Kansas City is considered the heart of America as it is located almost exactly equidistant from both coasts. Before Kansas City was officially founded, the area was called Westport. Today, Kansas City has grown to a population of approximately 1,726,000. Kansas City has been home to many famous individuals such as former President Harry S. Truman, golfing great Tom Watson, and Walt Disney, who came up with the most well known cartoon character of all time, Mickey Mouse, during his stint in Kansas City.

The city enjoys a rich tradition of sports as Kansas City is represented by the Chiefs in the National Football League and the Royals in Major League Baseball. Kansas City has also seen its fair share of inventions with Teflon, Eskimo Pies, Rival Crock Pots, the candy coating on M&M’s, the wax coated ice cream container, Wishbone salad dressing, and the McDonald’s Happy Meals, all of which have been the inspiration of people living in Kansas City.

Climate

Kansas City’s coldest month is January which has an average high of 35 degrees and an average low of 17 degrees. During June, July, and August the temperature does not usually drop below the 60s. The hottest month is July which has an average high of 90 degrees and an average low of 69 degrees.

Music

Kansas City has a rich musical history particularly in jazz. Jazz greats such as Count Basie, Charlie Parker, Lester Young, Big Joe Turner, Buster Smith and Jay McShann all have strong ties to Kansas City. Because of jazz’s popularity in Kansas City during the 1930s, the number of clubs and dance halls numbered over 400. The best place to hear great jazz music is located in either the 18th & Vine Historic District or City Market.

Attractions

Kansas City boasts the most water fountains of anyplace in the world-- with the exception of Rome-- which has earned the city the nickname “City of Fountains.” Many of these water fountain features can be found at Country Club Plaza. For those visitors not interested in playing in the water, Kansas City offers cultural attractions such as the Science City at Union Station, the Kansas City Zoo, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum. After a visit to the Arabia Steamboat Museum, tourists may be in the mood to hop aboard one of Kansas City’s riverboats and try their luck at gambling. If shopping is in the itinerary, the Crown Center is the place to go as the 85-acre shopping mall has many great stores and is the home of the Hallmark greeting card company.