Union Station in Kansas City
My dear daughter and I recently spent a quiet Sunday morning exploring Union Station in Kansas City. We chose to go early so we could get a feel for all Union Station has to offer Kansas City’s residents. Wow! I really didn’t realize all the different things you can do while visiting this one Kansas City historic landmark. Yes, we’ve been down there as a family several times, but it’s usually for whatever particular exhibit is being shown, and it’s usually very crowded. I recommend starting your visit early so that you can take in the absolute beauty of this building. The architectural details are breathtaking.
I’m sitting here laughing as I write this--my daughter was certain that I was, at the very least, going to get us kicked out of the museum. My husband and I have done our best to raise our daughter to respect boundaries and to not enter where one has not been invited, as is correct in polite society--I on the other hand, sometimes push those boundaries a little bit. I think if it’s a public building and the door isn’t locked, it should be opened. I realize that no where in Union Station in Kansas City do you see a sign that explicitly says “Hey, be sure to ride this elevator to the balcony”, but how else are you to get an up-close view of the ceiling and the chandeliers? Instead there is a very subtle sign that notes accessibility to various offices and the balcony via the elevator that sits beyond a set of glass doors. Guess what…the glass doors weren’t locked and neither was the elevator! Not only can you go up to the balcony, but there is even a small display that explains some of the processes used in the restoration of the building. So, not only can you go up, you should go up, and check it all out.
I’ve heard the chatter about the financial peril of Science City and Union Station in Kansas City, but I really don’t think I get it. Science City Kansas City is an awesome resource for our community, and every time I’ve been there it seems to have great traffic. Day to day offerings include themes of space exploration, “gross science” (the science of icky), robotics and more. They have programs geared towards Scouting, including “camp-ins”, and scads of educational field trips that include curriculum guides. They say the programs are for kindergarten though 12th grade. I really don’t know about that, as most of what we’ve experienced has been really for the grade school crowd. In addition to the on-going displays and activities, Science City Kansas City is a jewel for us because it brings world class exhibits to our community. We just had the Bodies Revealed exhibit and have now moved on to the science of Narnia. Events like these put Kansas City on equal footing with cities like Chicago, in my humble opinion. How do you prefer your theater experience? Live on stage or larger than life on a giant movie screen? Either way Union Station in Kansas City has you covered. The H & R Block City Stage brings diverse plays and musicals at reasonable prices--usually under $15 a ticket. The Extreme Screen is a giant movie screen presenting everything from 3-D animated movies to beautifully filmed, panoramic pieces highlighting scientific and environmental concerns.
Union Station is home to several restaurants, as well. Harvey House Diner, reminiscent of the Fred Harvey Restaurant and Lunchroom, offers up breakfast, Blue Plate Specials, and hand-dipped malts at fair prices. If your pockets are a little deeper, and you have a little more time on your hands, stop by Pierponts for some of Kansas City’s best steaks and seafood. The also have an extensive wine list.
I could go on and on, but I’ll just note one final element of Union Station that I find fascinating: The Union Station Massacre. On June 17th, 1933, tragically four law officers, along with convicted mobster Frank Nash, were killed in a hail of bullets in front of Union Station. Today, there is a plaque marking the murders of the police officers on the front of the building. Supposedly, you can see some bullet holes near by (the staff will show you where, if you ask them), but testing by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department indicates that this may just be a myth. Take a look and decide for yourself.
There are soooo many things I haven’t covered. You need to just get out there and tour my town at Union Station in Kansas City and Science City at Union Station. Back to top of Union Station in Kansas City page.
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