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Grant 79
Grant 79

Everyday Adventures- Ideas for the Best Day Trips from Kansas City

Sometimes, living in the city can feel overwhelming, and you want to get out of town for the day. You want to do something new, like walk down a street you've never been on before or spend some time outdoors in a park that isn't right down the street. The good news is that there are many day trips from Kansas City that can meet your needs and help you recharge. Here's a look at some of the best day trips from Kansas City to explore.
A large arch structure stands over a cityscape.

St. Louis, Missouri

  • The Gateway Arch
  • Known as the Gateway to the West
  • The Missouri Botanical Garden

You might be wondering, how far from St Louis, MO to Kansas City, MO? It's a little less than 250 miles from Kansas City to St. Louis, MO, with a drive time of a little over three and a half hours. If you're looking for a long day trip, this is the one. 

While in St. Louis, you can see the entire city from the Gateway Arch after you ride to the top. You can explore the St. Louis Riverfront and take a ride on a riverboat. If you visit in the spring, the Missouri Botanical Garden is in full bloom. 

Olathe, Kansas

  • Ernie Miller Nature Center
  • Lake Olathe
  • Lake Olathe Splash Pad

Less than half an hour's drive from Kansas City, Olathe is one of the best day trips from KC. When the weather is nice, Olathe has an abundant selection of outdoor activities. Start your visit at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, where you can enjoy one of their nature programs or take a hike in the woods to visit wildlife. 

Bring your canoe or kayak to get out on the water and explore Lake Olathe. If you prefer, you can spend a few hours on the sandy beach and hop in the water when you want to cool off. The Lake Olathe Splash Pad starts at the top of the waterfall, and you can float in the manmade creek to the base. If you don't want to get wet, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site is a living history museum where you can step back in time. 

A person is walking on a log in a forest.

Lawrence, Kansas

  • Small town life
  • Quaint shopping
  • Hiking

About an hour from Kansas City, Lawrence is a great way to feel like you're living in a small town. This town is a great place to walk around, do a little shopping, and grab lunch. You can start your visit with a walk down Massachusetts Street or Mass Street if you want to sound like a local. 

The Toy Store is a must-visit. Whether you visit with children or are a child at heart, this three-story toy store has something for everyone. If you prefer exploring the outdoors, Clinton Lake State Park and the Baker Wetlands offer trails for every level, and you can see some unique wildlife. 

Columbia, Missouri

  • Outdoor adventure
  • Cave exploration
  • Unique rock formations

When you want to spend some time outdoors, Columbia, MO, is a great destination for a day trip. You can start at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. This state park offers many scenic trails with varied rock formations. You can take photos or explore Devil's Icebox and Connor's Cave. However, if you plan to explore the caves, you want to bring a flashlight and a helmet for safety. 

If you want a challenging hike, you can make your way to Pinnacles Youth Park. Don't let the name fool you; it isn't a trail for small children. There are some steep drops, but the stunning views and amazing rock formations make it worth the hike. 

A woman in a white hoodie rides a brown horse.

Watkins C Ranch, Leavenworth, Kansas

  • Ranch life
  • Horseback riding
  • Glamping

Have you ever wondered what it's like to live on a ranch? In less than an hour of driving, you can find out what it's like with a visit to the Watkins C. Ranch. This ranch is part of the Registered Agritourism Business, and it's a real working ranch. 

While you're there, you can hop on a horse and enjoy a one-hour horse ride around the ranch. Your guide will point out interesting sites and provide you with more information about a working ranch. If you want to stay a night, the ranch offers glamping tents with cots, so you aren't roughing it. 

Grant 79 Wants You to Call Our Community Home

At the end of your day trip from Kansas City, you want to come home to a space you love. If you're looking at apartments near Kansas City, Grant 79 Apartment Homes has all the amenities you crave. You can take advantage of our high-speed internet, swimming pool, sundeck, BBQ, and picnic area. Our team would love to show you around and help you pick the perfect floor plan for you. Schedule a tour of the property today. 

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