We’ve visited a number of cities in our years on the highway. Certainly one of our absolute favorites thus far? Kansas Metropolis! We’ve visited this pretty metropolis a number of occasions and our most up-to-date go to was simply as enjoyable as I anticipated.
One of many issues I really like most about this metropolis is that it’s large enough to really feel like an precise metropolis with out feeling overwhelming. I additionally respect that there are such a lot of superb family-friendly issues to do, together with a number of free choices. After all, it’s additionally good to have so many RV tenting choices to select from.
Planning to go RVing in Kansas Metropolis? Right here’s every little thing I’ve discovered that I feel you need to know as properly.
First Issues First: Ought to You Deliver the RV into the Metropolis?
We discovered very early on in our RVing adventures that you just don’t drive an RV by a downtown space. I imply you can do it, nevertheless it’s very not enjoyable.
Kansas Metropolis could also be on the smaller aspect so far as cities go, however it’s no exception to this rule. Whereas the highways round KC are manageable, the downtown streets could be slim, complicated, and in no way forgiving for bigger rigs. Parking is scarce, and garages received’t work for apparent causes.
As a substitute of attempting to drive your rig round downtown, I extremely suggest discovering a cushty RV park or campground outdoors the busiest areas—and even outdoors of the town completely—utilizing your “toad” (tow automotive) to get round. Belief me once I say doing that is going to save lots of you a ton of stress.
Be aware: It’s additionally vital to know that many parking garages in downtown KC won’t accommodate massive vans. We had points with this throughout our first go to and now make a degree of planning our parking rigorously.
Greatest RV Parks and Campgrounds in Kansas Metropolis
There are a number of completely different tenting choices in and round Kansas Metropolis. Clearly we haven’t tried all of them, however we’ve tried a number of and I’ve executed fairly a little bit of analysis. Listed here are my prime picks for RVing in Kansas Metropolis.
Worlds of Enjoyable Village (Kansas Metropolis, MO)
For those who’re touring with household or simply need quick access to enjoyable, Worlds of Enjoyable Village could be your spot. That is the closest full-service RV park to downtown and is situated proper subsequent to the Worlds of Enjoyable and Oceans of Enjoyable amusement parks, so you’ll be able to simply entry the enjoyable they’ve to supply.
The park presents spacious pull-through websites, full hookups, and trendy facilities—however it’s a bit dear for my style, so it in all probability wouldn’t be my first choose.
Riverfront Park Campground
I like budget-friendly campgrounds, and that’s precisely what Riverfront Park Campground in Leavenworth is. This can be a city-run campground that’s about 45 minutes outdoors of KC and presents fireplace pits, picnic tables, electrical hookups, and a ravishing view of the river. Better of all, the tenting price is just about as little as it will get with out being free, that means you’ll be able to keep longer with out breaking the financial institution!
Leavenworth State Fishing Lake
Talking of free campsites, if you happen to want a completely free place to remain, Leavenworth State Fishing Lake has you lined. This spot is about 40 minutes outdoors of the town and whereas it doesn’t supply any facilities in any respect, it’s laborious to beat free tenting.
I’ll say that this spot does have a tendency to remain full all through the summer season, however the shoulder season presents higher climate anyway.
Walnut Grove RV Park (Merriam, KS)
If being near the town is all you care about, Walnut Grove RV Park could be a good selection. This park is about quarter-hour from downtown, presents full hookups, and the placement can’t be beat. That stated, the websites are tight and the highway noise is obnoxious. I’d solely select to remain right here for a brief keep, and even then, nearly all of our time could be spent out and about.
Kansas Metropolis Should-Dos
Questioning what to do whereas RVing in Kansas Metropolis? Nicely, one of many coolest issues about this metropolis is that it presents so many issues to do. To make factor even higher, a number of these items are free or very cheap. Thus far, we’ve managed to keep away from spending a lot cash in any respect throughout our visits to the world.
The Barbecue Pilgrimage
Okay, I’ve to confess that my absolute favourite factor about Kansas Metropolis is the barbecue. Truthfully, you’ll be able to’t go to this metropolis and never strive the barbecue—and actually, I like to recommend attempting a number of spots whilst you’re there.
A few of my favorites embody:
- Joe’s Kansas Metropolis Bar-B-Que (the unique one in a gasoline station—it’s legendary for a motive).
- Arthur Bryant’s
- Q39
American Jazz Museum & 18th & Vine District
Okay, so we haven’t executed this one but, however it’s on my listing for subsequent time. Kansas Metropolis is the birthplace of swing and bebop jazz, and from what I perceive, the 18th & Vine District captures that legacy.
The American Jazz Museum can also be alleged to be price a cease, and since I’m a music nerd, the truth that there tends to be reside music within the space actually piques my curiosity.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork
I’m a sucker for artwork museum, and I’m a good larger sucker for a free museum. Mix the 2 and you may wager I’m gonna be there. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork does simply that and it does it properly. It presents free admission, an unbelievable artwork assortment, and a few iconic shuttlecock sculptures out on the garden which are completely price a photograph or two.
Union Station & Science Metropolis
Union Station itself is a ravishing, historic prepare station with displays and eating. We adored the lovable (and free!) prepare exhibit and spent fairly a little bit of time taking a look at all it needed to supply.
We additionally loved Science Metropolis, the science museum situated within Union Station. We visited utilizing our ASTC membership so admission was free, however I’d say it’s a museum that’s price paying for if you happen to’re visiting with youngsters.
Crown Middle Mall
This one is perhaps a bit touristy, however I find it irresistible simply the identical. Crown Middle Mall is, in fact, a mall, however it is usually dwelling to a complete bunch of cool museums and displays.
We completely love Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope, which is an excellent superb, completely free, child’s artwork area the place younger guests can create absolutely anything they’ll think about with varied provides. We additionally appreciated the free Hallmark mini-museum subsequent door to Kaleidoscope, in addition to the train-themed restaurant known as Fritz’s the place a small prepare delivers your meals.
Seasonal Issues for RVers
It’s vital to grasp that Kansas Metropolis climate could be excessive, so timing issues, particularly if you happen to plan on boondocking. Now we have visited in all seasons besides winter. Right here’s my take.
Summer season
The summer season is sizzling and humid. I undoubtedly don’t suggest tenting with out hookups throughout this time of 12 months, and actually I’d suggest skipping July and August altogether if you happen to can. For those who do resolve to go to throughout this time, select a campsite close to water to reap the benefits of cooler breezes.
Fall
For those who ask me, fall is one of the best time to go to Kansas Metropolis. The climate is gorgeous and the leaves begin to change, so tenting is a pleasing and fairly expertise, particularly if you happen to select a rural campground. It’s additionally soccer season, that means the town is abuzz with pleasure.
Winter
Winter in Kansas Metropolis could be harsh. Town sees quantity of snow, ice, and below-freezing temperatures. This implies your RV will should be winterized throughout a winter go to, which makes issues troublesome. Usually talking, I don’t suggest RVing in Kansas Metropolis within the winter if it may be helped.
Spring
I am keen on springtime in Kansas Metropolis, and I feel spring is the second greatest season to go to, proper behind fall. The climate is heat sufficient to benefit from the outdoor with out being too sizzling, and boondocking continues to be potential. Simply be sure to be careful for extreme thunderstorms and twister warnings.
I really like RVing in Kansas Metropolis and will certainly return time and again. There are such a lot of issues to do and see that we aren’t prone to run out any time quickly, and the truth that there are free and low-cost tenting spots close by is a big bonus. Hopefully this information helps you intend an superior journey so you’ll be able to fall in love with this metropolis like I’ve!
