5 Hidden Kansas City Attractions Every Visitor Should Know About
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Kansas City's most popular attractions — the Plaza, Arrowhead, the National World War I Museum — draw millions of visitors every year. But some of the city's most rewarding experiences sit just outside the spotlight. Here are five hidden Kansas City attractions that reward the curious traveler.
1. The Rosedale Arch
Perched on a hilltop in the Rosedale neighborhood of Kansas City, Kansas, this small limestone arch was built in 1924 to honor local World War I veterans. Modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Rosedale Arch offers a panoramic view of downtown Kansas City that most visitors never see. It's one of the most quietly powerful memorials and monuments in the metro area.
2. Powell Gardens
Thirty miles east of downtown, Powell Gardens spans 970 acres of curated botanical beauty. The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, designed by architect E. Fay Jones (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright), is worth the drive alone. The perennial gardens, island garden, and seasonal festivals make this a year-round destination that most Kansas City visitors overlook entirely.
3. The Scout Viewpoint
Cyrus Dallin's bronze statue of a Sioux scout on horseback has watched over Kansas City from Penn Valley Park since 1922. The viewpoint beneath The Scout is one of the best places in the city to photograph the downtown skyline, especially at sunset. You'll find this and other iconic views in our Kansas City Landmarks collection.
4. The Kansas City Symphony Memorial Day Concert
Each Memorial Day weekend, the Kansas City Symphony performs a free concert on the lawn of the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. With the Liberty Memorial tower lit behind the orchestra, it's one of the most moving public events in the Midwest — and one that few out-of-town visitors know about. The memorial grounds are featured in our memorials and monuments photography.
5. Union Station's Architecture
Most visitors walk through Union Station on their way to Science City or an exhibition. Few stop to look up. The Grand Hall's 95-foot ceiling, the massive three-tiered chandeliers, and the original Harvey House lunch counter are architectural details that rival any train station in America. Union Station is one of the most photographed Kansas City landmarks for good reason.
Explore Kansas City Through Photography
These five hidden attractions represent the Kansas City that locals love and visitors remember. Browse our full Kansas City photography collection to bring the city's spirit into your home or office.