Today started with another breakfast at our hotel. Not bad, not good, but it did the job and got us out for the day on time.
Our first stop is the Harley Davidson Assembly Plant in north Kansas City
. During the drive we passed the Kansas Motor Speedway racetrack. It was about a 30 minute drive, unfortunately the plant was closed for Easter weekend. So we saw the plant but were not able to take the tour or even see the factory store. Disappointing but there was still plenty to do and see in Kansas City.
Next stop the Lewis and Clark overlook. This is a point above the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. On their exploration they determined the site to be a good fort location because of it's access to the two rivers and it's elevated position for view and strength from indians.
Just a couple miles away we arrived at the National World War I Memorial and Museum. So why is the WWI museum in Kansas City? Well the city of Kansas City decided it wanted to honor the victims of the war and memorialize the war, hoping the world would never repeat the "Great War". Kansas City raised 2.5 million dollars during the 1920's to build the memorial and museum
. The memorial was dedicated and the military leaders from the five primary allies all came to Kansas City for the ceremony. The museum starts with a brief video that tells the story that led to the start of what was call the Great War. Europe was ruled by the elite class and governed by awkward treaties between the countries. An industrial revolution had rural citizens moving into the cities hoping for jobs and a better life - most did not find either. An assassination of an Austrian ruler caused Germany to declare war on almost everyone. Germany quickly tried to push west and take control of France. Allied forces fought back and pushed Germany back and a 475 mile front Western front was established. Trenches on both side of a "no mans land". The trenches were muddy and filled with damaged building, trucks, barbed wire and rats. More men died of disease during the Great War than by bullets or bombs. At this point the US had sat on the sidelines. Germany was using submarines to attach civilian ships to disrupt supplies to the allies
. Some Americans were killed on these ships sunk by the Germans. Before Germany continued the submarine attacks they considered the possibility that the US would enter the war. Germany believed the US would not enter the war or if they did they would not offer any significant value to the allies. US joined the allies and sent 1.95 million men fight alongside allied forces. Prior to the US joining the number of allied forces was nearly equal to the Germans. 1 in 3 men who fought in the war died, again most died of disease rather than battle wounds. The museum has guns, cannons, uniforms, war posters, and many audio and video presentations along with interactive displays to learn more about WWI. Near the end of the museum is a picture of Adolf Hitler with a comment that he sought a vengeance for Germany's loss. So after World War II the Great War became known as World War I. A great museum well work a visit if you are ever in Kansas City.
Well it is now time for lunch and Union Station is just across the street
. Wow what a great building. Kansas City restored and renovated Union Station several years ago and I am glad they did. There is a "Harvey's" at Union Station so we ate lunch there. Harvey's pays tribute to the Fred Harvey Company who civilized the west through it's fine dining at Harvey Houses along the Sante Fe railway and dining cars on the trains. His office was in the Union Station. After lunch we continued browsing around Union Station and then over to Crown Center.
Kansas City is home to Hallmark Cards. The Hall family has long been involved in the history and development of Kansas City. They started a department store called "Halls" because they wanted a store that sold the latest and best in Kansas City. They developed a downtown shopping and activity center called "Crown Center". It includes shops, restaurants, an aquarium and a Legoland which opens next month. Also at the Crown Center is the Hallmark cards visitor center. The visitor center tells the history of Hallmark Cards and shows just how they make the cards
. In addition to the greeting cards, Hallmark makes ornaments and produces family based TV programing and movies. The Hall family has supported the arts and restoration of Kansas City landmarks, including Union Station.
We headed back to the Plaza district for some shopping and dinner. On the way we drove through Westport. Westport is an old historic spot that was the starting point for the Oregon, Kansas, and Santa Fe trail routes. This is where pioneers stocked their wagons before setting out for the west.
In the Plaza district we browsed several shops, found a great ice cream place called Glace'. They offer unique flavor combinations using the best ingredients and you can taste it. Very good!
The Plaza district is a Spanish inspired village with beautiful buildings, wide streets, filled with high end shops, fountains, flowers, and many good restaurants. There is also a river that runs through the district. To complete our day in Kansas City we took a gondola boat ride on the river.
Back to our hotel, the kids swam in the pool. Just one more day on this trip but still two more states. Iowa and Nebraska tomorrow.
Lots to See In KC
Friday, April 06, 2012
Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Other Entries
-
1Packed, Ready, Set - GO...
Mar 307 days priorSpokane, United Statesphoto_camera1videocam 0comment 0 -
2Hot, hot, hot in San Antonio
Mar 307 days priorSan Antonio, United Statesphoto_camera26videocam 0comment 0 -
3On the road to Waco
Apr 015 days priorWaco, United Statesphoto_camera27videocam 0comment 1 -
4Everything is bigger in Texas, including this day!
Apr 024 days priorDallas, United Statesphoto_camera43videocam 0comment 0 -
5Fleeing the Texas Tornadoes...
Apr 033 days priorOklahoma City, United Statesphoto_camera42videocam 0comment 1 -
6Route 66 in Oklahoma (plus more)
Apr 042 days priorJoplin, United Statesphoto_camera54videocam 0comment 0 -
7On to Kansas City...
Apr 051 day priorKansas City, United Statesphoto_camera22videocam 0comment 1 -
8Lots to See In KC
Apr 06Kansas City, United Statesphoto_camera55videocam 0comment 0 -
9Last day!
Apr 071 day laterOmaha, United Statesphoto_camera57videocam 0comment 0 -
10Flying Home
Apr 082 days laterSpokane, United Statesphoto_camera4videocam 0comment 0
2025-02-15