Destination
Welcome To Kansas City!
Welcome to Kansas City, “The City of Fountains.” This historic city is known for its beautiful array of fountains. Established in 1850, the history is much like an old Western movie. It is a story of cowboys and Indians, of westward expansion and the rugged men and women who traveled to and through the area in search of a new beginning. There is never a dull moment in Kansas City. Whether you’re a theater lover or a sports enthusiast, a history buff or a roller coaster fan, you will find plenty to keep you busy in this vibrant Midwest metropolis.
“Paris of the Plains?” Kansas City earned this title during prohibition for letting alcohol flow freely in the city. The city has time and again proven itself as a suitable staging ground for great moments in history. Just take one look at the Lewis and Clark Memorial, marking the spot the great adventurers stopped to rest on their way back from the Pacific, and you will understand. Or take a trip to the National WWI Museum and witness the greatest collection of WWI artifacts located in the only American Museum dedicated solely to WWI. One of the city’s most popular attractions is the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and Truman Farm Home. Located in the east metro area, you can spend hours touring the former president’s library and home. During the same time as prohibition, a group of young men formed the Negro National Baseball League at a local YMCA near 18th and Vine.
Take a break from the historical side of Kansas City and experience the cultural. Discover the 34,500 pieces in the collection at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. This Museum spans over 5,000 years of humanity. Kansas City is also known for its barbeque and jazz, and there is no better place to experience both of these than The Blue Room. Set in the classic 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District it has been named as one of the world’s top 100 jazz venues. Are you a movie or arts lover? Then make time for the theatre district, both the Folly Theatre and Gem Theatre offer contemporary performances. Or take a trip to Country Club Plaza and view its beautiful fountains, murals, and statues. The Spanish-inspired Plaza features over $1 million in outdoor artwork.
Need to blow some steam, or some money? Visit the Power and Light District, the brand new $850 million entertainment district and the largest development project in the Midwest. This project has reenergized downtown, creating entertainment, retail and dining hot spots. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2009, the Kansas City Zoo is sure to be an exciting experience. Take this opportunity to view over 1000 animals in their naturalistic setting. Enough “monkeying around?” Get down to business at the Ameristar Casino and Hotel. Named Missouri’s best casino, the Ameristar is characterized by innovative architecture, outstanding dining, and a state-of-the-art casino floor.
If you would rather watch the action than be a part of it, head over to the Sprint Center and visit the National College Basketball Hall of Fame in the state-of-the-art College Basketball Experience. Make a trip to 18th and Vine and see the spot where the Negro National Baseball League was formed in 1920 at a local YMCA. Then head over to Arrowhead Stadium and witness the Chiefs play in one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL.
Kansas City Restaurant Discounts
The following local restaurants are providing discounts to ASCE Conference attendees. Take a look at their offer and benefit from some true Kansas City hospitality!
| Bristol Seafood Grill | Lidia's Italy | Gordon Biersch |
| 801 Chophouse | Plaza III | Kansas City Restaurant Discounts |
| Phoenix Jazz Club |
Must Sees: Popular Sights And Attractions In Kansas City
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Additional Leisure Tours
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
Hours of Operation: 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday,
12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday
The Truman Library and Museum recounts the life of America's 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. One of only 12 U.S. Presidential Libraries, the museum's two permanent exhibits chronicle the Missourian's private life and political career-with exhibits depicting his most difficult decisions like the using the atomic bomb, the Cold War and recognizing Israel. President Truman and his wife, Bess, are buried in the Museum's courtyard. The museum's historical collection consists of approximately 30,000 objects-including hundreds of Truman family possessions, political memorabilia, diplomatic gifts and 1,300 letters from the Truman courtship and marriage.
National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday
The National World War I Museum is an extraordinary emotional and educational experience which shares the history of a war whose impact still echoes today. With one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world, the new state-of-the-art complex uses highly interactive technology to bring history to life.
The College Basketball Experience
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday,
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sunday
Further cementing the area’s reputation as a hoops hotbed, Kansas City is now home to the state-of-the-art College Basketball Experience (CBE). Connected to the new Sprint Center arena via a common lobby, the 41,500-square-foot entertainment facility contains hands-on, interactive basketball exhibits and houses the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday
From ceramic objects found in ancient Chinese tombs to whimsical sculptures of badminton birdies, the Nelson-Atkins collection spans over 5,000 years of humanity. The Nelson-Atkins aspires to create a glorious environment--the ongoing experience which is in itself as compelling as a single "blockbuster" event. Each visit to the Nelson-Atkins brings different connections and unique experiences. Whether you are exploring the collection for the first time or the hundredth time, there's always something new.
Hallmark Visitors Center
Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Friday,
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday
See one of the world's most creative companies come to life. Located in Kansas City's Crown Center complex, the Hallmark Visitors Center celebrates the Hallmark story in a display of 14 remarkable exhibits, from our founder's humble beginning in 1910, to the creation of one of the world's largest greeting card company.
Additonal Must See Items
A family business for more than 60 years, each Gates experience begins with the restaurant’s trademark phrase, “Hi, may I help you?” As for the menu—it's all special, try a little of everything.
Here you will find the American Jazz Museum, where you will learn about great jazz performers through interactive displays. Blue Room, a live music venue housed inside the museum, regularly hosts live Kansas City jazz performances.
KC ignored the Prohibition during the 1920s, leading to an abundance of jazz clubs, brothels and gambling halls. This earned KC the moniker “The Paris of the Plains” after one journalist wrote “If you want to see some sin, forget Paris and head to Kansas City.”
Kansas City Power & Light District
Visitors can now experience a new Downtown Kansas City with the opening of the Power & Light District.The $850 million entertainment district - the largest new development project in the Midwest - has reenergized downtown, creating an entertainment, retail and dining hot spot for visitors and conventioneers.
The development includes diverse amenities and imaginative architecture encompassing the country’s leading entertainment and retail concepts. It transforms itself from a unique lunch and retail destination by day to an exciting dining and entertainment experience in the evening.
33 For Free
For travelers on a shoestring budget, Kansas City offers many free adventures. Click here to view 33 free activities that offer something for everyone.
