KC Exposed: 6 unique places to explore around the metro

Kansas City Museum. // Photo by Weston Martellaro

In any city, looking for something more unique than the “Top 10 Places to Go” can be difficult. With this list, you can tap into six of the most unique locations in Kansas City that are likely just within a stone’s throw. Keep your search for the metro’s hidden gems simple by going back to the basics.

Unity Village

Unity Village is located in Lee’s Summit and is home to over 2 million members, globally. 

Whether it be for business or spirituality, this Mediterranean-styled community center and hotel include a café, bookstore, and a 36-hole golf course—basically,it’s a one-stop shop.

Even if you don’t plan on staying the night, this location is free to the public. Within the community center lies a meditative prayer garden adorned with fountains for a spiritual journey or just a beautiful place to sit.

If you love nature, the destination offers trails with fun suggested exercises and activities to do along the way. With 1,200 acres of property, Unity Village is worth a visit for visitors and Citians, alike.

Money Museum. // Photo by Weston Martellaro

Money Museum 

The Money Museum is located within the Kansas City branch of the Federal Reserve and gives visitors the chance to see how millions of dollars are processed.

For no cost, they offer a self-guided tour of the museum, where interactive exhibits offer facts about the history of the Federal Reserve. They also have on display former President Harry S. Truman’s coin collection, showcasing almost every coin minted in U.S history.

At the end of the tour, guests can observe as current employees count and store money deep within a large vault.

Kansas City Museum

Located inside Corinthian Hall, the Kansas City Museum honors the past and present metro.

The museum recently reopened after renovations and is planning future expansions to include more rotating exhibits. The basement offers a community game room and restaurant, and the entire building is free to the public with donations accepted.

The first floor shows off the history of the home where the museum is located. The second floor looks at the history of Kansas City, and the third floor showcases local communities, art pieces, and individuals who are making a difference around the city.

Preserving history and allowing our communities to have representation all for free to the visitor is unheard of, which is what makes Kansas City Museum so unique to our city.

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden. // Photo by Weston Martellaro

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

Located in downtown Kansas City, the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is free and open to the public year round.

The garden surrounded by Legacy Park serves as a memorial surrounded by statues and fountains.

Filled with beautiful ever-changing garden displays, migrating birds, small mammals, and fish; this park is dedicated to peace and tranquility and acts as a wildlife conservation.

18th and Vine

The city is packed to the brim with beautiful jazz nightlife and local prodigies. The most unique place to get a taste of the historic jazz scene is at 18th and Vine.

Within this district live some of KC’s most iconic bars and venues, such as the Blue Room. Both the Kansas City Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, which honors African American players through baseball history. 

Vaile Mansion. // Photo by Weston Martellaro

Vaile Mansion 

The Vaile Mansion a 31-bedroom estate located in Independence and is perhaps a ghost story waiting to happen.

Filled with over a hundred years of history all available to the public and being constantly preserved by the “Victorian society”, this home is one of the most unique places in the nation.

Going from home to an inn, then to a sanitarium, and finally, to a history museum, this mansion tells a long and interesting story. If a possible haunted mansion isn’t your cup of tea, this lovely home also offers fun seasonal events, as well as a fully preserved showcase of Victorian-era life.

The Vaile Mansion is not only beautiful, but it’s filled with history and possibly ghosts, a great experience for everyone.