Middle Of The Map Fest
Introduction
Are you planning a trip to Kansas City, Missouri, and looking for a fun-filled festival experience? Look no further than the Middle Of The Map Fest, an annual music festival featuring a diverse lineup of local and national artists, great food, and exciting outdoor activities. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your Middle Of The Map Fest experience, including the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Kansas City Zoo
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the Kansas City Zoo is a must-visit. Home to over 1,700 animals and 200 different species, the zoo offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most fascinating creatures. From African elephants to polar bears, the zoo has something for everyone.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a world-renowned museum that features an impressive collection of more than 40,000 works of art. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary paintings, there’s something for every art lover to enjoy. The museum also offers free admission, so it’s a great budget-friendly option.
Hidden Gems
The Roasterie
If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to check out The Roasterie, a local coffee roaster that offers tours of their facility. You’ll learn about the coffee-making process and get to sample some of their delicious blends. Plus, the rooftop patio offers stunning views of the city skyline.
The City Market
The City Market is a vibrant outdoor market that features fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food. Be sure to try some of the local barbecue, which is a must-try when visiting Kansas City. The market is also a great place to people-watch and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Food Scene
Kansas City Barbecue
No trip to Kansas City is complete without trying some of the famous Kansas City barbecue. From burnt ends to ribs, there’s no shortage of delicious options. Be sure to check out Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, which has been named one of the best barbecue spots in the country.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Boulevard Brewing Company is a local brewery that offers tours of their facility and tastings of their delicious beer. The brewery also has a restaurant that serves up tasty pub fare, making it a great spot to grab a bite to eat after a tour.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Attractions
Many of Kansas City’s top attractions are free to visit, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the World War I Museum, and the Kansas City Zoo. Taking advantage of these free attractions can help you save money while still experiencing all that the city has to offer.
Food Trucks
Kansas City has a thriving food truck scene, with a variety of options available throughout the city. Food trucks offer a more budget-friendly option for meals, and many of them offer unique and delicious options that you won’t find elsewhere.
Outdoor Adventures
Swope Park
Swope Park is a 1,805-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and golfing. The park also has a lake that’s perfect for fishing or boating. It’s a great spot to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors.
Kansas City Riverfront Heritage Trail
The Kansas City Riverfront Heritage Trail is a 15-mile trail that offers stunning views of the Missouri River and the city skyline. The trail is perfect for hiking or biking, and it’s a great way to explore the city’s history and natural beauty.
Family-Friendly Activities
Science City at Union Station
Science City is a hands-on science museum that’s perfect for kids of all ages. The museum features interactive exhibits that allow kids to learn about everything from outer space to dinosaurs. It’s a great spot to spend a day with the family.
Kansas City Royals Game
If you’re a sports fan, be sure to catch a Kansas City Royals game at Kauffman Stadium. The stadium offers a family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. Plus, the Royals are a great team to cheer on.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Money Museum
The Money Museum is a unique museum that explores the history and art of money. From ancient coins to modern currency, the museum has a fascinating collection that’s sure to intrigue visitors. Plus, admission is free.
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a quirky museum that features a collection of over 72,000 toys and miniatures. From dollhouses to board games, the museum has something for everyone to enjoy.
Natural Wonders
Loose Park
Loose Park is a beautiful park that features a rose garden, a pond, and plenty of walking trails. It’s a great spot to enjoy the natural beauty of Kansas City and unwind after a busy day of festival activities.
Lake Jacomo
Lake Jacomo is a stunning lake that’s perfect for fishing, boating, or just enjoying the scenery. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making it a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Green Lady Lounge
The Green Lady Lounge is a popular jazz club that features live music seven nights a week. The club has a laid-back atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day of festival activities.
The Phoenix
The Phoenix is a historic bar that’s been around since the 19th century. The bar has a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of drinks, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Local Markets
The City Market
We’ve already covered The City Market as a hidden gem, but it’s worth mentioning again as a great spot to experience the local market scene. From fresh produce to local crafts, the market has something for everyone to enjoy.
Brookside Farmers’ Market
The Brookside Farmers’ Market is a popular farmers’ market that features a variety of local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisanal bread. It’s a great spot to pick up some local goodies to enjoy during your trip.
Beaches and Mountains
Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake is a beautiful lake that’s perfect for swimming, boating, or just enjoying the scenery. The lake is surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests, making it a great spot to escape the city and enjoy some natural beauty.
Shawnee Mission Park
Shawnee Mission Park is a sprawling park that features a lake, hiking trails, and plenty of picnic areas. It’s a great spot to spend a day enjoying the great outdoors and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Cultural Immersion
The American Jazz Museum
The American Jazz Museum is a museum that celebrates the rich history of jazz in America. The museum features interactive exhibits, live performances, and a collection of jazz artifacts that’s sure to delight music lovers.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a museum that explores the history of African Americans in baseball. The museum features exhibits on legendary players like Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige, as well as the history of the Negro Leagues.
Art and Music Scene
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a stunning venue that hosts a variety of performing arts events, including ballet, opera, and theater. The venue also offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore the stunning architecture and design of the building.
The Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is a vibrant neighborhood that’s home to a variety of art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. The district also hosts a monthly First Friday event, where visitors can explore the galleries and enjoy live music and food.
Walking Tours
The Kansas City Walking Tour
The Kansas City Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that takes visitors through some of the city’s most historic and iconic neighborhoods. The tour covers everything from the historic Country