Westwood Hills KansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westwood Hills, Kansas.
1. The Green
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
The Green is Westwood Hills' primary public space used for quiet reflection, relaxation, and wildlife observation. This beautiful area serves as the community gathering place for various events including the Spring Egg Hunt, 4th of July celebration, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The Green is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM with no smoking permitted.
2. Westwood Hills Historic District
NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
Westwood Hills Historic District comprises the entire city and was listed as a national historic district on December 4, 2013. The district contains 255 resources that reflect the development history of the neighborhood as it evolved from pastureland to a residential subdivision to its own self-contained city. This unique community was planned beginning in the 1920s by influential Kansas City developer J.C. Nichols, with homes designed by numerous architects including Alice Walton, one of several leading female architects in Kansas City.
3. Woodside Health & Tennis Club
UPSCALE FITNESS EXPERIENCE
Woodside Health & Tennis Club offers premium fitness facilities including tennis courts housed in a distinctive dome structure. The club provides a comprehensive wellness experience with amenities including a smoothie bar and juice bar for refreshments. Members can also enjoy a sophisticated cocktail lounge, making it a social hub for the community.
4. Country Club Plaza
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Country Club Plaza is an upscale shopping district located near Westwood Hills with Spanish-inspired architecture. The Plaza features numerous high-end retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues in a beautiful outdoor setting with fountains and statues. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events including the famous Plaza Lighting Ceremony during the holiday season.
5. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses a comprehensive 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 Shuttlecock installations by artist Claes Oldenburg. Admission to the main collections is free, making this cultural treasure accessible to all visitors.
6. Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
ICONIC GAS STATION BBQ
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que operates from a converted gas station and serves some of the most acclaimed barbecue in America. Their signature Z-Man sandwich with slow-smoked brisket, provolone cheese, and onion rings has achieved legendary status among BBQ enthusiasts. Despite the often long lines, patrons agree the tender, smoky meats and flavorful sides are well worth the wait.
7. Loose Park
HISTORIC URBAN OASIS
Loose Park is a 75-acre historical park featuring a renowned rose garden with more than 4,000 roses of nearly 150 varieties. The park includes walking trails, a playground, tennis courts, and a lake popular for feeding ducks and geese. History enthusiasts appreciate that the park was the site of the Battle of Westport during the Civil War.
8. Kansas City Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Kansas City Zoo spans over 200 acres and houses more than 1,700 animals from around the world. Visitors can explore diverse habitats including the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Orangutan Canopy, and the African Safari section featuring elephants, giraffes, and lions. The zoo offers interactive experiences such as feeding giraffes and riding the African Sky Safari chairlift for unique aerial views.
9. Union Station
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
Union Station is a beaux-arts style railway station that has been transformed into a cultural center housing Science City, planetarium, and theaters. The grand waiting room with its 95-foot ceiling and ornate chandeliers remains one of Kansas City's most impressive architectural spaces. Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits, dining options, and special events throughout the year.
10. The Roasterie
LOCAL COFFEE EXPERIENCE
The Roasterie offers factory tours where visitors can learn about air-roasted coffee production and sustainable coffee sourcing practices. Their café serves freshly brewed specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and pastries in a vibrant atmosphere. The company's commitment to direct trade relationships with farmers ensures high-quality beans while supporting coffee-growing communities.
11. National World War I Museum and Memorial
PREMIER MILITARY HISTORY SITE
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting, and understanding the Great War. The museum houses one of the world's most comprehensive collections of World War I objects and documents, telling the story of the war through interactive displays and immersive exhibits. Visitors can ascend the 217-foot Liberty Memorial tower for panoramic views of the Kansas City skyline.
12. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
MODERN ART SHOWCASE
Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art features a growing permanent collection of modern and contemporary works from around the world. The museum's distinctive architecture includes a dramatic central gallery topped by a skylight, creating an ideal environment for experiencing cutting-edge art. Visitors can enjoy free admission, guided tours, and dining at Café Sebastienne, known for its artistic atmosphere and seasonal menu.
13. Crown Center
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Crown Center is a mixed-use development featuring shops, restaurants, theaters, and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium. During winter months, visitors can enjoy ice skating on the outdoor rink, while summer brings free outdoor movies and concerts. The complex connects to Union Station via The Link, a climate-controlled walkway offering convenient access regardless of weather conditions.
14. Powell Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Powell Gardens spans 970 acres of breathtaking landscape featuring themed garden rooms, hiking trails, and seasonal displays. The Heartland Harvest Garden, America's largest edible landscape, showcases food plants in a beautiful setting while educating visitors about sustainable agriculture. Special events throughout the year include the Festival of Butterflies, Garden Glow light installation, and various plant sales.
15. Boulevard Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Boulevard Brewing Company offers tours of their facility where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample a variety of handcrafted beers. Their Beer Hall provides panoramic views of Kansas City along with an extensive selection of year-round favorites and limited releases. The brewery has been a pioneer in the Midwest craft beer movement since 1989, growing from a modest operation to one of the largest specialty brewers in the region.