What are the Best Viewpoints for Sightseeing in Kansas City?

Kansas City, or KCMO as the locals call it, is a vibrant city that’s known for its barbecue, jazz scene, and World Series-winning baseball team. People come from all over the world to experience the wonderful sights of this city and the best way to take it all in is by checking out the incredible viewpoints in Kansas City.

At its highest point, Kansas City sits at 886 feet above sea level and offers incredible views. From the iconic Plaza lights to the skyline of downtown KC, there’s nothing quite like checking out the beauty of this inspiring city from a bird’s-eye view. To help you find the best view spots, we’ve compiled a list of the top 8 viewpoints for sightseeing in Kansas City!

1. Liberty Memorial

The Liberty Memorial is one of the most iconic Kansas City landmarks, offering spectacular views from Memorial Hill. Located just south of Union Station and the Sprint Center, this view spot gives you a great perspective of the downtown skyline and surrounding areas. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot a few of the Royals’ games over at Kauffman Stadium.

2. Northland Fountain

Another popular viewpoint is the Northland Fountain, located at J.C. Nichols Parkway and The Plaza. This spot offers unique views of one of KC’s most popular areas and is a great place to take some scenic photos. Be sure to bring your camera along so you can capture the stunning skyline of The Plaza.

3. Brush Creek Trail

For a more natural viewpoint, check out the Brush Creek Trail. This woodsy area overlooks the Country Club Plaza and allows visitors to get an up-close look at the rushing creek below. Plus, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature while you take in this stunning view.

4. Kansas City Zoo

While usually associated with family fun and great animal-viewing opportunities, the Kansas City Zoo also has a great view spot for sightseers. From the Zoo’s scenic overlook, visitors can check out extensive panoramas of downtown KC, including plenty of unique buildings like the contemporary Kauffman Center for Performing Arts.

5. Tower Park

Head to Tower Park, located in midtown KC, for another great view spot. From here, visitors can appreciate stunning views of Westport Landing, which is located at the junction of Brush Creek and The Missouri River. This area also offers some informative historical markers which tell the story of early city development in this part of town.

6. Scarritt Point

Take a step back in time with a trip to Scarritt Point Park in downtown KC. This urban park overlooks the heart of Kansas City and provides some amazing views of landmarks like Waterworks Park, as well as plenty of picturesque sites in the surrounding area. A great spot for urban explorers!

7. Sunset Hill Park

Another great view spot is Sunset Hill Park in Westport, which offers one of the most spectacular vistas in town. Here, you’ll be able to observe Kansas City’s unique skyline and check out the historic Mill Creek Valley below. It’s also close to some of Westport’s most popular attractions, such as Knuckleheads Music Hall and Little Klass Theatre.

8. Grandview Triangle

Finally, there’s no better place to appreciate a bird’s-eye view than atop the Grandview Triangle—the highest point in Kansas City! This spot sits at 1187 feet above sea level and provides amazing views of the surrounding area, including downtown Kansas City, most of Jackson County and even parts of Platte County!

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery with an epic viewpoint, then Kansas City has you covered. The city offers plenty of stunning vistas from its various parks, memorials, overlooks, and trails—all of which are guaranteed to make your sightseeing experience an unforgettable one! For more information about things to do in Kansas City, check out The Travel Magazine’s guide here.

An Insider’s Guide to Kansas City: Uncovering the Best Viewpoints for Sightseeing

If you’re planning a trip to Kansas City, you may be wondering what sights and activities the city has to offer. As a local, I can confidently tell you that there are plenty of hidden gems to discover beyond the usual tourist destinations. In this insider’s guide, we’ll explore the best viewpoints for sightseeing in Kansas City, as well as some unique experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Usual Tourist Spots

While there are certainly some well-known sights in Kansas City, some of the best attractions are off the beaten path. For a unique panoramic view of the city, head to the Liberty Memorial Tower. It’s one of the tallest structures in the city, and offers a 360-degree view you won’t soon forget. Another hidden gem is the Kauffman Memorial Garden, a serene and tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.

For an immersive cultural experience, check out the Arabia Steamboat Museum. Here, you can see artifacts from a steamboat that sank in the Missouri River in 1856, which have been preserved in remarkable condition. And if you’re interested in local history, make a stop at the Majestic Steakhouse, which has been serving customers since 1927 and is full of vintage charm and character.

Dining Spots: Uncovering the City’s Food Culture

Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and for good reason. For a truly authentic BBQ experience, head to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. It’s often listed among the best barbecue spots in the country, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why. But KC has more to offer than just barbecue. For something unexpected, try Town Topic, a diner that has been in operation since 1937 and serves up classic diner fare 24 hours a day.

Cultural Experiences: Traditions, Festivals, Art, Music, and Customs

One of the best ways to experience the culture of Kansas City is by attending one of its many festivals. For example, the Kansas City Renaissance Festival takes place every fall, where you can step back in time and experience jousting, live music, and delicious food. For live music, check out the Crossroads Arts District, which boasts some of the best blues and jazz clubs in the city.

If you’re interested in visual art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-visit. It’s known for its internationally renowned collection of Asian art, but also has an expansive collection of American and European art. Another favorite is the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, which features emerging and established artists from around the world.

Local History: The Captivating Stories of Kansas City’s Past

Kansas City has a rich history, filled with fascinating stories and characters. For example, did you know that the city was once a hub for jazz and blues music during the 1920s and 1930s? Or that it was home to one of the first successful black-owned businesses in the country, the Paseo YMCA?

Another interesting piece of history is the Union Station, which was once a bustling train station in the early 20th century. Today, it houses a science center, planetarium, and an interactive exhibit showcasing the station’s history. If you’re interested in architecture, be sure to check out the impressive exterior of the building as well.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Kansas City is at the Boulevard Brewery. It’s the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest, and offers tours of its facilities complete with tastings of its delicious beer. For a completely different experience, visit Worlds of Fun, a local amusement park that features thrilling roller coasters and attractions for all ages.

If you’re looking for something outdoorsy, head to the Lakeside Nature Center. It’s a wildlife rehabilitation center that also gives visitors a chance to learn about the local flora and fauna. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try rock climbing at Ibex Climbing Gym, one of the largest indoor climbing centers in the Midwest.

In conclusion, Kansas City has much more to offer than just barbecue and jazz. From hidden gems to cultural experiences, local history to off-the-beaten-path suggestions, the city has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the best viewpoints for sightseeing in Kansas City.