Nothing stops a train

Snow might have dampened Kansas City’s 18th Street Mardi Gras spirit back in 2005, but this year’s Fat Tuesday saw herds of locals making the trek from Y.J.’s Snack Bar to the Jazz District on foot, weaving between the floats — and, well, weaving in general.

Obviously, New Orleans’ 2006 celebration was not so improved. But at Union Station (30 West Pershing Road, 816-460-2020), a restored 1921 steam locomotive named the Spirit of Louisiana houses a multicar exhibit that commemorates the raucous festivities that used to be such a French Quarter draw. Today’s hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission is included with ticket purchase for the KC Rail Experience.

Starts: March 16. Daily, 2006