This trip my wife and I went on in late Spring. We paid a visit to some good friends in Kansas City and then toured the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene KS and Truman’s Library in Independence Mo.
If you’re ever passing through Kansas City, I would suggest taking a few hours to visit this Grand, historic train station with permanent & temporary exhibits, a planetarium & a science center.
If you’re into a Speakeasy dining experience, I can highly recommend trying The Majestic. If you’re a steak over, then you won’t go wrong with a premium Kansas City steak.
The drive from Kansas City to Eisenhower’s Library is just over two hours. We drove straight through to allow time for our Library visit as we had dinner plans that night. However, if time is not an issue, here’s some interesting stops and sights along the way.
Lawrence, KS: Known for its vibrant downtown and the University of Kansas. Check out the historic Massachusetts Street for shops, cafes, and the beautiful campus.
Topeka, KS: The state capital has several attractions, including the Kansas State Capitol building, the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and the Topeka Zoo.
Manhattan, KS: Home to Kansas State University, Manhattan has a charming downtown area and beautiful parks. Visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center for information about the region's ecology and history.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: Just a short detour from the highway, this area offers stunning views of the prairie landscape and trails for hiking.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, KS, offers a fascinating look at the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visiting the library is a great way to learn about this significant figure in American history! Here are some highlights to check out:
Eisenhower Presidential Library: Explore extensive archives and exhibits that detail his life, military career, and presidency.
Museum Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits on Eisenhower's contributions during World War II and his presidency, including important events like the Cold War and civil rights.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Boyhood Home: Tour the home where Eisenhower grew up, which has been preserved to reflect his early life.
Memorial Reflecting Pool: A serene spot with beautiful landscaping, perfect for reflection.
Garden of the Presidential Library: Enjoy the peaceful gardens surrounding the library, which include various plants and historical markers.
The Eisenhower Visitor Center: Offers additional information and resources about the exhibits and Eisenhower’s impact on American history.
Special Exhibits: Keep an eye out for rotating special exhibits that focus on various aspects of Eisenhower’s life and times.
Educational Programs: Check the schedule for lectures, films, and other events that provide deeper insights into Eisenhower's presidency and policies.
The next day, we set out to see the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, MO, offers a wealth of information about the 33rd President of the United States. Here are some highlights to explore. Visiting the Truman Library offers a comprehensive look at one of America’s pivotal presidents. Here’s some of the things you can see.
Museum Exhibits: The museum features a variety of exhibits on Truman's life, his presidency, and key events such as World War II, the Cold War, and the Marshall Plan.
Interactive Displays: Engaging exhibits allow visitors to learn about Truman's decision-making processes and significant policies through multimedia presentations.
Harry S. Truman’s Boyhood Home: Just a short distance from the library, you can tour the home where Truman grew up, offering insight into his early life and influences.
Presidential Papers and Artifacts: The library houses an extensive collection of documents, letters, and artifacts related to Truman's presidency and personal life.
The Truman Family Gardens: Enjoy a stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the library, which provide a peaceful setting for reflection.
Special Exhibits: Keep an eye out for rotating exhibits that focus on various themes related to Truman's life and presidency.
Educational Programs: Check the schedule for lectures, workshops, and films that provide deeper insights into Truman's policies and historical context.
Gift Shop: Stop by the gift shop for books, memorabilia, and other items related to Truman and American history.
We’ve been to Kansas City before, however if it’s your first trip, here’s some highlights to see you may want to consider.
Downtown and Arts District
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art: Admire the impressive art collections, including Asian art and American masterpieces. Don’t miss the sculpture park outside.
Country Club Plaza: Spend the evening shopping and dining in this beautiful outdoor shopping district known for its Spanish architecture.
National World War I Museum and Memorial: A must-visit for its extensive exhibits and stunning views from the observation deck.
The 18th & Vine District: Explore Kansas City’s jazz history, including the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Visit a Local BBQ Spot: Try some famous Kansas City barbecue at places like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que or Arthur Bryant’s.
Kauffman Memorial Garden: A beautiful, serene garden perfect for a leisurely stroll.
West Bottoms: Known for its vintage shops and antique stores, this area has a unique, eclectic vibe.
City Market: Explore this historic market with local vendors, fresh produce, and unique shops. It’s a great place for lunch or snacks.
Riverfront Park: If you have time, enjoy the walking paths and scenic views along the Missouri River.
The Power and Light District: Enjoy nightlife with restaurants, bars, and live music.
Catch a Sporting Event: Depending on the season, you could see a Chiefs or Royals game.
Cliff Drive Scenic Byway: If you have extra time, take a drive along this scenic route for great views of the city.
There you have our long spring weekend driving in Kansas and Missouri. The weather was awesome, it was great to see our friends … we look forward to another visit in 2025.
Travel Destinations 
