Garden City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Garden City, Missouri.
1. YaYa's Alpaca Farm
FURRY FRIENDS ADVENTURE
YaYa's Alpaca Farm invites visitors to make memories with alpacas less than an hour's drive from Kansas City. The beautiful animals are friendly, though sometimes pushy, and offer a unique interactive experience for visitors. Carl, the owner, started with just three alpacas and has grown the farm into a popular local attraction.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
BLOOMING NATURAL WONDER
Missouri Botanical Garden offers enchanting experiences with seasonal blooms and evening strolls through its diverse landscape. Visitors can explore the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden and enjoy various dining options throughout the grounds. The Garden also hosts special programming and events throughout the year, including exhibitions that run through March 31, 2026.
3. Gateway Arch
ICONIC STEEL MONUMENT
Gateway Arch stands as a magnificent steel curve dominating the St. Louis skyline and serving as Missouri's most recognizable landmark. This 630-foot stainless steel monument commemorates the westward expansion of the United States and offers tram rides to its observation deck for panoramic views of the city. Visitors can also explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch which tells the story of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who shaped the American West.
4. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS DESTINATION
Forest Park encompasses 1,300 acres of beautiful landscapes featuring cultural institutions and recreational areas for visitors to enjoy. The park is home to the Missouri History Museum, which showcases exhibitions about the region's rich heritage and cultural significance. Throughout 2025, Forest Park will host special events commemorating 100 years as a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Cabanne House
HISTORIC BRICK FARMHOUSE
Cabanne House holds the distinction of being the first brick farmhouse built west of the Mississippi River, constructed in 1819. This historic structure represents an important piece of Missouri's early frontier history and architectural heritage. Visitors can learn about the early settlement period of the region and the significance of this pioneering building.
6. The Jewel Box
ART DECO GREENHOUSE
The Jewel Box is an architectural marvel featuring unconventional, cantilevered vertical glass walls that rise majestically 50 feet high. Opened in 1936 to national acclaim, this stunning greenhouse showcases beautiful floral displays and plant collections throughout the year. The venue also serves as a popular space for special events and weddings, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and distinctive architecture.
7. World's Fair Pavilion
HISTORIC OPEN-AIR SHELTER
The World's Fair Pavilion stands as a magnificent open-air shelter built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair. This impressive structure has remained one of the most popular attractions in Forest Park for over a century. The pavilion is available for events and gatherings, continuing its legacy as a gathering place with historical significance.
8. Missouri History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Missouri History Museum preserves and presents the rich cultural heritage of St. Louis and the surrounding region. Located in Forest Park, the museum features changing exhibitions that highlight significant historical events, figures, and developments that shaped Missouri. Visitors can explore interactive displays and educational programs that bring the state's past to life.
9. Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center
PARK INFORMATION HUB
The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center serves as the primary information hub for visitors to Forest Park. This facility provides orientation, maps, and details about the park's numerous attractions and ongoing events. The center also hosts educational programs and exhibits that highlight the natural and cultural significance of this urban green space.
10. Kauffman Stadium
HOME OF ROYALS BASEBALL
Kauffman Stadium serves as the home field for the Kansas City Royals baseball team and features distinctive fountains and a crown-shaped scoreboard. Opened in 1973, the stadium has undergone renovations to enhance the fan experience while maintaining its classic charm. Baseball enthusiasts can enjoy America's pastime in this iconic venue located just a short drive from Garden City.
11. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an internationally recognized collection spanning thousands of years of human creativity. Famous for its giant shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn, the museum offers free admission to its impressive galleries of European, American, Asian, and contemporary art. Visitors from Garden City can explore both the original 1933 building and the modern Bloch Building addition during a day trip to Kansas City.
12. Country Club Plaza
SPANISH-INSPIRED SHOPPING DISTRICT
Country Club Plaza is America's first planned shopping center, designed with Spanish architectural influences and featuring numerous fountains and statues. Opened in 1922, this outdoor retail district offers upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options in a picturesque setting. The Plaza is especially known for its annual holiday lighting ceremony, transforming the district into a magical destination during the winter months.
13. National WWI Museum and Memorial
AMERICA'S OFFICIAL WAR MONUMENT
The National WWI Museum and Memorial stands as America's official monument dedicated to the Great War, offering a comprehensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can ascend the Liberty Memorial Tower for panoramic views of Kansas City or explore the underground museum housing interactive displays that tell the story of the war that changed the world. The site holds special significance as it was dedicated in 1921 with five Allied leaders in attendance, representing more than half the world's population.
14. Kansas City Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DESTINATION
Kansas City Zoo spans over 200 acres and houses more than 1,700 animals from around the globe in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can experience immersive exhibits including the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Orangutan Canopy, and the African section featuring elephants, lions, and giraffes. The zoo's conservation efforts and educational programs make it both an entertaining and enlightening destination for families from Garden City and beyond.
15. Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum chronicles the life and presidency of America's 33rd president, who was born and raised in Missouri. Recently renovated with new interactive exhibits, the museum provides insights into Truman's decision-making during pivotal historical moments including the atomic bomb, the founding of the United Nations, and the beginning of the Cold War. Visitors can also see Truman's office exactly as he left it and visit the final resting place of the president and his wife, Bess, in the courtyard.