Known all over the world for its steaks and barbecue, Kansas City is sometimes regarded as the “Barbecue Capital.” The city’s heritage in jazz history can be experienced during a stroll through the Historic Jazz District. Another remarkable area here is the Westport Neighborhood, which is full of attractions to explore and activities to participate in, comprising vintage shopping and stunning river cruises. Kansas City also boasts numerous notable museums, such as the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, the Toy and Miniature Museum, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum.

During your trip to the city, you must take the time out to explore the following amazing weekend destinations from Kansas City:

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines has done a lot in the past few decades to transform itself into a vivacious cultural focus of the Midwest. The city is also inculcated with fascinating sculpture parks, botanical gardens, and a flourishing shopping and dining scene. Structures such as the State Capitol building, with its gold dome, is steeped with the state’s history of over 170 years. The award-winning Science Center of Iowa displays long-lasting and temporary hands-on exhibitions that endorse experiential learning. Other important attractions around the town include but aren’t limited to John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Salisbury House & Gardens, and Des Moines Art Center.

Best Time to Visit: Thanks to summer’s warm temperatures, the best months to explore Des Moines is between June till August. Conditions during these months are perfect for appreciating the city’s outdoor activities like strolls around Gray’s Lake and bike rides across the High Trestle Trail.

How to Reach: Although you could drive to Des Moines or take a flight, the cheapest and the most convenient way to travel between the two cities is to get a direct bus. The ride takes three and a half hours and costs between $30 to $55 in bus fare.

---

Hermann, Missouri

Hermann is a picturesque German town along the Missouri River situated around two and a half hours from Kansas City. One of the most significant attractions in the city, the 240-miles-long Katy Trail goes along the northern part of Hermann. A popular place for hikers and bikers, this is the longest rails-to-trails project in the country and must not be missed during your visit. Additionally, you will also enjoy the Little Lost Creek Conservation Area and the Daniel Boone Conservation Area. Another relaxing thing to do here is to go on a Wine Trail to one of the seven wineries in the town. Last but not the least, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Deutschheim State Historic Site and explore the German American heritage of Hermann.

Best Time to Visit: The months from late May to late September are the best months of the year to visit Hermann for warm- weather activities.

How to Reach: There is a direct train that leaves Kansas City every morning and reaches Hermann every noon under four hours. Expect to pay between $35 to $50 for a one-way ticket.

---

Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha is a lovely city nestled on the banks of Missouri River within close proximity to the border of Iowa. One of the most recommended areas to start a tour of the city is the old historic district. Omaha houses several intriguing museums and public art exhibits, comprising the Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is home to the Dome Desert, which is the world’s largest indoor desert, and the Lied Jungle, which is North America’s largest indoor rainforest. Other places of interest in the city include the Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge.

Best Time to Visit: The most packed months for tourism in Omaha are June, May, and February, particularly in that order. It must be noted that prices for all tourism related businesses can be pretty extensive during these months.

How to Reach: If you don’t mind spending a few extra bucks, you could get on a flight from Kansas City to Omaha which will transport you here in under four hours for $110 to $340. But, if you are on a budget, get on a bus to reach Omaha slightly over three hours and pay only $29 to $55 for the bus ticket.

---

Branson, Missouri

Branson, a lovely town located within the Ozark Mountains. has won its nickname as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’. Some of the most famous shows in here comprise the multi-starrer Presley’s Country Jubilee and the exceptional effects show from The Haygoods. The distinctive marquees and flamboyant storefronts of the Entertainment District here make up for many unforgettable visits. The century-old history of Branson is linked to its capacity to allure visitors from across the country. Another important attraction, Silver Dollar City is a gigantic amusement park and entertainment area which spreads across 100 acres and houses an elaborate 1880s theme with over 40 diverse attractions and rides. Some other popular attractions you should visit here include Branson Scenic Railway, Branson Landing, and Talking Rocks Cavern.

Best Time to Visit: The most suggested time to visit the city is between November and December when everyone in Branson enjoys a holiday spirit and turns into a winter wonderland. Additionally, the months from June to August are popular too.

How to Reach: The fastest way to get to Branson is in a self-driven car which takes under four hours and costs only $21 to $30 in fuel. Alternatively, you can take a bus too for slightly over five hours and pay only $30 to $60 for a one-way ticket.

---

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

A city immersed in natural and cultural attractions, Eureka Springs is a resort city in the extreme northwest of Arkansas which is named after the copious amount of mineral pools surrounding the city. The attractive downtown district here is dotted with historic Victorian buildings, charming museums, and of course, the main showpiece, Basin Spring Park. Other surrounding places to visit include the North Arkansas Railway, the captivating Thorncrown Chapel, and the very famous Passion Play. For underground activities and other exciting activities to participate in, the fascinating Onyx Cave and the Blue Spring are some of the most abundant springs in the Ozark Mountains.

Best Time to Visit: The most recommended time of year to visit Eureka Springs is probably during the spring.

How to Reach: Though there are alternative ways to travel between Kansas City and Eureka Springs, all of them involve changing multiple modes of transportation. However, the fastest and the most convenient way to get by on this route is in a self-driven car that takes around four and a half hours and costs between $25 to $40 in fuel.

Going on a vacation is a wonderful feeling but planning for one could be extremely tedious when you have to arrange for your flights, visas, packing, and not to mention, where to go and what to see. This is why, we have complied this list of the topmost weekend getaways from Kansas City that you can explore during your trip to the city so your vacation can be more thrilling and fun filled. So, pack your bags, get ready to have the time of yoru life, and leave all the worries behind.