Kansas City, Missouri, is not only home to great attractions such as Truman Home, Kansas City Zoo, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, but it’s also a great city to base yourself in if you’re planning to explore other cities in and out of state. Enjoy a weekend getaway to destinations like Springfield, Omaha, or Des Moines. Whether you’re alone, with friends, or with family, you can create great memories outside of Kansas City. Engage in fun activities like hiking, dancing, and shopping. You can be sure that the nightlife is always different in another city or town. Of course, Kansas City has the best vacation rentals if you don’t know where to stay while you’re here. But if you’re ready for a quick adventure elsewhere, continue reading to find out more about some of the top weekend getaways from Kansas City, Missouri.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on August 19, 2024.
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1. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
There are plenty of fun things to do alone in and around Kansas City and one of them certainly is heading off to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. It is located approximately 160 miles (257.50 kilometers) southeast of Kansas City, Missouri, and is a fantastic road trip destination. The roughly 3-hour drivable vacation from Kansas City is well worth it for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This park boasts stunning Ozark landscapes, including caves, sinkholes, and a mesmerizing spring-fed lake.
Its highlight is the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone mansion that add a unique historical charm to the natural scenery. Visitors can hike the trails, explore the castle ruins, and cool off in the pristine Lake of the Ozarks.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Address: Camden County, Missouri, United States
Website: Ha Ha Tonka State Park
2. Roaring River State Park
Planning a romantic getaway near Kansas City with your special someone? The road trip from Kansas City to Roaring River State Park promises a lot of fun. It is about 200 miles (321.87 kilometers) or a picturesque 3-hour drive to the south of Kansas City, and the journey is a gem with a rich history and diverse activities. Established in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, it’s steeped in natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
The park’s main attraction is its namesake spring, gushing out over 20,000 gallons (75708.20 liters) of crystal-clear water per minute, creating a thriving trout fishery. Anglers flock here for premier fly and reel fishing experiences. Hikers can explore scenic trails, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of species. The park also offers picnic areas, a nature center, and a swimming pool.
Roaring River State Park
Address: 12716 Farm Rd 2239, Cassville, MO 65625, United States
Website: Roaring River State Park
3. Tanganyika Wildlife Park (from USD 80)
Looking for a place to take the kids for an overnight trip from Kansas City? Consider taking the road trip to Goddard, Kansas, where you’ll find the most interactive wildlife park in the Midwest—Tanganyika Wildlife Park. Here you will be able to have up-close and hands-on encounters with the animals. If you have curious little ones, or maybe you are one yourself, make your way to this family-friendly destination that is just a little over three hours by car from Kansas City. When you decide to visit, pair your trip with a nice stay at Rodeway Inn Goddard.
Rodeway Inn
Address: 19941 West Kellogg Drive
249.17 km (154.9 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Lake Ozark in Kaiser, Missouri (from USD 917)
If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway close to Kansas City, why not give one of the most famous reservoirs a try? Lake of the Ozarks was made after impounding the Osage River. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Midwest, being home to Party Cove (or Anderson Hollow Cove) where leisure boats gather for a large party. Reach this lake by way of Kaiser, Missouri, which is almost three hours of drive from Kansas City. You can stay at one of the top Vrbo vacation rentals in the area, especially if you are in a large group.
5. Lindsborg, Kansas (from USD 69)
If a quaint little town is what you envision for your weekend vacation from Kansas City, consider driving three hours to the beautiful community of Lindsborg, Kansas. The city is known for its Scandinavian and German heritage and the home of the Swedish Honoring Festival (Svensk Hyllningsfest) where dancing, arts and crafts, local entertainment, a smorgasbord are involved! You will feel warm and fuzzy on the inside as you walk around the picturesque streets. When in Lindsborg, stay in a quaint cottage yourself!
6. Baldwin (from USD 106)
Baldwin is approximately 46.1 miles (74 Km) from Kansas. It’ll take you about an hour by car to get to this magnificent travel destination. Top attraction sites include Quayle Bible Collection, Midland Railway, Old Castle Museum, and Baker University. There are many fun things to do at this weekend getaway near Kansas City. Go shopping for snacks, jewelry, clothes, and antiques in shops and markets like Charlotte’s Daughters and Vintage Flea. For food lovers, take an unforgettable food tour in the restaurant and fast food joints serving local and international meals. Visit El Patron for mouth-watering Mexican delicacies, taste delicious tacos, and pizza at Pizza Hut, and enjoy a family dinner at Jo’s Diner. On matters of accommodation, stay in hotels across Baldwin, with special offers, free wifi, free parking, and fitness centers.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lawrence, KS This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 2176 East 23rd Street
1.5 km (1.0 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
7. Eureka Springs (from USD 110)
Ready for a road trip from Kansas City? Eureka Springs is located approximately 247 miles (398 Km) from Kansas and it is 4hrs 20 minutes’ drive away. Create memorable moments by visiting the city’s attraction sites like Beaver Lake, Christ of the Ozarks, and Thorn Crown Chapel. Here, engage in fun indoor and outdoor activities like ziplining, fishing, hiking, and off-road driving. Enjoy wildlife at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking to shop for art, jewelry, clothes, or shoes, visit shopping malls and gift shops like Christian Thrift Store, and others spread across the city. For music lovers, enjoy a concert or a music show at Vince Johari or Great Passion Play. The nightlife is also one to explore here. Visit Chelsea’s Corner Cafe and Bar or Stone House for wine, beer, and food, as you party all night long.
1905 Basin Park Hotel
Address: 12 Spring Street
310.09 km (192.7 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
8. Springfield (from USD 100)
Located in the southwestern part of Missouri, the city has positioned itself as a great tourist destination. Here, you’ll engage in fun recreational activities like swimming, fishing, food and wine tours, boat riding, playing golf, and bicycle riding. There are shopping malls and stores like Sassy’s Goodies, Amelia Madden, and C-Street City Market to buy clothes, jewelry, and art. You’ll take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes by car from Kansas, covering about 166 miles (267 km). Top tourist attractions include Fantastic Caverns, Springfield Conversation Nature Center, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, The World’s Largest Fork, and Dickerson Park Zoo.
Baymont by Wyndham Springfield I-44
Address: 1610 East Evergreen
253.48 km (157.5 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
9. Topeka (from USD 130)
Being the capital city of Kansas, you’re in for great memories. It’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive or approximately 68 miles (109 km) away and is one of the best weekend trips from Kansas City. Here, shop for antiques, gifts, jewelry, and food at shops and malls spread out across the city. Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, bicycle riding, horse riding, and swimming in the city’s recreational centers. Top tourist attractions include Evel Knievel Museum, Gage Park, Combat Air Museum, Topeka Zoological Park, and Lake Shawnee. For an amazing nightlife, visit Blue Moose Topeka, Uncle Bo’s Blues Bar, The Celtic Fox Irish Pub and Restaurant, and Hookah Horse Topeka.
Ramada by Wyndham Topeka Downtown Hotel & Convention Center
Address: 420 Southeast 6th Avenue
41.17 km (25.6 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
10. Hannibal (from USD 138)
A three and a quarter hours’ drive will get you to Hannibal from Kansas City. It’s approximately 221 miles (356 km) away. The city has plenty of amazing tourist sites like Big River Train Town, Riverview Park, Hannibal History Museum, Hannibal Arts Council, Becky Thatcher’s House, and Sawyer’s Creek. Enjoy local and international delicacies at food joints across the city. For Mexican food, visit Gran Rio Mexican Restaurant. For Italian cuisines, visit Palermo Pizza and Subs. Enjoy Chinese food at Jet’s Place. On matters of accommodation, hotels in the city offer great customer service, with special offers, heated swimming pools, free parking, and wifi. If you’re looking to shop for pottery, antiques, clothes and jewelry, visit Main Street Vintage Market, Ayers Pottery, Mississipi Marketplace, and Native American Trading Co.
Quality Inn & Suites
Address: 120 Lindsey Drive
336.78 km (209.3 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
11. Branson (from USD 116)
Branson is approximately 210 miles (338 km), or about 3 hours, 15 minutes from Kansas by car. When visiting, indulge in fun outdoor activities like ziplining, scuba, and snockering, off-road drives, hiking, fishing, kayaking, boat riding, and horse riding. You can also take food and wine tours around the city. Top attractions in the city include Silver Dollar City, Titanic Museum, and Butterfly Palace. For music lovers, attend concerts and music shows at The Petersens, and Reza Edge of Illusion.
Lodge of the Ozarks
Address: 3431 W. 76 Country Blvd
306.21 km (190.3 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
12. Des Moines (from USD 78)
A drive to Des Moines from Kansas will take you not more than three hours. It’s approximately 193 miles (311 km) away. The city has an array of attractions like Blank Park Zoo, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center of Iowa, and Downtown Farmers Market. It’s a history-rich city, so if you’re looking for places to learn about the past, visit Wells Fargo Museum, State Historical Museum, and Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. Fun outdoor activities to indulge in include fishing, food and wine tours, and bicycle riding.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Address: 1901 Hackley Ave
318.98 km (198.3 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
13. St. Louis, Missouri
Almost four hours away from Kansas City is St. Louis, Missouri. This cosmopolitan city that is the state’s second-largest, is perched along the Missouri River. Having played a tremendous role in history as the Gateway to the West, it remains an important transportation and trading center till now. When in St. Louis, discover the roots and impact of blues music by visiting The National Blues Museum and catch authentic St. Louis blues performances at the clubs around the city. Don’t leave without trying the famed St. Louis barbecue and sampling the best beers in town. Finally, don’t forget to check out Gateway Arch, the tallest arch in the world and America’s tallest man-made structure.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
St. Louis is a great weekend trip from Kansas City, all while staying in the same state. With many attractions to see including the Arch, visiting the free entry Zoo or the City Museum, you can easily fill a whole weekend with activities. Crossing the state doesn't just offer new things to see but also the opportunity to compare the world-famous K.C.-style barbecue against the equally famous St. Louis style barbecue. Everyone has to eat during a weekend trip, so head down to Pappy's Smokehouse and taste the flavor difference between these distinct barbecue styles within the same state.
14. Joplin, Missouri
Joplin is a city that lies along the historic Route 66 and it is about two and a half hours’ drive from Kansas City. It was formerly a mining town but is today a thriving area with diverse industries and attractions. Visit the scenic Grand Falls and wander the forests of George Washington Carver National Monument. At Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, you’ll encounter a chert glade habitat, which only exists in Missouri! Back in the downtown area, also known as the Sunshine Lamp District, take your pick from the trendy shops and fancy restaurants that abound. If country-meets-modern sounds like a suitable getaway for you, consider Joplin.
15. Wichita
This all-year-round travel destination has great attractions to see, like Sedgwick County Zoo, Museum of World Treasures, Wichita Art Museum, The Keeper of the Places, and Old Town. It’s located 195 miles (314 km) from Kansas City, or a three-hour drive. Outdoor activities to engage in include playing golf, hiking, fishing, and bicycle riding. This is made possible because of the many recreational parks in the city. If you like relaxing and taking care of your body, then visit spas and massage parlors like FlontHouse Float and Massage, Massage Envy, Healing Waters, and Empress Massage. Shop for antiques, artifacts, and jewelry at Paramount Antique Mall and Flying Moose Antique Mall.
Red Roof Inn PLUS+ Wichita East
Address: 7335 East Kellogg Drive
225.73 km (140.3 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
16. Omaha (from USD 105)
Omaha is home to the largest indoor desert, the largest indoor rainforest, the largest geodesic dome, and the largest nocturnal exhibit in the world. It is one of the best places to travel from Kansas City. You’ll take about two hours and 50 minutes to drive to the city from Kansas, covering approximately 187 miles (301 km). Here, top attractions include Old Market, Lake Manawa, Heartland of America Park, and Lauritzen Gardens/Kenefick Park. There are fun outdoor activities to indulge in. They include hiking, scuba, and snorkeling, horse riding, playing golf, and bicycle riding. Attend music concerts, comedy shows, and performing arts at Omaha Theater Company for Young People, Henry Doorly Zoo, and Omaha Performing Arts. For food and wine tours, visit local and international food and drinks joints like Omaha Culinary Tours, and Omaha Farmers Market. Try your luck at various gambling spots and casinos in the city, too.
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Omaha Airport, IA
Address: 2210 Abbott Drive
267.46 km (166.2 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
17. Boonville (from USD 64)
Approximately 103 miles (166 km) from Kansas City, is this beautiful city. You’ll take about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car, enjoying spectacular views along the way. The city’s top attraction sites include Ravenswood, Roslyn Heights, Katy Bridge, and Katy Trail State Park. For tasty local and international delicacies, visit food joints like Pirates Cove and Maggie’s Bar and Grill. They serve tasty meals in generous amounts. There are shopping stores and market places for jewelry, antiques, food, and drinks, like Buygones, Russell Stover Candies, and Gordon Jewelers. It’s surely not a city to ignore if you’re looking for a memorable weekend getaway.
Days Inn by Wyndham Boonville
Address: 2401 Pioneer St, Boonville, MO, USA, 65233
213.83 km (132.9 mi) from Prairie Park Nature Center
Leave your comfort zone
Experience great adventures and meet new people on a weekend trip from Kansas City for couples. We hope the list above helps you plan for your next weekend trip - after all, there are many outdoor activities you can do and amusement parks that you can visit on a weekend.
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