Fairway KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fairway, Kansas.
1. Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site is a 13-acre National Historic Landmark featuring three historic buildings, period rooms, and exhibits. The mission served as an Indian school from 1839 to 1862 and briefly functioned as the Kansas capitol. Visitors can explore the rich tapestry of history on the grounds and learn about this significant historical site's role in Kansas history.
2. Union Station Kansas City
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
Union Station Kansas City is a beaux-arts style train station turned cultural center located near Fairway. The restored landmark houses multiple attractions including Science City, planetarium shows, and special exhibitions. Visitors can admire the grand architecture while enjoying restaurants, shops, and various entertainment options under one historic roof.
3. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is known for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and the outdoor sculpture park featuring giant shuttlecocks. Admission is free to this cultural institution that enriches the Kansas City metropolitan area including nearby Fairway.
4. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
WILDLIFE AND MARINE LIFE
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers a diverse collection of animals across its expansive grounds just 9 km from Fairway. The facility features habitats ranging from African plains to tropical rainforests and a newly added aquarium section. Families particularly enjoy the variety of animals and interactive experiences available throughout the zoo complex.
5. Crown Center
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Crown Center is a mixed-use entertainment and shopping district located 8 km from Fairway. The complex contains specialty shops, restaurants, theaters, and family attractions including LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Many visitors appreciate its walkable layout and connection to Union Station via the covered walkway called The Link.
6. National WWI Museum and Memorial
MILITARY HISTORY LANDMARK
National WWI Museum and Memorial stands as America's official World War I museum and memorial, located 7.6 km from Fairway. The impressive facility houses one of the world's largest collections of WWI artifacts, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking displays documenting the Great War. Visitors can ascend the Liberty Memorial Tower for panoramic views of the Kansas City skyline.
7. Starlight Theatre
OUTDOOR PERFORMING ARTS
Starlight Theatre is a historic outdoor amphitheater presenting Broadway musicals and concerts under the stars. The venue offers excellent viewing with modern amenities including projection screens and comfortable seating options. Performances typically run from late spring through early fall, providing entertainment for residents of Fairway and the broader Kansas City area.
8. Country Club Plaza
UPSCALE SHOPPING DISTRICT
Country Club Plaza is an elegant outdoor shopping district designed after the architecture of Seville, Spain, located near Fairway. The 15-block area features Spanish-style buildings, ornate fountains, and murals alongside upscale retailers and fine dining establishments. During the holiday season, the Plaza becomes a magical destination with its famous Plaza Lights display illuminating the buildings.
9. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
WORLD-FAMOUS BARBECUE JOINT
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a legendary barbecue restaurant operating from a converted gas station near Fairway. The establishment has earned international acclaim for its slow-smoked meats, particularly the pulled pork, ribs, and signature Z-Man sandwich. Despite its humble appearance, the restaurant regularly attracts lines of patrons seeking what many consider to be among the best barbecue in America.
10. Kauffman Stadium
HOME OF THE ROYALS
Kauffman Stadium serves as the home field for Major League Baseball's Kansas City Royals and is accessible from nearby Fairway. The stadium features a distinctive crown-shaped scoreboard and fountains in the outfield that create a uniquely Kansas City baseball experience. Beyond baseball games, the venue offers tours where fans can explore the dugouts, press box, and other behind-the-scenes areas.
11. ARROWHEAD Stadium
NFL FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE
ARROWHEAD Stadium is home to the Kansas City Chiefs and holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest outdoor stadium. The venue offers an electric gameday atmosphere with tailgating traditions that begin hours before kickoff in the surrounding parking lots. Football fans from Fairway and beyond can tour the facility during the off-season to see the locker rooms, press areas, and field up close.
12. Powell Gardens
BOTANICAL BEAUTY SHOWCASE
Powell Gardens is a 970-acre botanical garden featuring themed display areas, walking trails, and seasonal horticultural exhibitions. The gardens include a chapel designed by architect Fay Jones, a conservatory with tropical plants, and an expansive meadow of native prairie grasses. Visitors from Fairway can enjoy this natural retreat throughout the year with special events like the Festival of Butterflies and Festival of Lights.
13. Fairway Creamery
ARTISANAL DESSERT SHOP
Fairway Creamery offers handcrafted ice cream, donuts, and coffee in a charming neighborhood setting. The shop specializes in small-batch frozen treats made with local ingredients and creative seasonal flavors. Both residents and visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and quality desserts that have made this a beloved local institution.
14. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
MODERN ART SHOWCASE
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art houses a growing permanent collection of modern and contemporary works from around the world. The museum offers free admission to its galleries featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, and multimedia installations. Its Café Sebastienne is also renowned for excellent cuisine, making the museum a complete cultural destination for visitors from Fairway and beyond.
15. Science City at Union Station
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Science City at Union Station is an interactive science center offering hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. The facility encourages exploration through themed areas covering topics from simple machines to genetics and space science. Families from Fairway frequently visit to engage with the educational activities, planetarium shows, and special events that make learning enjoyable.