Kansas City Travel Guide

Whether you are settling in for a long stay or just passing through, touring Kansas City can be an exciting adventure for young and old alike. From The Grand Tour on the Trolley to a cruise along Brush Creek, a slew of guided tours await you. Should you prefer to explore Kansas City on your own, grab your walking shoes; there are many hot spots waiting to be discovered.

Union Station Nestled in the heart of downtown, Union Station and Crown Center offer a plethora of activities for the entire family. Enjoy lunch at the American Restaurant, then catch a show at the nearby American Heartland Theatre, or stop into Science City, which allows visitors to delve into a world of hands-on scientific discovery.

Kansas City Museum The Kansas City Museum is located downtown and features exhibits that detail the history of the city. Visit Parade Park and Theis Park, where there is always a concert or event happening. Dine at the elegant Savoy Grill, then tour the Black Archives of Mid-America, which detail the history of African Americans in Kansas City.

Theater District If you are a movie or arts lover, make time for the Union Station Theater District. The Folly Theater and the Gem Theater offer contemporary performances. There are also many dining options in this district. Try traditional American at Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue or contemporary French at Le Fou Frog.

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum One of the most popular attractions in the East Metro area is the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum and Harry S. Truman Farm Home, where you can spend hours touring the former president's library and home. LC's Barbecue is famed for its no-nonsense atmosphere and delicious food. Also in this area is the 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home & Museum and the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate, which showcases 19th Century furnishings and architecture.

Westport Westport is a popular district known for its restaurants, shops and nightclubs. There are also many cultural attractions, such as the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Have a bite to eat at the nearby Classic Cup Cafe. If you are a jazz lover, explore the 18th & Vine District. 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.

Contacting a professional tour company will allow you to see Kansas City in style, whether it's on the deck of a ship or on board a trolley.

Walking Tours Richard's Fun Time Tours ( +1 816 468 4300 ) Select Tours and Travel ( +1 816 763 9643 )

Bus Tours B & B Tour Charter ( +1 816 221 2629/ http://www.bbtoursandcharters.com/ ) Go Go Tours ( +1 816 842 4436/ http://www.gogowwv.com/ ) Abe's Tours and Transportation ( +1 816 510 1893 ) Elite Tours ( +1 816 474 3521 ) Cruises & Tours by Brennco ( +1 913 660 0121 ) Kincaid Coach ( +1 913 441 6200/ http://www.kincaidcoach.com/ )

Trolley Tours Kansas City Trolley ( +1 816 221 3399 )

Boat Tours Sunset Tours & Charters ( +1 816 356 5557 )

Segway Tours Segway Experience of Kansas City ( +1 816 531 0600/ http://www.segwayexperience.com )

Kayak Tours Missouri River Paddling Company ( +1 816 352 1765 )

Art Tours Exhibits USA Tours ( +1 816 421 1388/ http://www.maaa.org/ )

Sports Tours American International Sports Tours ( +1 816 361 0598 )2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 326