Discover Kansas & Missouri: 6 must-see stories & attractions

Kansas and Missouri offer a parade of exciting destinations and unforgettable flavors. This list of stories outlines Smithville’s Main Street, where a once-flooded street now leads to the bustling Smithville Lake, packed with boating and hiking options. Dive into Kansas City’s food scene, from inventive pancakes at Blue Bird Bistro to that $7 Reuben piled with perfectly salty corned beef.

Take a break at Tryst Falls, a natural wonder with a story as lively as the waters, or reserve a table at the Keeter Center’s student-run dining hall, paired with live music and farm-fresh menus. Finally, wander Lindsborg’s Swedish festivals or join the crowds at the ever-thrilling Silver Dollar City, which draws millions with wild rides and old-timey fun.

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.

Main Street in Smithville, Missouri, in 1909 looked like hundreds of small towns across America—thanks to a “Yankee” named Smith who built a mill on the Little Platte River in 1824. After years of flooding, that river was dammed up in the 1970s to create Smithville Lake. By Monty Davis

NO. 1: HOW DID THIS MISSOURI TOWN’S FLOODED MAIN STREET HELP LEAD TO A POPULAR RECREATION AREA?

This Missouri town required a big solution to keep its Main Street from constantly flooding. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Randy Mason

A car returns to the station on the new, second-generation Fire In The Hole roller coaster at Silver Dollar City during the roller coasters grand opening on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. By Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader

NO. 2: SILVER DOLLAR CITY WAS VOTED AMERICA’S BEST THEME PARK AGAIN. DO YOU AGREE?

The Missouri attraction modeled after a 1880s mining town beat out SeaWorld Orlando, Hershey Park and more. | Published May 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

The Reuben sandwich at Breit’s Stein & Deli, 412 N. Fifth St., in Kansas City, Kansas. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 3: HOW MANY OF THESE FAVORITE DISHES FROM KANSAS CITY RESTAURANTS HAVE YOU TRIED?

From fruity pancakes to a Mexican smorgasbord, our staff has shared some delectable KC food recommendations. | Published September 13, 2024 | Read Full Story

Water that drops dramatically is always a crowd pleaser. These small falls on Williams Creek between Excelsior Springs and Kearney has been known by several names over the years. One old postcard refers to it as the Fishing River Falls. But for well over a century, another name that suggests activity of a different kind has been attached to it—Tryst Falls. By Monty Davis

NO. 4: THIS NATURAL WONDER NEAR EXCELSIOR SPRINGS HAS A NAME SUGGESTING MISCHIEVOUS THINGS

This little Niagara Falls is nestled near Excelsior Springs. The falls have been an attraction since the earliest settlers arrived. | Published October 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Monty Davis

The Keeter Center, inside a rustic lodge, includes a hotel, restaurant and gift shop selling handcrafted student-made products. By Courtesy photo

NO. 5: A MISSOURI RESTAURANT ON A COLLEGE CAMPUS IS A HIDDEN GEM, SAYS NATIONAL TRAVELING SITE

“With live music and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a fantastic spot for families or large groups,” TripAdvisor said. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

A Swedish flag hangs on a light pole on the corner of Main Street and Lincoln Street in downtown Lindsborg, Kansas. By Emily Curiel

NO. 6: LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO VISIT IN 2025? HGTV RECOMMENDS THESE KANSAS, MISSOURI TOWNS

You can get a taste of Scandinavian culture or walk in the footsteps of one of America’s most famous writers. | Published January 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

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.