Kansas City is a top ‘underrated’ U.S. travel destination, national list says again
There might be even more tourists roaming the Kansas City streets soon.
A recent CNN Travel report chose 25 of the most underrated travel destinations in the United States. It includes small towns, coastal areas, national parks and other getaway spots that “fly beneath the travel radar,” and Kansas City made the list. CNN previously named Kansas City an underrated destination in 2022, saying Missouri’s second largest metro area is all about sound and flavor.
The newest CNN report repeats the message, saying that the city is a cradle of American jazz and has more than 40 venues where you can listen to live jazz, blues and other genres. The news organization also says there are as many joints offering savory, slow-smoked Kansas City barbecue.
“Catch a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium, compare Van Gogh and Warhol at the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, delve into history at the National World War I Museum & Memorial, the frontier-era Arabia Steamboat exhibition, or take a stroll down memory lane at Country Club Plaza (opened in 1922 as the nation’s first suburban shopping center),” CNN travel reporter Joe Yogerst says.
Kansas City’s been featured on a few travel lists in 2024. Travel website Lonely Planet published a story in May explaining why people should visit Kansas City. From museums and historical sites to restaurants and bars, the list included favorites across the metro area.
Kansas City was also featured on best places to travel lists from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
CPKC Stadium, home of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current and the first ever stadium built for the purpose of women’s sports, and The Rabbit hOle, an interactive children’s literature museum in North Kansas City, were named some of the world’s 100 greatest places of 2024 by Time magazine.
The Rabbit hOle was also named to People magazine’s “25 Things To Eat, See and Do This Summer” list for its interactivity.
If you want to explore KC yourself through beloved dishes, hidden neighborhood gems and everything you need to know about Kansas City barbecue, The Star has collected residents’ favorite things about their city.
