Union Station has been one of the greatest travel hubs in the US for over a century. No matter if you stay for a day or you never leave, every traveler gets a taste of the best that the midwest has to offer by walking through our grand halls. So as you stretch your legs this spring, take a day trip to Kansas City and you’ll see why thousands of people decide to stay for the rest of their lives. 

Kansas City is a hub for arts, sports, and culture in the midwest. But there’s only so much one can do in a day! Trying to plan out a vacation can sometimes just feel like you’re back at work. To make it easy, we’ve already planned your perfect day trip to Kansas City.

The Sporty day trip to Kansas City.

With so many professional teams in Kansas City tickets to exciting sporting events are plentiful here. There’s no shortage of spring sports to see in Kansas City, so take your pick! The historic Monarchs and the Royals are always a great way to enjoy America’s pastime. Or if you want to see why Kansas City is the soccer capital of the United States, get swept up by the Kansas City Current or Sporting KC. 

Where to go

First Stop: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Start your day by learning about the original Kansas City Monarchs featuring legendary players like Jackie Robinson, Buck O’Neil, and Satchel Paige.

Lunch: Chapell’s

Chapell’s is the sports bar every sports bar wishes it could be. With hundreds of historic pieces of memorabilia, you might forget that you came there for the food. But don’t forget to order! Chapell’s serves up classic favorites with the quality you can’t get anywhere else.

There’s no better place to be a sports fan than Chapell’s in Kansas City.

The Game:

For MLB action, tell your taxi to head for the K, they’ll know where to go. Kauffman Stadium is home to the Kansas City Royals. The Monarchs play at Legends Field so after lunch, walk around Legends outlets to make room for more peanuts and Cracker Jacks! 

Right down the street from Legends field is where you’ll find the Sporting KC and the Kansas City Current. Both teams share Children’s Mercy Park for now. But keep an eye on the Current! Soon they’ll be taking the pitch in the world’s most advanced Women’s soccer stadium in downtown KC!

Post Game: Downtown KC

What’s the best place to celebrate a win? Downtown Kansas City of course! The energy after a home team win is electric in the Power and light district, or Westport neighborhoods! So grab a pint in one of the many restaurants, or treat the kids to some locally made sweets before winding down in one of our relaxing hotels.

Where to stay the night: The Westin at Crown Center

You don’t have to go far to end your day around some of our favorite Kansas City landmarks. Rest up for the next day on a Heavenly bed in your luxurious room. Take a morning stroll, around the WWI Memorial. Finally, just walk down the street to Union Station to catch your ride home and maybe have a bite before you depart.  

The Foody day trip to Kansas City

It’s a question almost as old as restaurants themselves. Where do you want to eat? If the answer is the usual “I don’t know.” it’s time to take a day trip to Kansas City. 

The city of fountains also has a reputation for our food. KC has a table for every taste so it might be hard to choose. Here’s how to eat your way through Kansas City in just one day.

Start with lunch: Harvey’s

What to eat: Mr. B’s Fried Chicken

As you arrive at Union Station you don’t have to go far for one of the best places for lunch. Under our iconic chandelier, you’ll find Harvey’s. Our former ticket office now serves lunch staples on two stories for guests looking for a great first taste of KC. For the best views of Union Station, get a table on the second floor and soak in the scenery while you wait for your meal.

Snacks and shopping: Country Club Plaza

Snack Local: Made in KC Marketplace

Get all the local and international tastes with tastes from Bruu Cafe, Topsy’s, and Messenger Coffee. For the best local tastes, stop at Made in KC marketplace. With over 200 local vendors, events every week, and true midwest hospitality, Made in KC is where Kansas City shops locally.

Dinner time: Pierpont’s

Our top pick: anything

Pierpont’s is the definition of elegance in Kansas City. With 3 stories for you to enjoy drinks and dinner on, it’s no question why it’s been called the culinary jewel of Kansas City. The architecture and food is enough to warrant a reservation. But the best part of Pierpont’s? It’s right here at Union Station! 

For a Night Cap: Nighthawk

To end your night in iconic KC style, there’s no better place than a basement bar with vintage vibes. True to midwest hospitality, there’s no cover charge, no reservations and no dress code. The music, food and crafted drinks come together to give you the best end to your day trip to Kansas City. We recommend reserving a room at the Hotel Kansas City so you can enjoy the digs and drinks until closing time. 

The Artsy day trip to Kansas City

Our final day trip to Kansas City is for those looking to explore the best arts and culture the midwest has to offer. While we enjoy world championships and internationally acclaimed food, KC’s art scene is what makes our city truly legendary. Here’s how to hear and see the best that Kansas City has to offer.

The best fests in the midwest: KC Blues Fest, and Brookside Art Annual

We recommend spending the day at some of the best art festivals in the midwest. The KC blues fest welcomes legends from the US and abroad to continue making the sounds that made our city famous. 

To enjoy the best local visual artists in the midwest, head to the iconic Brookside neighborhood this April. See and shop over a dozen mediums in one of the most beautiful parts of Kansas City. Come see why the Brookside annual is a springtime favorite for artists and art lovers alike.

Catch a Concert: Artists for every fan.

Kansas City is recognized as an international music city by UNESCO for a reason. We have a rich history with the development of jazz, blues, and rock. That’s why artists always make time for Kansas City on their tours. From Taylor Swift, and Future, to Kenny G and Koe Wetzel, there’s a seat for every fan in Kansas City. 

Explore a City of Art: The Nelson Atkins, Kemper Contemporary museum of art.

KC is home to so many great artists. But we’re home to even more patrons of the arts. This is why the Nelson Atkins museum is recognized as one of the foremost art museums in the United States. 

The Nelson Atkins and the Kemper, house internationally renowned artists with the support of some of the biggest names in KC and everyday donors alike. There’s no right or wrong way to see these beautiful museums. So take your pick, but make sure to block out at least a few hours to truly take in works from Monet, Picasso, Pollock, and more!

Stay close to the Station: Sheraton at Crown Center

After an amazing day experiencing the best sounds and sights, stay the night! The Sheraton at Crown Center is right down the street from Union Station, so you can sleep in after a late concert or a full day of museums. You’ll wake up to a wonderful view of downtown Kansas City, and you’ll be able to hop on the train home in no time.

Your trip, Your Memories, Our City

Whether you’re artsy, sporty, a foodie, or all of the above, Kansas City has a trip for you. So ride the rails on the Southwest Chief, or the Missouri River Runner to Union Station. Start your journey and see why so many people have turned from tourists to citizens. Union Station is proud to welcome you!