Kansas Metropolis, Missouri is a vacation spot that has been on my radar for the previous few years for a pair causes. First, one in every of my finest pals, Kelly Narowski, lives in Kansas Metropolis. And secondly, as a large Swiftie, I’ve been desirous to see Taylor and Travis’ metropolis! Ever since I noticed Taylor on the Chiefs recreation for the primary time in September 2023, I’ve been itching to expertise Kansas Metropolis, however I’ve puzzled how wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis is likely to be.
Lately, I had an opportunity to spend 5 days exploring a few of Kansas Metropolis’s finest wheelchair accessible choices. Sadly, the Chiefs have been enjoying out of city on the weekend I visited, so Taylor couldn’t escort me across the metropolis, however I nonetheless managed to have an superior journey. From touring nice museums and studying in regards to the metropolis’s historical past to eating at some improbable eating places and extra, I found that there are such a lot of wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis sights to get pleasure from!
If you’re planning a go to to Kansas Metropolis as a wheelchair consumer, this information ought to make your planning course of a bit simpler. I’ll begin by sharing a few of the finest wheelchair accessible issues to do in Kansas Metropolis, after which I’ll offer you my accessible restaurant suggestions and inform you about the place I stayed. So, with out additional delay, right here is my wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis, Missouri journey information –
Wheelchair Accessible Kansas Metropolis Points of interest & Issues to Do
There are a whole lot/perhaps 1000’s of issues to do in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, however the eleven sights listed beneath have been a few of my favorites throughout my journey. Whether or not you wish to go to a distillery or see animals at top-of-the-line zoos within the nation, Kansas Metropolis actually does have one thing for everybody!
See animals on the Kansas Metropolis Zoo & Aquarium
All through my travels, I’ve visited extra zoos than I may even bear in mind, however the Kansas Metropolis Zoo & Aquarium is actually top-of-the-line zoos that I’ve ever visited. I used to be shocked by how massive this zoo is (greater than 200 acres!), however because it’s such a giant zoo, I used to be in a position to see many alternative animals throughout my time there.
Elephants are my favourite animals, so I actually loved seeing them and spent a variety of time sitting and admiring them. I additionally actually preferred watching the orangutans and kangaroos, simply to call a couple of. It doesn’t matter what your favourite animal is although, I can nearly assure that you simply’ll discover it on the Kansas Metropolis Zoo & Aquarium.
Along with the zoo, there’s additionally a full aquarium right here and admission to the aquarium is included in your zoo ticket. The aquarium is pretty new and it’s completely stunning. There are almost 8,000 animals contained in the aquarium, together with sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, octopus, and extra.
When it comes to wheelchair accessibility, the zoo and aquarium have been simple to traverse in my powered wheelchair. Every thing was utterly paved, however displays have been very unfold out, so be ready to roll loads. There are trams out there to get across the zoo, however the trams can not accommodate motorized wheelchairs. I used to be completely happy to see many household/companion care restrooms all through the Kansas Metropolis Zoo & Aquarium!
On a pleasant day, you may simply spend 3 hours or extra exploring the Kansas Metropolis Zoo & Aquarium! Contemplating that you simply get right of entry to each a zoo and an aquarium for simply $20 per grownup (if bought on-line upfront of your go to), it’s an important deal. Make sure to try this place when you’re in Kansas Metropolis!
Admire artwork at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork’s assortment is so huge and various that you can simply get misplaced on this museum. From seeing artifacts from historic Egypt to gazing at Monet’s water lilies, I used to be overwhelmed (in a great way!) by the numerous masterpieces on show on this museum.
Once I visited, it was a pleasant heat day, so I actually loved rolling across the museum’s Sculpture Park as nicely. There are a selection of recent and up to date sculptures on show, and I rolled on the brick-paved paths to view them. The Sculpture Park does have some inclines and stairs, however I used to be nonetheless in a position to get pleasure from most of it in my wheelchair.
Accessibility is a precedence on the Nelson-Atkins, guaranteeing everybody can get pleasure from its treasures. Ramps and elevators present entry to all galleries and ranges, and wheelchairs and walkers can be found free of charge on a first-come, first-served foundation on the coat verify counter upon arrival. Accessible restrooms are positioned all through the museum as nicely.
The museum additionally presents a wide range of applications and assets for guests with disabilities, together with audio guides, coloration blindness glasses, and accessibility-focused excursions. This dedication to inclusivity makes the Nelson-Atkins a welcoming area for all.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork is big and you can simply spend a half day right here. I solely had a pair hours to benefit from the museum and tried to see as a lot as attainable, however 3-4 hours would actually be perfect, I consider. Admission is totally free and the museum is closed each Tuesday and Wednesday.
Go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
In 1920, the Negro Nationwide League was established in Kansas Metropolis by Andrew “Rube” Foster. Right this moment, simply two blocks from the place it was established in 1920, you may go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. That is the world’s solely museum dedicated to the historical past of African American baseball, so I used to be excited to test it out whereas in Kansas Metropolis!
On this museum, I realized all in regards to the historical past of this typically ignored a part of baseball, and American, historical past. I began by watching a brief movie after which toured the varied displays. It was fascinating to study in regards to the gamers, what they went by way of to play baseball, and what it was like within the mid-1900s. The museum did an exceptional job of explaining the whole lot in an easy-to-understand and compelling approach.
Accessibility on the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was glorious. My buddy, Kelly, makes use of a handbook wheelchair and toured this museum with me. Neither of us had any points navigating the area and we have been impressed with how spacious the displays have been.
You’ll be able to go to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum day-after-day of the week apart from Monday, and admission prices simply $10 per grownup. Plan roughly one hour to totally get pleasure from the whole lot the museum has to supply.
Really feel the rhythm on the American Jazz Museum
Positioned in the identical constructing because the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the American Jazz Museum, so you may simply go to these museums back-to-back. Whereas they’re in the identical constructing, the American Jazz Museum does have a separate price ($10 per grownup) and tickets may be bought upfront on-line or in-person upon arrival.
The American Jazz Museum has numerous displays dedicated to the historical past of jazz. Actually, I didn’t know loads about jazz earlier than visiting this museum, however I extremely loved studying all about it and listening to some music. There have been quick movies to observe and informational shows.
In case you’d wish to attend a stay jazz present, the museum produces over 20 reveals each month of their Blue Room. You’ll be able to catch a present on Monday evenings, Thursdays at midday, Fridays for completely happy hour and night reveals, and on Saturday nights. Sadly, I didn’t see a stay present, however I’ll positively plan on it for my subsequent journey to Kansas Metropolis.
If it’s good to borrow a wheelchair to your go to to the American Jazz Museum, one is on the market on a complimentary first-come, first-served foundation. The museum is totally wheelchair accessible and strives to be a welcoming place for guests of all talents.
Take pleasure in some whiskey at J. Rieger & Co.
If you’re a whiskey fanatic and you end up in Kansas Metropolis, a go to to J. Rieger & Co. distillery is an absolute should. I joined their widespread “Whiskey Tour,” and it was an hour nicely spent. From the second I rolled into their fantastically restored distillery, I used to be immersed on the planet of whiskey-making.
Our tour started with an outline of J. Rieger & Co.’s historical past, tracing its roots again to the pre-Prohibition period. We realized in regards to the intricate strategy of distilling spirits, from grain choice to barrel growing old. The information was extremely educated and passionate, which made the educational expertise each partaking and pleasing.
Subsequent, we ventured onto the manufacturing flooring, the place the magic occurs. The sights and smells have been intoxicating – the gleaming copper stills, the aroma of mash fermenting, and the rows upon rows of oak barrels. Seeing the craftsmanship firsthand gave me a newfound appreciation for the dedication and ability that goes into each bottle of J. Rieger whiskey.
And the grand finale? A whiskey tasting, after all! We sampled a choice of their best spirits, every with its personal distinct character and taste profile. It was the right technique to finish the tour, and I left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft of whiskey-making.
I used to be delighted to search out your entire expertise totally wheelchair accessible. There was even a companion care restroom onsite. Simply allow them to know that you simply’ll be utilizing a wheelchair while you e book your tour they usually’ll go above and past to make sure you benefit from the J. Rieger & Co. distillery expertise.
See a present on the Kauffman Middle for the Performing Arts
Earlier than my journey to Kansas Metropolis, I had by no means seen a ballet, however I had an opportunity to alter that! Whereas I used to be within the metropolis, “Alice (in wonderland)” was enjoying on the Kauffman Middle for the Performing Arts and I used to be excited to see it.
This present was a contemporary reimagining of the basic story and it was a mix of ballet and up to date dance. The present was completely beautiful and I used to be in awe your entire time. In case you get an opportunity to see this present, positively do it, however even when this isn’t enjoying when you’re in Kansas Metropolis, I can assure that you simply’ll have the ability to see a present that’s simply as entertaining.
The Kauffman Middle has two completely different efficiency areas, the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Corridor. I noticed “Alice (in wonderland)” within the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, however accessibility is improbable in each areas. Elevators can be found, so accessible seating choices are on a number of ranges and at numerous worth factors. Simply contact the Kauffman Middle for accessible seating wants.
Along with accessible seating, you may as well discover household/companion care restrooms and if you happen to want an grownup sized altering desk, one is on the market within the Mezzanine household restroom. Courtesy wheelchairs and assistive listening gadgets are on-site as nicely.
Store until you drop at Nation Membership Plaza
As Kansas Metropolis’s premier buying and eating vacation spot, Nation Membership Plaza is an excellent place to hang around for some time. It was truly designed in 1922 as America’s first suburban buying district and it’s nonetheless going robust at present!
Nation Membership Plaza is legendary for its Spanish structure, which is gorgeous, and it has over 120 outlets and eating places that you would be able to discover. They’re unfold throughout 15 blocks and also you’ll discover well-known shops like Apple, Banana Republic, and City Outfitters to call a couple of, however you’ll additionally discover extra native spots such because the Made in KC Market.
Whereas at Nation Membership Plaza, I discovered accessibility to be fairly good. The sidewalks and curb cuts have been easy and straightforward to traverse in my powered wheelchair. Additionally, the entire outlets and eating places that I observed have been wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking spots may be trickier to search out, however we ended up parking in a parking storage and an accessible spot was out there in it.
On a pleasant day in Kansas Metropolis, this buying oasis is an ideal place to benefit from the day. And even if you happen to aren’t a shopaholic, there’s a lot to do right here to go well with anybody’s pursuits. Make sure to go to Nation Membership Plaza throughout your subsequent journey to Kansas Metropolis!
Find out about historical past on the Nationwide WWI Museum and Memorial
Definitely, top-of-the-line wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis sights is the Nationwide WWI Museum and Memorial. I spent a very impactful afternoon right here and actually, I can’t suggest it sufficient. Instantly upon arrival, I observed the huge Liberty Memorial Tower and had chills. It’s a robust reminder of the sacrifices made throughout the First World Struggle.
The museum itself is severely spectacular. They’ve bought tons of artifacts, photographs, and tales that actually carry the battle to life. I used to be blown away by how they recreated the trenches – it felt so actual, and it made me take into consideration what it will need to have been like for the troopers who fought there. It’s positively not your typical museum expertise; it’s tremendous immersive and thought-provoking.
One of many coolest issues was the immersive movie they confirmed. It was like being transported again in time to the battlefields. The mix of outdated footage and dramatic reenactments was actually intense, and it gave me a complete new appreciation for what these troopers went by way of. It’s not nearly battles and dates, although. The museum additionally does an important job of exhibiting how the battle affected the whole lot, from politics to on a regular basis life.
And don’t fear if you happen to’re a wheelchair consumer, as a result of the Nationwide WWI Museum is completely accessible. There are ramps and elevators, so I used to be in a position to simply get round to all of the completely different displays. To get to the highest of the Liberty Memorial Tower although, there are 45 steps, so it isn’t wheelchair accessible. The museum does have wheelchairs that you would be able to borrow if you happen to want one throughout your go to.
It’s superior that the museum has made certain everybody can expertise this vital a part of historical past. In case you’ll be visiting, I’d counsel planning a minimum of a couple of hours to expertise the whole lot. Admission prices roughly $20 per grownup and the museum is open day-after-day of the week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it’s open Tuesday-Sunday the remainder of the yr.
Try Union Station’s numerous sights
Union Station is a historic prepare station in Kansas Metropolis and it’s completely attractive on the within, however it’s an leisure oasis with numerous sights as nicely. Whether or not you wish to seize a chunk to eat at one in every of Union Station’s eating places or have enjoyable at an attraction, you’re certain to get pleasure from a go to right here!
I used to be ready to take a look at Disney100: The Exhibition, which is at Union Station till January 5, 2025. As a Disney fanatic, I beloved this exhibit! It showcased 100 years of Disney historical past, characters, theme parks, and extra. In case you get an opportunity to expertise it, it’s definitely value it.
If the Disney100 exhibit has left Kansas Metropolis by the point you arrive although, don’t fear! Union Station has different sights that you would be able to discover, together with a planetarium, a science museum, a movie show, an escape room, and even the Museum of Illusions. I visited the Museum of Illusions and had a enjoyable time. Because it’s solely partially wheelchair accessible, reductions are offered for wheelchair customers.
Whether or not you’ve gotten an hour to discover Union Station or a full day, you’ll have a lot to do right here. It is without doubt one of the metropolis’s most iconic locations to go to and has one thing for everybody to get pleasure from. I beloved my time at Union Station and want to return someday sooner or later to expertise much more of its sights.
Expertise The Arabia Steamboat Museum
This museum in Kansas Metropolis is completely dedicated to a steamboat that sank in 1856. I do know, I do know… earlier than visiting, my expectations for The Arabia Steamboat Museum have been fairly low, but it surely was truly fascinating and one in every of my favourite sights that I visited in Kansas Metropolis. This museum is an absolute must-do!
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is totally wheelchair accessible, but it surely does have some barely steep ramps to start with of the museum. I didn’t have any points with the ramps in my powered wheelchair, however if you happen to use a handbook wheelchair, you would possibly wish to have somebody with you to help.
Again in 1856, the Steamboat Arabia, and its 200 tons of cargo, sank within the Missouri River. In 1988, it was recovered and now you can see the boat’s stays and far of the cargo within the museum. The museum has a number of movies that present precisely the way it was recovered after 130 years, and it’s superb to see the method.
As I rolled all through the museum, I felt like I went again in time. I used to be in a position to see so many artifacts from the previous and the way in which wherein the whole lot was introduced was charming. Normally, I’m not a giant fan of historic museums, however The Arabia Steamboat Museum was unbelievably cool. I even had to purchase a memento on the finish of my go to as a result of I loved it a lot.
The museum is open day-after-day of the week and admission prices $16.50 per grownup and $6.50 for youngsters ages 4-14. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is positioned in Metropolis Market as nicely, which is a superb place to discover after your museum go to!
Roll by way of Metropolis Market
If you may be in Kansas Metropolis on a Saturday or Sunday, you may go to Metropolis Market’s Farmers Market. It happens each weekend with native distributors and is unquestionably value experiencing for some native Kansas Metropolis goodies, however even if you happen to gained’t be within the metropolis on a weekend, you may nonetheless go to Metropolis Market!
Metropolis Market is open day-after-day of the week and has dozens of retailers that you would be able to discover. You’ll discover native outlets and grocers, and if you happen to get hungry after buying a lot, there are a plethora of eating choices out there at Metropolis Market. I had lunch at Brown & Loe, which was scrumptious, and I’ll inform you all about it in a while on this weblog publish.
All the outlets and eating places that I noticed at Metropolis Market have been wheelchair accessible. You do have to enterprise outdoors and cross the streets to get to some locations, however crosswalks have been easy and I didn’t have any points. It was a very pleasing expertise for me at Metropolis Market and I beloved shopping a number of outlets over the course of a pair hours.
The place to Eat in Kansas Metropolis
Kansas Metropolis is likely to be recognized for excellent steak and barbecue, which it positively has, however the metropolis additionally has a wide range of different scrumptious meals to go well with any palate. Throughout my time in Kansas Metropolis, I visited some improbable wheelchair accessible eating places and these have been 5 of my favorites (in no explicit order):
Lula Southern Cookhouse – In case you’re in search of superb southern meals in Kansas Metropolis, look no additional! Lula Southern Cookhouse is the true deal, serving up basic consolation meals with a contemporary twist. To start out, I needed to attempt the fried inexperienced tomatoes, and let me inform you, they have been out of this world! Completely crispy on the skin, juicy on the within, and served with this unbelievable comeback sauce that had simply the correct amount of tang. For my most important course, I went with the rooster and dumplings, and oh my goodness, it was like a heat hug on a plate. I virtually licked the plate clear. Actually, I can’t suggest Lula Southern Cookhouse sufficient. In case you’re in search of genuine Southern cooking with a contemporary aptitude, that is the place to be. And don’t overlook to save lots of room for dessert – their peach cobbler is to die for!
Inexperienced Dust on Oak – Inexperienced Dust on Oak is a restaurant and cheese store multi function, and it’s severely a cheese lover’s paradise. They make their very own sheep’s milk cheese proper on their farm, and let me inform you, it’s unbelievable! I began with their cheese board, which was a masterpiece. It featured a choice of their award-winning cheeses, every with its personal distinctive taste and texture. Inexperienced Dust on Oak is greater than only a cheese store, although. Additionally they have a full menu with locally-sourced dishes. I haven’t tried their entrees but, but when the cheese board is any indication, I’m certain they’re superb.
Rye – I had probably the most pleasant brunch expertise at Rye in Kansas Metropolis (positioned in Nation Membership Plaza!), and I can’t wait to spill the tea (or ought to I say, the mimosa?). This place is a farm-to-table haven with a give attention to Midwestern consolation meals, and it completely blew me away. First issues first, I began with their legendary cinnamon roll. Let me inform you, this factor is huge and completely decadent. It’s mushy, gooey, and filled with cinnamon-y goodness. The icing was completely candy and never too thick, and the entire thing simply melted in my mouth. For my most important course, I opted for the salmon eggs Benedict, and it was a game-changer. The salmon was perfection, flaky and flavorful, and the poached eggs have been on level. However the true star of the present was the hollandaise sauce. It was creamy, lemony, and had simply the correct amount of richness. In case you’re in search of a scrumptious and distinctive brunch spot in Kansas Metropolis, Rye is unquestionably the place to be. Simply you should definitely go hungry as a result of the parts are beneficiant!
Jack Stack Barbecue – Alright, let’s discuss barbecue! Jack Stack Barbecue is a Kansas Metropolis legend for a motive, and it completely lived as much as the hype. We lucked out with superb climate and snagged a desk outdoors on their patio. It was the right setting for a barbecue feast! We kicked issues off with their smoked salmon dip, and wow, what a technique to begin! It was creamy, smoky, and had simply the correct amount of spice. For my most important course, I went all out and bought the Kansas Metropolis Combo. This factor is a meat lover’s dream and I selected to get a hefty portion of their well-known beef brisket and their unbelievable lamb ribs. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the lamb ribs? Oh my goodness, they have been fall-off-the-bone scrumptious. Actually, I can’t say sufficient good issues about Jack Stack. The meals was unbelievable, the service was pleasant, and the environment was excellent.
Brown & Loe – Nestled inside the vibrant Metropolis Market of Kansas Metropolis, Brown & Loe is a restaurant that effortlessly blends basic American delicacies with international influences. To start out our meal, we couldn’t resist ordering the Peruvian guacamole and it was the right appetizer to whet our appetites. For the primary course, I opted for the seafood stew. It was a hearty and flavorful dish crammed with tender seafood. The broth was wealthy and savory, with a refined kick of spice, making it the perfect consolation meals. The attentive service, the beautiful setting inside the historic Metropolis Market, and the scrumptious meals make Brown & Loe a must-visit for anybody searching for a memorable eating expertise in Kansas Metropolis.
The place to Keep in Kansas Metropolis: Resort Phillips
All through my time in Kansas Metropolis, I stayed at Resort Phillips. This historic resort is positioned within the coronary heart of downtown and only a quick drive from the perfect wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis sights.
The resort foyer is completely stunning and harking back to an opulent Thirties resort from a bygone period. This resort has an on-site Italian restaurant, Tavernonna Italian Kitchen, and even a speakeasy.
I stayed in a wheelchair accessible room and it had a dwelling space with a sofa, desk, and a TV. There was one king-sized mattress within the room and it was 24 inches tall. There was sufficient clearance beneath the mattress for a hoyer elevate/hoist.
Within the lavatory, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe. The roll-in bathe had easy entry, which was good, and a handheld bathe wand.
If you’re in search of an accessible downtown resort, hopefully Resort Phillips will work to your wants. In case you’d wish to study extra about this resort and verify charges, simply click on right here.
My 5 days in Kansas Metropolis, Missouri have been a lot enjoyable and higher than I might’ve ever imagined. There have been a plethora of sights and scrumptious eating places, which you’ve now found from this weblog publish, however I’m certain I barely scratched the floor of Kansas Metropolis’s wheelchair-friendly choices. In case you go to and discover different accessible locations to get pleasure from, please let me know in order that I can add them to my checklist for my subsequent journey to this magical Midwest vacation spot!
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*Thanks to Go to Missouri for working with me on this journey and exhibiting me the perfect of wheelchair accessible Kansas Metropolis! Whereas my experiences have been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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