Explore the rhythm and history of Kansas City
Q. I'm going to be spending some time in the Kansas City area, actually five or six days. I'm also going to have a car at my disposal. I'd like to see some of the suggested sights (and sites) in the city and nearby communities. Do you know where I can get some information on these places? I would be grateful for any suggestions you might have for me. Thank you.
A. Kansas City has a significant history, so you have a choice of things to do and see. For example, Kansas City was a starting point for the great westward migration in the early 1800s. The Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail both pass through the city. The heritage is brought to life through the Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, 35 miles northeast of downtown; the National Frontier Trails Center in downtown Independence; the Jesse James Farm and Museum 28 miles northeast of downtown; and other sights.
Possibly the most significant sight and certainly a must see is the Arabia Steamboat Museum at Fourth Street and Grand Boulevard. The story is incredible. In 1856 the Arabia was on its way up the Missouri River with all of the supplies needed for a small town, but the boat hit a snag and sank. Over the years the course of the river changed and the Arabia lay buried in what became a farm field. It was discovered in 1988 with all of its 200 tons of cargo intact and today those artifacts stand as a one-of-a-kind museum of early Western life.
Kansas City is known as the center of jazz and the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District still swings to the sounds of the International Jazz Museum. Nearby is the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, for those who remember the Kansas City Monarchs and other teams in those leagues.
And remember, a local haberdasher named Harry Truman went on to become the 33rd president of the United States. When his term was up, Truman and his wife, Bess, returned home to Independence, now the site of the Truman home and the Truman Presidential Museum and Library.
Also of interest might be the Hallmark Visitors Center on level three at Crown Center, where more than 90 years of Hallmark cards history, presented through interactive exhibits, is on display.
Across from Crown Center and Union Station is the Liberty Memorial World War I Museum, which contains the nation's pre-eminent collection of historical material from that war. And just down the street is Country Club Plaza, a shopping and dining area like no other.
An official guide listing all of the things to do and see in the Kansas City area is yours by calling (800) 767-7700 or checking the Web site www.visitkc.com.
Send your questions at least sixweeks prior to travel to MadelynMerwin in care ofTravel,Daily Herald, P.O.Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or e-maildpmerwin@sbcglobal.net.