Kansas City has always held a special place in my heart. Its barbecue joints, its jazz history, its fountains — they’re all part of the city’s charm. The best way to understand a city is to explore the landscapes and small towns just outside of it.
On one of my extended stays in Kansas City, I decided to plan a series of day trips, each within a two-hour drive of downtown. What I found was a treasure chest of history, nature, quirky roadside stops, and unforgettable Midwestern hospitality. I’ll share three day trips I personally experienced in depth, and four more that I strongly recommend, each with detailed notes on the logistics, the highlights, and my honest reflections.
My Personal Day Trip Experiences
- St. Joseph, Missouri – Following the Pony Express and Jesse James
Distance from Kansas City: ~55 miles north, about a 1-hour drive
How I got there: I rented a car from Avis at Kansas City International Airport (MCI) for $58/day, which gave me the flexibility to stop at roadside diners along I-29.
First Impressions:
St. Joseph felt like stepping back in time. As I drove into town, the Missouri River shimmered in the distance, and the streets had that mix of 19th-century brick buildings and modern small-town life.
What I Did:
• Pony Express National Museum (914 Penn Street) – $8 admission
Walking into this museum, I immediately felt like I was on the edge of the frontier. The museum tells the story of how letters once traveled at breakneck speed on horseback. My favorite exhibit was the reconstructed stables, where I could imagine a rider swapping horses before racing westward. The hands-on map for tracing the Pony Express route was surprisingly addictive — I must have spent 20 minutes tapping points and reading little stories.
• Jesse James Home Museum (1201 Penn Street) – $4 admission
This was the actual home where the outlaw Jesse James met his end in 1882. Standing in the room and seeing the bullet hole in the wall gave me goosebumps. The house itself is tiny, but the guide was fantastic, weaving stories about James’s dual identity as both folk hero and criminal.
• Downtown Lunch: I ate at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks. Their crawfish étouffée ($16) was a spicy and unexpected treat for northern Missouri.
Pros:
• Affordable entry fees and easy parking everywhere.
• Rich, layered history for such a small town.
• Only an hour’s drive from Kansas City.
Cons:
• Limited dining variety compared to KC.
• Some attractions close early (Pony Express closes at 4:30 PM).
Personal Reflection:
As I drove back, I realized this trip taught me something about the spirit of the Midwest — hardworking, inventive, and deeply tied to stories of the past. St. Joseph felt like Kansas City’s historic cousin, and I was glad I made the journey.
- Weston, Missouri – Wineries, Trails, and Small-Town Charm
Distance from Kansas City: ~40 miles northwest, about 45 minutes by car
How I got there: I took a Lyft from downtown Kansas City to Weston. The ride cost me $68 one-way, which isn’t cheap, but it allowed me to enjoy some wine tastings without worrying about driving.
First Impressions:
Weston looks like a postcard. The main street is lined with antique shops, cozy cafes, and brick sidewalks. The air even smelled like a mix of hops and fresh baked bread.
What I Did:
• Weston Bend State Park – $5 parking
I started the morning hiking along the Weston Bluff Trail. The view of the Missouri River from the overlook was breathtaking, especially with fall colors painting the trees.
• Weston Brewing Company & O’Malley’s Pub (500 Welt Street)
The brewery dates back to the 1840s and is famous for its underground cellars. The beer tasting flight ($12 for six samples) included a seasonal pumpkin ale that I loved. O’Malley’s, three stories underground, had live Irish music even on a Saturday afternoon.
• Green Dirt Farm Creamery (1099 Welt Street)
A fellow traveler recommended this, and I was blown away by their sheep’s milk cheese. I had a cheese tasting plate with bread and chutney ($14).
Pros:
• Perfect for a relaxed, romantic, or foodie-focused day trip.
• The small-town charm feels worlds away from KC’s bustle.
• Excellent trails and wine/beer culture.
Cons:
• Limited public transportation; rideshares are costly.
• Can be crowded on fall weekends.
Personal Reflection:
Weston was a reminder that sometimes the simplest pleasures — a walk in the woods, a glass of good beer, a friendly chat with a cheesemaker — can be the highlights of a trip. I came back to Kansas City with muddy shoes, a full stomach, and a smile I couldn’t shake.
- Lawrence, Kansas – College Town Energy and Artsy Vibes
Distance from Kansas City: ~40 miles west, about 50 minutes by car
How I got there: I drove myself via I-70. The toll was $3.50 each way, but the road was smooth and quick.
First Impressions:
Lawrence buzzes with youthful energy thanks to the University of Kansas. Massachusetts Street (or “Mass Street”) is the heartbeat of town, packed with shops, bars, and restaurants.
What I Did:
• Spencer Museum of Art (1301 Mississippi Street) – Free admission
On the KU campus, this museum surprised me with its diversity of exhibits, from Native American artifacts to contemporary installations. My favorite piece was a series of portraits by Aaron Douglas, whose work connected Kansas art to Harlem Renaissance themes.
• Massachusetts Street Shopping & Food
I spent a couple of hours wandering boutiques. At The Raven Book Store, I picked up a signed novel by a local author ($22). For lunch, I had the “Black & Bleu Burger” at The Burger Stand at The Casbah ($12.50), which was cooked perfectly and came with truffle fries.
• KU Campus Stroll
Walking across the hilltop campus gave me sweeping views of the city. I stopped at the iconic Campanile, where a student volunteer explained the bell tower’s WWII memorial history.
Pros:
• Affordable (many attractions free).
• Vibrant energy with arts, culture, and dining.
• Easy drive from KC.
Cons:
• Parking on Mass Street can be frustrating.
• Some student-heavy spots can feel rowdy.
Personal Reflection:
Lawrence felt like a shot of espresso after the slower pace of Weston. It reminded me that day trips don’t just broaden your horizons — they refresh your spirit.
Recommended Day Trips (On My Travel List and Suggested for Others)
- Hermann, Missouri – Wine Country and River Views
Distance: 160 miles east (~3 hours by car or Amtrak from Union Station).
Why Go: Known as Missouri’s wine capital, Hermann offers vineyard tours, German heritage museums, and gorgeous bluffs along the Missouri River.
Tip: Book a Hermann Wine Trail pass ($30 for multiple tastings). Amtrak tickets from KC to Hermann start at $32 each way, which is convenient if you want to avoid driving.
- Topeka, Kansas – History and State Capitol Exploration
Distance: 65 miles west (~1 hour by car).
Why Go: The Kansas State Capitol has a stunning dome climb tour ($6), and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site offers powerful insights into civil rights history.
Tip: Admission to the historic site is free. Pair the trip with lunch at Blind Tiger Brewery, a local favorite.
- Excelsior Springs, Missouri – Mineral Water and Spa Retreats
Distance: 30 miles northeast (~40 minutes by car).
Why Go: Famous for its historic Elms Hotel & Spa, where guests can soak in mineral baths. The town also has wine tasting at Fence Stile Vineyards.
Tip: Spa day passes at The Elms start around $50. Book online early on weekends.
- Omaha, Nebraska – Zoo Adventures and Culinary Surprises
Distance: 185 miles north (~3 hours by car up I-29).
Why Go: The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (tickets $29.95 adults) is world-class, and the Old Market neighborhood offers cobblestone streets, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
Tip: Plan to leave Kansas City early in the morning for a full day. Parking at the zoo is free, but it fills up quickly.
As I reflect on these day trips, I realize Kansas City is not just a destination — it’s a gateway. The Midwest opens up in every direction: history to the north in St. Joseph, small-town charm to the northwest in Weston, vibrant culture to the west in Lawrence, and vineyards, spas, or even another state if you’re willing to drive a few hours.
For me, the personal journeys were the most memorable. Standing in Jesse James’s last hideout, sipping beer in Weston’s underground pub, and watching students fill Mass Street in Lawrence gave me stories I’ll tell for years. But even the recommended trips remind me that there’s always more waiting — a new glass of wine, a historic dome to climb, a spa to relax in.
If you’re planning a Kansas City trip, I’d urge you to carve out at least a day (or two) to see what lies just beyond the city. The Midwest rewards curiosity. And trust me, once you start exploring, you’ll see why Kansas City is both a wonderful home base and a perfect jumping-off point.
