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In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s always important to have an escape plan to make time for what’s important. Iowa and Kansas City have a direct link with Amtrak that lets people take a day trip from Des Moines when they need it. One of the best advantages of rail travel is less stress, so the staff at Union Station is happy to make your trip even easier with a day’s worth of plans all lined up.

All Aboard!

To start your day trip from Des Moines to Kansas City, we invite you to hop aboard Amtrak to see a side of America you don’t get on the highway. You’ll want to plan at least a day ahead to get a full day in Kansas City. You’ll meet your train just before 7AM, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of time to catch some sleep. You can spend the rest of your trip planning your perfect day in Kansas City.

Check-In

The first thing you’ll want to choose for your day trip from Des Moines is where to stay. Unless you have relatives here or a secret hack, we have a few suggestions. These are some of the best places to spend the night as you arrive in Kansas City:

Sheraton at Crown Center

Just up the street from Union Station, the Sheraton is one of the best ways to say hello to Kansas City in style. With 360-degree views of downtown KC, it’s hard to beat the view from any room. Feel free to stay in for your first night, or enjoy your first local taste just steps away from your room.

Southmoreland

If you’re looking to stay like a local, look to a quaint art hotel like Southmoreland in the Plaza. Here, you have all the comforts of home without worrying about your in-laws popping in! This historic Kansas City property has been completely renovated to feature the most modern fixtures while maintaining a special charm from days gone by.

Hotel Kansas City

For a truly historic experience, book your two nights at Hotel Kansas City. In the basement, you’ll find live jazz and some of the best food and drinks in downtown KC. Every indulgence honors local traditions and welcomes everyone with the hospitable, genuine character only found here. These hotels are all great ways to spend the night after your day on the rails. To start your day in Kansas City right, these swanky stays are only blocks away from Union Station.

Start Your Adventure at the Station

After fueling up at Parisi or tasting history at Harvey’s, the kiddos can stretch their legs at Science City, and you can catch our latest exhibit! During the holidays, we transform our grand plaza into Holiday Reflections. There, kids and kids-at-heart alike can enjoy everything that makes the season bright.

With a liquid fireworks display, singing reindeer, and photo ops abound, there’s no shortage of wonder in this winter wonderland. To enjoy a true KC tradition, the kids can meet Santa Claus, and take a ride on our indoor train.

Join the Red (and Green) Kingdom

Before you leave Union Station, you need to have the right attire for your day trip from Des Moines. Hit the Rally House for the best Kansas City Chiefs gear. No football fan’s day in KC is complete without a trip to Arrowhead. So grab your tickets and witness the magic of Mahomes for yourself alongside thousands of new friends.

Meet the Team

To meet the true MVPs of the season, head out to the KC reindeer farm! Since 2018, Miranda and Saami wrangle real reindeer to add some real magic to the holidays! Throughout the year, their team of reindeer travels the KC metro to teach about conservation and make spirits bright. Just minutes away from downtown Kansas City, the KC Reindeer Farm is a can’t-miss destination for holiday magic. Grab your tickets to meet Santa as he checks on his team before the big night!

See the Sights

There are so many great sights to see around Kansas City during the holiday season. One of the most beloved local traditions is the lighting ceremony at Country Club Plaza. Since 1925, Country Club Plaza has served as a gathering place for Kansas City to ring in the holidays right. Every year, a special guest throws the switch, illuminating one of the most iconic landmarks in Kansas City. With the cheers of the crowd and the flash of fireworks, it’s officially the holidays in KC. If you can’t make it to the ceremony, we recommend booking a tour and seeing the best light displays all around KC.

Before You Go…

Kansas City has so many great experiences during the holiday season, it’s hard to see them all in one day! But before you settle in for your long winter nap, make sure to enjoy some local tastes tailor-made to celebrate the season. Here are a few faves from the Union Station staff:

Pierponts – For an upscale experience, intimate setting, and unforgettable food, this is one indulgence you don’t want to miss to wrap up your day trip to KC. Best of all, it’s right here at Union Station!

Joe’s BBQ – A day trip from Des Moines can’t be complete without tasting legendary KC barbeque. From its humble beginnings, this family-owned restaurant continues to command international attention. Grab a few bottles of their famous sauce before you leave; they make great stocking stuffers!

Taco Naco – For lunch and dinner, there are so many great tastes to be had in Westport. But this season, everyone has something to celebrate with Taco Naco’s second location. This family-owned destination for Mexican cuisine is a great way to say Feliz Navidad!

Hop a Train

We never like to see anyone leave, but when your day trip from Des Moines is over, just head to Union Station to get home safely. Skip the icy roads, busy traffic, and TSA. Hop on a train and enjoy your journey home as you reflect on your magical time in Kansas City.

We’re always excited to welcome you back! So as you plan more day trips, look out for more #traveltips from your friends at Union Station.

#TravelTips Holiday Edition: Day Trip From Des Moines in December