2,000 employees
– H&R Block: 1,900 employees
The cost of living in Kansas City
Kansas City is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The cost of living is reasonable, and there are plenty of things to do. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re budgeting for your new life in Kansas City.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses you’ll have, and rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood you choose. Downtown and the Plaza area tend to be the most expensive, while Kansas City, Missouri has more affordable options. You can also find cheaper rents in the suburbs, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of commuting.
Groceries are another big expense, but there are ways to save money. Many grocery stores offer loyalty cards that give you discounts on your purchases. You can also buy in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Kansas City is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The cost of living is reasonable, and there are plenty of things to do. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re budgeting for your new life in Kansas City.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses you’ll have, and rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood you choose. Downtown and the Plaza area tend to be the most expensive, while Kansas City, Missouri has more affordable options. You can also find cheaper rents in the suburbs, but you’ll need to factor in the cost of commuting.
Groceries are another big expense, but there are ways to save money. Many grocery stores offer loyalty cards that give you discounts on your purchases. You can also buy in bulk at warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club.
Culture
Kansas City is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a variety of cultural experiences. The city is home to a number of museums and galleries, as well as a number of theaters and performing arts venues. There’s something for everyone in Kansas City, so be sure to check out the city’s cultural offerings during your visit.
The arts in Kansas City
Kansas City is a vibrant and thriving city with a rich cultural heritage. The arts are an integral part of life in Kansas City, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. From world-class museums and theaters to smaller galleries and performance venues, Kansas City has it all.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is one of the most highly regarded museums in the country, and it is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is another major cultural destination in Kansas City. The center houses three theaters, which host a variety of performing arts events throughout the year, including ballet, opera, and Broadway shows.
The Kansas City Symphony is one of the most acclaimed symphonies in the country, and it performs at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The symphony also offers a variety of educational programs, including its “symphony in the schools” program, which brings live music performances to elementary and middle schools throughout the city.
There are also many smaller galleries and performance venues throughout Kansas City that offer a more intimate experience. These venues often host exhibitions and concerts featuring local artists and performers.
The festivals in Kansas City
Some of the most popular festivals in Kansas City are the American Royal, a rodeo and barbecue event that takes place every fall, and the Plaza Art Fair, which features works by more than 200 artists from around the country. Other festivals include the Kansas City Irish Fest, Jazz in the Parks and the Fiorella’s New Orleans Jazz Festival.
The sports in Kansas City
Even if you’re not a sports fan, you have to admit that the sports in Kansas City are a big deal. The city is home to two professional teams: the Kansas City Chiefs (football) and the Kansas City Royals (baseball). And, whether you like it or not, sporting events are often a big part of the city’s culture.
If you’re looking to get involved in the Kansas City sports scene, there are a few things you should know. First, tailgating is serious business here. If you’re going to a game, be sure to arrive early and partake in the pre-game festivities. Secondly, dress for the weather. The temperatures can vary widely here, so it’s important to be prepared for both hot and cold weather conditions. Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen! The sun can be brutal in Kansas City during the summer months.
So whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking to get a taste of Kansas City culture, be sure to check out one of the city’s sporting events. You might just have more fun than you bargained for.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is plenty to do in Kansas City. You can find activities for all interests and ages, making it the perfect place to visit. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
