This Vibrant City Splitting 2 States Is The Midwest’s Most Underrated Destination

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Why visit one state when you can conquer two in a single weekend?

Well, we can’t call it a classic “Texas two-fer”, but we can call it double dipping.

That’s right — you can visit two states via one marvelous city that’s largely under-hyped as a top Midwest getaway.

More known to the masses as a top-tier sports town, even that notion came crashing down as the NFL’s reigning dynasty ended its winning streak this season by failing to make the playoffs.

But even with the help from America’s unofficial princess Taylor Swift, her occasional appearances haven’t made this vibrant city brimming with historic charm, incredible cuisine, and contagious sports obsession a popular vacation destination — at least not as popular as it should be…

Local experts at Midwest Living are lockstep with our beliefs here at Travel Off Path that this unsung gem is past due for its moment in the spotlight.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the multi-state playground of Kansas City!

‘We’re Not in Kansas Anymore’: Discover The Missouri Side Of KC

Oddly enough, with a name like Kansas City, Missouri doesn’t come to mind. However, that’s exactly where most people go when visiting.

Kansas City not only rivals fellow Missourian St. Louis in sports, but in vacation appeal. To be fair, KC is deemed a lot safer than ‘The Lou’ as it’s commonly named one of the most crime-ridden major cities in the U.S, yet from a word-of-mouth perspective, it seems more travelers opt for all of St. Louis’s free attractions rather than consider Kansas City a worthwhile destination.

Though Kansas City tourists will be happy to know Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is free to enter.

But we’re here to tell you that you have been missing out on one of the Midwest’s most vibrant cities, chock-full of storied neighborhoods, beautiful architecture, lush parks, and sensational barbecue so good you might need a bib (burnt ends are a must-try!).

The Missouri side of KC is where it feels more like a bustling metropolis, home to an array of trendy restaurants, insightful museums, major sports arenas (for now), name-brand hotels, and locally beloved districts to enjoy happy hours like Power & Light and the Crossroads Arts District.

The Kansas Side Is On The Rise!

It’s a shame that those who’ve had the pleasure of visiting Kansas City often don’t cross the state line into Kansas.

That said, Midwest Living swears it’s on the rise and shouldn’t be skipped.

For starters, the Kansas side just made waves as the new home for the Chiefs. Their new stadium is expected to kick off in 2031, forcing Missourians hand to embrace their neighbor.

‘Til then, Midwest Living hypes the ‘Kansas’ in ‘Kansas City’ as a fun weekend getaway, and one that you wouldn’t expect, as this state is largely seen as sleepy and not worth visiting.

I mean, have you been to Topeka?

Citing family fun, outdoor adventures, incredible food, and surprising new hotels, no longer do you have to stick with one state on your next KC trip.

Let’s start with the latter, shall we?

Besides hosting the Chiefs in the coming years, the most exciting news on the Kansas side lately is the 2025 opening of Margaritaville Hotel Kansas City.

It’s true, you can now get a ‘cheeseburger in paradise’ without the ocean anywhere in sight.

That’s in addition to already existing Great Wolf Lodge and rainforest-themed Chateau Avalon — a pair of fun places to stay for all ages.

Barbecue isn’t slacking across state lines either. Slap’s BBQ, well, slaps. Just don’t tell Chris Rock…

And who would ever pass up a taco trail?

By the time the new stadium is built, some would say the real Kansas City will surely develop even more over the next 5 years, making it an inner-city rival.

Free Things To Do In Both States

As we said, St Louis is known for its surprising amount of free attractions, but don’t sleep on the “City of Fountains” as KC is known, to save some serious cash too.

Below is Travel Off Path’s top 5 recommendations for free things to do no matter which state you find yourself in:

• The KC Streetcar (Missouri) – free streetcar to explore downtown and River Market
• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Missouri) – always free and features an impressive art collection from ancient to contemporary
• Liberty Memorial & National WWI Museum Grounds(Missouri) – free to walk the grounds
• Strawberry Hill (Kansas) – wander historic streets, old churches, cultural murals, and great city views
• Kaw Point Park (Kansas) – scenic river views at the Kansas–Missouri confluence