Local

4 times the Kansas City area ranked high on national lists

The Kansas City region is holding its own in national and international rankings spotlighting its appeal as a travel and cultural destination.

The new CPKC Stadium, home of the KC Current, and The Rabbit hOle children's museum are two frequently cited examples of city's commitment to innovative attractions. The Wall Street Journal and BBC highlighted the city's growth, focusing on Kansas City's investment in urban revitalization, cultural heritage, and sports.

The new Kansas City International Airport was recognized for design and traveler amenities. Reinforcing that the KC-area is a must-visit.

While the city continues to face challenges, residents and city leaders expect Kansas City to continue drawing attention and visitors from across the globe.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A massive crowd gathered Wednesday afternoon in front of Kansas City’s Union Station to welcome the Super Bowl winning Kansas City Chiefs. The parade took the team south on Grand Blvd to Pershing Road, where they truned west to be cheered by thousands of fans.

NO. 1: ‘HAVING A BIT OF MOMENT.’ KANSAS CITY NAMED TOP 2024 TRAVEL DESTINATION

Two different major publications listed the city on their top international places lists. | Published January 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

City Market and Boulevard Brewing are represented at the new $1.5 billion single terminal at Kansas City International Airport, which opened to travelers Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 2: KCI VOTED ONE OF THE 10 BEST AIRPORTS IN THE COUNTRY BY TRAVELERS. SEE THE FULL LIST

Kansas City’s new terminal opened last year, bringing record numbers of travelers. Now it’s getting national recognition. | Published July 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

A view from the northwest corner of the KC Current’s new CPKC Stadium. By Emily Curiel

NO. 3: 2 OF THE ‘WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES’ ARE IN KANSAS CITY, TIME MAGAZINE SAYS. HERE’S WHERE

The attractions opened within the same week in 2024 and received global fanfare. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

The third version of the Kansas City Current wrapped streetcar rolled into the Union Station stop Friday for its unveiling ceremony.

NO. 4: KANSAS CITY MAKES INTERNATIONAL LIST OF TOP 25 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2025. FIND OUT WHY

Other destinations on the list include Panama, Jordan and Uzbekistan. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.