10 Easy Out‑of‑County Road Trips Near Kansas City, Missouri (Jackson County)
If you live in
Kansas City, Missouri (in
Jackson County) and you’re itching to get out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can hit small towns, historic sites, lakes, wineries, and family-friendly attractions in the
surrounding counties of:
- Johnson County, Kansas
- Wyandotte County, Kansas
- Cass County, Missouri
- Clay County, Missouri
- Johnson County, Missouri
- Lafayette County, Missouri
- Ray County, Missouri
Below are
10 short road trips from Kansas City (Jackson County) that stay outside the city and county limits but still keep you close to home. These are perfect for a
day trip, a
half‑day escape, or a low‑stress
weekend adventure.
1. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (Johnson County, KS)
Just a short drive southwest into
Johnson County, Kansas, the
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens feels like a peaceful world away from city traffic.
You’ll find:
- Over 300 acres of trails, woods, and gardens
- Colorful flower beds that change with the seasons
- Easy walking paths for kids and grandparents
- Sculptures tucked into the landscape
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even trying. If you’re craving some fresh air after a busy work week in Kansas City, this is a simple way to reset. Pack a light lunch, toss a blanket in the trunk, and enjoy a quiet picnic under the trees.
Road trip tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon in summer. The shade helps, but Kansas heat can sneak up on you.
2. Kansas Speedway & Legends Area (Wyandotte County, KS)
Head northwest into
Wyandotte County, Kansas and you’ll land in a high‑energy area around the
Kansas Speedway and
The Legends Outlets.
Here you can:
- Catch a NASCAR race or special event at Kansas Speedway
- Shop and dine at The Legends Outlets
- Visit the nearby soccer stadium on game days
Even if you’re not a hardcore racing fan, the roar of the engines and the crowd energy can be pretty exciting. It’s a fun contrast to a quiet weekend at home.
Road trip tip: On race weekends, plan for traffic and arrive early. Make a whole day of it with lunch, shopping, and maybe a game if the schedules line up.
3. Belton’s Heritage & Train Ride (Cass County, MO)
Drive just south into
Cass County, Missouri, and you’ll reach
Belton, a small town with a nostalgic feel and one surprising highlight: a
heritage train ride.
Depending on the season, you’ll find:
- Vintage train excursions on select days
- Small‑town diners perfect for a slow lunch
- Local shops and historic storefronts
If you grew up around trains—or have kids who are obsessed with them—this makes a great
family road trip. The ride isn’t long, but that’s the beauty of it. You can head down, enjoy the experience, and be home before dinner if you want.
Road trip tip: Check train schedules online before you go. Special seasonal rides can sell out.
4. Liberty Square & Historic Clay County (Clay County, MO)
To the north in
Clay County, Missouri,
Liberty offers a classic town square, historic sites, and that “old‑Missouri” charm.
Around
Liberty Square, you can:
- Walk around historic buildings and the courthouse area
- Browse local boutiques and antique shops
- Grab coffee or ice cream and people‑watch on the square
If you’re into history, you’ll find several small museums and landmarks here. Even if you’re not a big history buff, just parking the car and wandering a few blocks gives you a feel for what life in Missouri used to be like.
Road trip tip: Plan a late‑morning arrival and stay through lunch. The square is especially nice on sunny spring or fall days.
5. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site (Clay County, MO)
Still in
Clay County, a bit farther out, sits the
Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and Park. It’s a mix of history, open space, and lakeside relaxation.
You’ll find:
- A preserved 1800s woolen mill and historic buildings
- A state park with a lake, picnic spots, and trails
- Plenty of space for kids to run and explore
If you like trips that combine
light learning with
actual fun, this is a good one. You can take a look at the mill, walk a trail, and then sit by the water for a while.
Road trip tip: Bring folding chairs or camp chairs. They’re handy if you want to park yourself by the lake for an hour or two.
6. Warrensburg – College Town Vibes & Local Flavor (Johnson County, MO)
Head east into
Johnson County, Missouri and you’ll reach
Warrensburg, home to the
University of Central Missouri. It’s a laid‑back college town with a friendly Main Street feel.
In Warrensburg, you can:
- Stroll through the downtown area and check out local shops
- Find casual spots for burgers, pizza, or coffee
- Explore campus paths and green spaces
College towns usually have a good mix of energy and affordability, and Warrensburg is no exception. It’s a nice change of pace from the more urban parts of Kansas City.
Road trip tip: If you like quieter streets, avoid big game days or graduation weekends. Otherwise, the extra buzz can be fun.
7. Lexington’s River Bluff Views & Civil War History (Lafayette County, MO)
To the northeast in
Lafayette County, Missouri, the town of
Lexington sits above the Missouri River with rich
Civil War history and some beautiful old homes.
Here, you can:
- Walk near historic homes and tree‑lined streets
- Visit Civil War–era sites and learn about Missouri’s past
- Take in views near the river bluffs
If you enjoy photography, Lexington is an easy win. The mix of river scenery and historic architecture makes it very camera‑friendly, especially in the fall when the leaves turn.
Road trip tip: Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll want to wander a bit to really soak in the neighborhood charm.
8. Higginsville & Confederate Memorial State Historic Site (Lafayette County, MO)
Also in
Lafayette County,
Higginsville has a quieter pace and a major historic site just outside of town.
The
Confederate Memorial State Historic Site offers:
- Peaceful grounds with walking areas and historic markers
- A reflective, park‑like setting
- A chance to connect with a complex part of Missouri’s past
This trip has a more thoughtful mood than some of the others. It’s better suited for adults or older teens who are interested in history and reflection.
Road trip tip: Pair this with Lexington on the same day if you’re up for a slightly longer outing. The two towns go well together for a “history and scenery” day.
9. Small‑Town Escape in Richmond (Ray County, MO)
North and a bit east in
Ray County, Missouri, the town of
Richmond gives you a classic small‑town Missouri experience.
You can:
- Drive through the countryside and enjoy open fields
- Walk around town and check out local shops
- Stop for a simple diner meal or coffee
This is one of those trips where the drive itself is half the fun. Rolling farmland, quiet roads, and fewer stoplights can be a nice break from busy Kansas City streets.
Road trip tip: Take the scenic routes instead of the fastest highway option. Add 15–20 minutes and enjoy the view.
10. Excelsior Springs – Historic Charm & Relaxed Vibes (Clay County, MO)
Northeast of Kansas City in
Clay County,
Excelsior Springs blends history, architecture, and a relaxed small‑city feel.
Around town, you’ll find:
- Historic buildings and an old “spa town” vibe
- Local restaurants and cafes for a slow lunch
- Walkable streets with interesting photo spots
If you like your road trips on the mellow side—no big crowds, no packed parking lots—Excelsior Springs is worth the short drive.
Road trip tip: Plan a mid‑day visit. Have lunch, walk around for a couple of hours, then head home before sunset.
How to Make the Most of These Short Road Trips
To keep your
Kansas City day trips simple and fun, a little planning goes a long way:
- Keep a “go bag” in the car: Sunscreen, bug spray, a small first‑aid kit, and reusable water bottles.
- Check hours before you leave: Small museums, trains, and historic sites sometimes close early or change schedules.
- Bring cash: Some small-town spots still prefer cash, especially older diners or roadside stands.
- Layer up: Weather around Kansas City can change fast. A light jacket in the trunk never hurts.
Honestly, part of the joy of these trips is how
low‑pressure they are. You don’t need plane tickets or hotel reservations. You just pick a direction—north, south, east, or west—drive 30–60 minutes, and you’re in a whole new place.
Ready to Plan Your Next Kansas City Getaway?
If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll “explore more” around
Kansas City, Missouri, these out‑of‑county road trips are an easy way to start. From historic squares and state parks to quiet river towns and college streets, you can see a lot without driving more than about an hour from Jackson County.
Which of these day trips sounds best to you?
Have you already visited any of these spots? Did I miss one of your favorite
road trip destinations near Kansas City?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us:
- Your favorite quick getaway from Kansas City
- Any local tips (best coffee, best views, hidden gems)
And if you found this guide helpful,
share it with friends or family who are always saying, “We should get out of town more.”
Sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive down the highway.
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