The Best Day Trips to Take From Kansas City

Kansas City is a destination packed with things to do, but if you’re trying to escape the metro area for a day or two there is plenty to find in close proximity. From wineries to towns that feel like a step back in time to the 1800’s, the options are expansive. Take a break from city life and check out some of the top day trips from Kansas City.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Lake Jacomo, Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery, Grand Falls, Hermann, Walt Disney Hometown Museum, Topeka, Missouri Town 1855, Independence, Prairie Band Casino & Resort

• Ha Ha Tonka State Park, United States

  
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  Located just a two and a half hour drive from Kansas City you can find historic castles, an ancient sinkhole, and expansive, forested paths at the Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The castle ruins have a unique backstory that you can learn all about when you tour the park. Bring along your bathing suit to take a dip in the ancient sinkhole located on the park’s grounds.

• Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area in Columbia, United States

  
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  Eagle Bluffs has plenty to explore during the day, but the real draw of this attraction comes after sundown. This conservation area located about two hours from the city is the perfect place to go stargazing and see the milky way. Eagle Bluffs is a dark space without light pollution for miles, making it the perfect place to lay out and watch constellations.

• Lake Jacomo, United States

  
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  Missouri may be landlocked, but that certainly doesn’t mean water recreation isn’t popular in the state! Lake Jacomo is one of the many freshwater bodies around Kansas City to visit. Jacomo is named after the county it is based in - JACkson COunty, MO (aka JACOMO). Visit this oasis spanning 970 acres in the summer for boating, fishing, swimming, and more. The lake tends to have such a substantial current that windsurfing and sailing are popular activities to partake in. The Lake even hosts a regatta for patrons to view colorful sailboats dotting the water.

• Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery, United States

  
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  When you think of wine, chances are Missouri doesn’t exactly come to mind. That being said, the Somerset Wine Trail hosts four different wineries to visit. Somerset is an American wine region that is growing in popularity. They are on the same geographic latitude as Tuscany and Southern France so the grape variety is comparable to the coveted options in Bordeaux and Chianti. Try a few glasses, take a wine tasting course, and enjoy the scenic vineyards.

• Grand Falls, United States

  
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  Another exciting park to visit in Missouri just a two and a half hour drive from Kansas City is Grand Falls. Grand Falls is home to an expansive waterfall running down a 163 foot wide ledge. Swim in the surrounding creeks, soak up the cascading falls, and explore the nature surrounding the area. Grand Falls is just steps from the Ozarks, so there is plenty to see in the surrounding part of Missouri.

• Hermann, United States

  
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  Hermann is a Bavarian influenced town on the outskirts of the city. The town was founded by the heavily Germanic population of Philadelphia in the 1800s who moved out West to Missouri. Explore the streets dotted with Germanic architecture, wooden cathedrals, and plenty of shops and restaurants located within these historic buildings. While here, be sure to sample some Hermanhof wine produced locally.

• Walt Disney Hometown Museum, United States

  
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  Can’t make it to Disney in Florida or California? Check out Walt’s hometown museum. Although you won’t find Space Mountain or EPCOT here, the Hometown Museum hosts thousands of unique memorabilia to learn all about the life of Disney and his lasting impression on pop culture. His hometown is incredibly prideful of their hero, so stroll the locale to view numerous buildings and landmarks named after and celebrating the famous figure.

• Topeka, United States

  
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  Looking to visit a new state? Drive an hour outside of Kansas City, Missouri to the capital of Kansas - Topeka. Topeka is a small capital, but there are plenty of unique things to do. Check out some of the historic buildings, learn about state history in one of the many museums, or stop by the zoo if you’re interested in seeing some animals on your trip.

• Missouri Town 1855, United States

  
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  This historic preservation destination located about a thirty minute drive from the city is the perfect place to watch history come alive. Missouri Town 1855 is dedicated to showcasing what life was like in the 1900’s during the days when Kansas City was a stop for pioneers headed out West for gold. Check out the historic village and watch live actors perform as they would in 1855.

  michele Seasonally they have a drive through tour which is perfect if you have older family members. My mom can’t walk far but loves to be included in family activities. This is a win-win!!

• Independence, United States

  
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  Independence is a town on the outskirts of Kansas City, but it is a great place to spend a day. The historic town dates back to the early 1800’s much like the city that it neighbors. Spend a few hours wandering around and check out the home, library, and museum dedicated to former President Harry Truman. If presidential history isn’t your thing, other options include some preserved mansions depicting life as it was in past decades or the 1859 jail which is rumored to be haunted and open for the public to explore.

• Prairie Band Casino & Resort, United States

  
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  Kansas is one of the states that allows gambling, so head across the border and try your luck at the Prairie Band Casino and Resort. Betting not your thing? The resort has plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy from spas to pools. Stay overnight in one of their suites if you want to spend more than a day taking advantage of everything that the casino has to offer.