Waldo KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Waldo, Kansas.
1. Alexander Majors Historic House & Museum
WESTWARD EXPANSION LANDMARK
The Alexander Majors Historic House & Museum is a restored landmark of westward expansion and the antebellum home to the father of the Pony Express. Visitors can take self-guided tours of this historic house Thursday through Sunday, with tours lasting approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The site also hosts various events including preschool story times, book clubs, and whiskey tastings.
2. Kansas City Bier Company
GERMAN-STYLE BIERGARTEN
Kansas City Bier Company is a resident brewery in Waldo featuring a German-style biergarten loved by locals. The outdoor patio touts taps and tastes ideal for enjoying during summer or fall days. Visitors can relax and savor authentic German-inspired brews in a community-focused atmosphere.
3. Waldo Water Tower
HISTORIC LANDMARK STRUCTURE
The Waldo Water Tower, built in 1919, is an easy-to-spot landmark in the Waldo neighborhood on Holmes Road. This historic structure is recognized by the American Waterworks Association, though it is no longer in operation. Today, the tower stands sentinel to dog walkers and summer softball games in the adjacent Tower Park.
4. Pedal Hopper
PARTY BIKE EXPERIENCE
Pedal Hopper offers a unique European-style party bike experience that seats up to 16 people for a social tour through Waldo. The bike makes planned stops at preselected destinations where pedalers can grab a drink and take a break from cycling. This interactive attraction combines exercise, socializing, and local exploration for a memorable group outing.
5. Loose Park
HISTORIC GREEN SPACE
Loose Park is a beautiful, safe, and relaxing park near Waldo with historical features, a great walking trail, and a lake. The park includes a playground for children and various recreational areas for visitors of all ages. Established as one of Kansas City's most beloved green spaces, it offers a peaceful retreat from urban life.
6. Kansas City Rose Garden
FLORAL PARADISE SINCE 1931
The Kansas City Rose Garden, founded in 1931, is located within Loose Park and contains approximately 4,000 roses. This botanical treasure offers visitors a chance to enjoy meticulously cultivated rose varieties in a tranquil setting. The garden serves as both a community gathering place and a living museum of horticulture.
7. Waldo Shopping District
ECLECTIC LOCAL BUSINESSES
The Waldo Shopping District offers an eclectic mix of over 300 locally-owned shops, restaurants, bars, and services. This unique destination within Kansas City provides everything from boutiques to thrift stores, bike shops to tattoo parlors. Visitors can find pet grooming, car parts, hair braiding, massages, groceries, and much more in this self-contained community.
8. Bowl Plaza
QUIRKY ARTISTIC ATTRACTION
Bowl Plaza in nearby Lucas is a highly-rated point of interest with a 4.6/5 rating from visitors. This quirky, artistic attraction showcases creative public art with a bathroom theme that has become a roadside attraction. As part of Kansas' grassroots art scene, it represents the state's tradition of unusual and imaginative public installations.
9. Grassroots Art Center
FOLK ART MUSEUM
The Grassroots Art Center is a 4.4-rated art museum showcasing unique folk and outsider art from Kansas and beyond. The center preserves and displays works by self-taught artists who create using unconventional materials and techniques. Visitors can explore multiple galleries featuring visionary art that reflects Kansas' rich tradition of grassroots creativity.
10. Garden of Eden
ECCENTRIC HISTORIC SITE
The Garden of Eden is a 4.4-rated historic site and specialty museum known for its eccentric concrete sculptures and unusual history. Created by S.P. Dinsmoor in the early 20th century, this site features biblical and political themed sculptures surrounding a unique limestone cabin. The creator's mummified body remains on the premises, adding to the site's peculiar appeal.
11. Trolley Run Course
HISTORIC RACE ROUTE
The Trolley Run is the largest timed four-mile road race in the country, tracing the historic streetcar/trolley tracks through Waldo. This annual event in April attracts runners from across the region to participate in this community tradition. Though not free to run, spectators can enjoy watching this popular race that celebrates Waldo's transportation history.
12. Waldo Fall Festival
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION EVENT
The Waldo Fall Festival is a free community event featuring live local music, food trucks, and numerous activities for families. Children can enjoy face painting and yard games while adults appreciate the neighborhood's lively atmosphere during this annual celebration. This September tradition showcases the close-knit community spirit that defines the Waldo neighborhood.
13. John Wornall House
CIVIL WAR ERA MANSION
The John Wornall House is a historic Civil War era mansion that can be visited with a combo ticket alongside the Alexander Majors House. This preserved home offers insights into 19th-century life and the region's role during the turbulent Civil War period. The house serves as both a museum and educational center for visitors interested in local history.
14. Kansas City Hopfest
BEER TASTING FESTIVAL
Kansas City Hopfest is a popular beer festival that takes place off Broadway in the Waldo area. The event features tastings from numerous breweries, allowing visitors to sample a wide variety of craft beers in one location. This celebration of brewing culture attracts beer enthusiasts from across the region for an afternoon of flavors, food, and festivities.
15. Tower Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Tower Park, named after the iconic Waldo Water Tower, offers recreational facilities including softball fields and walking paths for the community. Dog walkers and sports enthusiasts frequently enjoy this green space that serves as a gathering point for neighborhood activities. The park represents the blend of history and modern community life that characterizes Waldo.