Wheelchair Accessible Kansas City, Missouri: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Kansas City, Missouri is a destination that has been on my radar for the past few years for a couple reasons. First, one of my best friends, Kelly Narowski, lives in Kansas City. And secondly, as a massive Swiftie, I’ve been wanting to see Taylor and Travis’ city! Ever since I saw Taylor at the Chiefs game for the first time in September 2023, I’ve been itching to experience Kansas City, but I’ve wondered how wheelchair accessible Kansas City might be. 

Recently, I had a chance to spend five days exploring some of Kansas City’s best wheelchair accessible offerings. Unfortunately, the Chiefs were playing out of town on the weekend I visited, so Taylor couldn’t escort me around the city, but I still managed to have an awesome trip. From touring great museums and learning about the city’s history to dining at some fantastic restaurants and more, I discovered that there are so many wheelchair accessible Kansas City attractions to enjoy! 

If you are planning a visit to Kansas City as a wheelchair user, this guide should make your planning process a bit easier. I’ll start by sharing some of the best wheelchair accessible things to do in Kansas City, and then I’ll give you my accessible restaurant recommendations and tell you about where I stayed. So, without further delay, here is my wheelchair accessible Kansas City, Missouri travel guide –

Wheelchair Accessible Kansas City Attractions & Things to Do

There are hundreds/maybe thousands of things to do in Kansas City, Missouri, but the eleven attractions listed below were some of my favorites during my trip. Whether you want to visit a distillery or see animals at one of the best zoos in the country, Kansas City really does have something for everyone! 

See animals at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Throughout my travels, I have visited more zoos than I can even remember, but the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is honestly one of the best zoos that I have ever visited. I was shocked by how large this zoo is (more than 200 acres!), but since it’s such a big zoo, I was able to see many different animals during my time there. 

Elephants are my favorite animals, so I really enjoyed seeing them and spent a lot of time sitting and admiring them. I also really liked watching the orangutans and kangaroos, just to name a few. No matter what your favorite animal is though, I can almost guarantee that you’ll find it at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. 

In addition to the zoo, there is also a full aquarium here and admission to the aquarium is included in your zoo ticket. The aquarium is fairly new and it is absolutely beautiful. There are nearly 8,000 animals inside the aquarium, including sea otters, sharks, jellyfish, octopus, and more. 

In terms of wheelchair accessibility, the zoo and aquarium were easy to traverse in my powered wheelchair. Everything was completely paved, but exhibits were very spread out, so be prepared to roll a lot. There are trams available to get around the zoo, but the trams cannot accommodate motorized wheelchairs. I was happy to see many family/companion care restrooms throughout the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! 

On a nice day, you can easily spend 3 hours or more exploring the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Considering that you get admission to both a zoo and an aquarium for just $20 per adult (if purchased online in advance of your visit), it’s a great deal. Be sure to check out this place while you’re in Kansas City! 

Admire art at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art’s collection is so vast and diverse that you could easily get lost in this museum. From seeing artifacts from ancient Egypt to gazing at Monet’s water lilies, I was overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the many masterpieces on display in this museum. 

When I visited, it was a nice warm day, so I really enjoyed rolling around the museum’s Sculpture Park as well. There are a variety of modern and contemporary sculptures on display, and I rolled on the brick-paved paths to view them. The Sculpture Park does have some inclines and stairs, but I was still able to enjoy most of it in my wheelchair. 

Accessibility is a priority at the Nelson-Atkins, ensuring everyone can enjoy its treasures. Ramps and elevators provide access to all galleries and levels, and wheelchairs and walkers are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the coat check counter upon arrival. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the museum as well. 

The museum also offers a variety of programs and resources for visitors with disabilities, including audio guides, color blindness glasses, and accessibility-focused tours. This commitment to inclusivity makes the Nelson-Atkins a welcoming space for all. 

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is huge and you could easily spend a half day here. I only had a couple hours to enjoy the museum and tried to see as much as possible, but 3-4 hours would really be ideal, I believe. Admission is completely free and the museum is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

In 1920, the Negro National League was established in Kansas City by Andrew “Rube” Foster. Today, just two blocks from where it was established in 1920, you can visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. This is the world’s only museum devoted to the history of African American baseball, so I was excited to check it out while in Kansas City! 

In this museum, I learned all about the history of this often overlooked part of baseball, and American, history. I started by watching a short film and then toured the various exhibits. It was fascinating to learn about the players, what they went through to play baseball, and what it was like in the mid-1900s. The museum did a phenomenal job of explaining everything in an easy-to-understand and compelling way. 

Accessibility at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum was excellent. My friend, Kelly, uses a manual wheelchair and toured this museum with me. Neither of us had any issues navigating the space and we were impressed with how spacious the exhibits were. 

You can visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum every day of the week except for Monday, and admission costs just $10 per adult. Plan approximately one hour to fully enjoy everything the museum has to offer. 

Feel the rhythm at the American Jazz Museum

Located in the same building as the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the American Jazz Museum, so you can easily visit these museums back-to-back. While they’re in the same building, the American Jazz Museum does have a separate cost ($10 per adult) and tickets can be purchased in advance online or in-person upon arrival. 

The American Jazz Museum has various exhibits devoted to the history of jazz. Honestly, I didn’t know a lot about jazz before visiting this museum, but I highly enjoyed learning all about it and listening to some music. There were short videos to watch and informational displays.

If you’d like to attend a live jazz show, the museum produces over 20 shows every month in their Blue Room. You can catch a show on Monday evenings, Thursdays at noon, Fridays for happy hour and evening shows, and on Saturday nights. Unfortunately, I didn’t see a live show, but I’ll definitely plan on it for my next trip to Kansas City. 

If you need to borrow a wheelchair for your visit to the American Jazz Museum, one is available on a complimentary first-come, first-served basis. The museum is completely wheelchair accessible and strives to be a welcoming place for visitors of all abilities. 

Enjoy some whiskey at J. Rieger & Co.

If you are a whiskey enthusiast and you find yourself in Kansas City, a visit to J. Rieger & Co. distillery is an absolute must. I joined their popular “Whiskey Tour,” and it was an hour well spent. From the moment I rolled into their beautifully restored distillery, I was immersed in the world of whiskey-making.

Our tour began with an overview of J. Rieger & Co.’s history, tracing its roots back to the pre-Prohibition era. We learned about the intricate process of distilling spirits, from grain selection to barrel aging. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, which made the learning experience both engaging and enjoyable.

Next, we ventured onto the production floor, where the magic happens. The sights and smells were intoxicating – the gleaming copper stills, the aroma of mash fermenting, and the rows upon rows of oak barrels. Seeing the craftsmanship firsthand gave me a newfound appreciation for the dedication and skill that goes into every bottle of J. Rieger whiskey.

And the grand finale? A whiskey tasting, of course! We sampled a selection of their finest spirits, each with its own distinct character and flavor profile. It was the perfect way to end the tour, and I left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the craft of whiskey-making.

I was delighted to find the entire experience fully wheelchair accessible. There was even a companion care restroom onsite. Just let them know that you’ll be using a wheelchair when you book your tour and they’ll go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy the J. Rieger & Co. distillery experience. 

See a show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Before my trip to Kansas City, I had never seen a ballet, but I had a chance to change that! While I was in the city, “Alice (in wonderland)” was playing at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and I was excited to see it. 

This show was a modern reimagining of the classic story and it was a blend of ballet and contemporary dance. The show was absolutely stunning and I was in awe the entire time. If you get a chance to see this show, definitely do it, but even if this isn’t playing while you’re in Kansas City, I can guarantee that you’ll be able to see a show that’s just as entertaining. 

The Kauffman Center has two different performance spaces, the Muriel Kauffman Theatre and Helzberg Hall. I saw “Alice (in wonderland)” in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, but accessibility is fantastic in both spaces. Elevators are available, so accessible seating options are on multiple levels and at various price points. Just contact the Kauffman Center for accessible seating needs. 

In addition to accessible seating, you can also find family/companion care restrooms and if you need an adult sized changing table, one is available in the Mezzanine family restroom. Courtesy wheelchairs and assistive listening devices are on-site as well. 

Shop till you drop at Country Club Plaza

As Kansas City’s premier shopping and dining destination, Country Club Plaza is a wonderful place to hang out for a while. It was actually designed in 1922 as America’s first suburban shopping district and it’s still going strong today! 

Country Club Plaza is famous for its Spanish architecture, which is beautiful, and it has over 120 shops and restaurants that you can explore. They are spread across 15 blocks and you’ll find well-known stores like Apple, Banana Republic, and Urban Outfitters to name a few, but you’ll also find more local spots such as the Made in KC Marketplace. 

While at Country Club Plaza, I found accessibility to be quite good. The sidewalks and curb cuts were smooth and easy to traverse in my powered wheelchair. Also, all of the shops and restaurants that I noticed were wheelchair accessible. Accessible parking spots can be trickier to find, but we ended up parking in a parking garage and an accessible spot was available in it. 

On a nice day in Kansas City, this shopping oasis is a perfect place to enjoy the day. And even if you aren’t a shopaholic, there is plenty to do here to suit anyone’s interests. Be sure to visit Country Club Plaza during your next trip to Kansas City! 

Learn about history at the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Without a doubt, one of the best wheelchair accessible Kansas City attractions is the National WWI Museum and Memorial. I spent a really impactful afternoon here and honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. Immediately upon arrival, I noticed the massive Liberty Memorial Tower and had chills. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War.

The museum itself is seriously impressive. They’ve got tons of artifacts, photos, and stories that really bring the war to life. I was blown away by how they recreated the trenches – it felt so real, and it made me think about what it must have been like for the soldiers who fought there. It’s definitely not your typical museum experience; it’s super immersive and thought-provoking.

One of the coolest things was the immersive film they showed. It was like being transported back in time to the battlefields. The combination of old footage and dramatic reenactments was really intense, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for what those soldiers went through. It’s not just about battles and dates, though. The museum also does a great job of showing how the war affected everything, from politics to everyday life. 

And don’t worry if you’re a wheelchair user, because the National WWI Museum is totally accessible. There are ramps and elevators, so I was able to easily get around to all the different exhibits. To get to the top of the Liberty Memorial Tower though, there are 45 steps, so it isn’t wheelchair accessible. The museum does have wheelchairs that you can borrow if you need one during your visit. 

It’s awesome that the museum has made sure everyone can experience this important part of history. If you’ll be visiting, I’d suggest planning at least a few hours to experience everything. Admission costs approximately $20 per adult and the museum is open every day of the week from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and it’s open Tuesday-Sunday the rest of the year. 

Check out Union Station’s various attractions

Union Station is a historic train station in Kansas City and it is absolutely gorgeous on the inside, but it is an entertainment oasis with various attractions as well. Whether you want to grab a bite to eat at one of Union Station’s restaurants or have fun at an attraction, you are sure to enjoy a visit here! 

I was able to check out Disney100: The Exhibition, which is at Union Station until January 5, 2025. As a Disney fanatic, I loved this exhibit! It showcased 100 years of Disney history, characters, theme parks, and more. If you get a chance to experience it, it’s certainly worth it. 

If the Disney100 exhibit has left Kansas City by the time you arrive though, don’t worry! Union Station has other attractions that you can explore, including a planetarium, a science museum, a movie theater, an escape room, and even the Museum of Illusions. I visited the Museum of Illusions and had a fun time. Since it’s only partially wheelchair accessible, discounts are provided for wheelchair users. 

Whether you have an hour to explore Union Station or a full day, you’ll have plenty to do here. It is one of the city’s most iconic places to visit and has something for everyone to enjoy. I loved my time at Union Station and would like to return one day in the future to experience even more of its attractions. 

Experience The Arabia Steamboat Museum

This museum in Kansas City is entirely devoted to a steamboat that sank in 1856. I know, I know… before visiting, my expectations for The Arabia Steamboat Museum were quite low, but it was actually fascinating and one of my favorite attractions that I visited in Kansas City. This museum is an absolute must-do! 

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is completely wheelchair accessible, but it does have some slightly steep ramps in the beginning of the museum. I didn’t have any issues with the ramps in my powered wheelchair, but if you use a manual wheelchair, you might want to have someone with you to assist. 

Back in 1856, the Steamboat Arabia, and its 200 tons of cargo, sank in the Missouri River. In 1988, it was recovered and you can now see the boat’s remains and much of the cargo in the museum. The museum has multiple videos that show exactly how it was recovered after 130 years, and it’s amazing to see the process. 

As I rolled throughout the museum, I felt like I went back in time. I was able to see so many artifacts from the past and the way in which everything was presented was captivating. Usually, I’m not a big fan of historical museums, but The Arabia Steamboat Museum was unbelievably cool. I even had to buy a souvenir at the end of my visit because I enjoyed it so much. 

The museum is open every day of the week and admission costs $16.50 per adult and $6.50 for children ages 4-14. The Arabia Steamboat Museum is located in City Market as well, which is a great place to explore after your museum visit! 

Roll through City Market

If you will be in Kansas City on a Saturday or Sunday, you can visit City Market’s Farmers Market. It occurs every weekend with local vendors and is definitely worth experiencing for some local Kansas City goodies, but even if you won’t be in the city on a weekend, you can still visit City Market! 

City Market is open every day of the week and has dozens of shops that you can explore. You’ll find local shops and grocers, and if you get hungry after shopping so much, there are a plethora of dining options available at City Market. I had lunch at Brown & Loe, which was delicious, and I’ll tell you all about it later on in this blog post. 

All of the shops and restaurants that I saw at City Market were wheelchair accessible. You do need to venture outside and cross the streets to get to some places, but crosswalks were smooth and I didn’t have any issues. It was a really enjoyable experience for me at City Market and I loved browsing multiple shops over the course of a couple hours. 

Where to Eat in Kansas City

Kansas City might be known for great steak and barbecue, which it definitely has, but the city also has a variety of other delicious foods to suit any palate. During my time in Kansas City, I visited some fantastic wheelchair accessible restaurants and these were five of my favorites (in no particular order):

Lula Southern Cookhouse – If you’re looking for amazing southern food in Kansas City, look no further! Lula Southern Cookhouse is the real deal, serving up classic comfort food with a modern twist. To start, I had to try the fried green tomatoes, and let me tell you, they were out of this world! Perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and served with this incredible comeback sauce that had just the right amount of tang. For my main course, I went with the chicken and dumplings, and oh my goodness, it was like a warm hug on a plate. I practically licked the plate clean. Honestly, I can’t recommend Lula Southern Cookhouse enough. If you’re looking for authentic Southern cooking with a modern flair, this is the place to be. And don’t forget to save room for dessert – their peach cobbler is to die for! 

Green Dirt on Oak – Green Dirt on Oak is a restaurant and cheese shop all in one, and it’s seriously a cheese lover’s paradise. They make their own sheep’s milk cheese right on their farm, and let me tell you, it’s incredible! I started with their cheese board, which was a masterpiece. It featured a selection of their award-winning cheeses, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Green Dirt on Oak is more than just a cheese shop, though. They also have a full menu with locally-sourced dishes. I haven’t tried their entrees yet, but if the cheese board is any indication, I’m sure they’re amazing. 

Rye – I had the most delightful brunch experience at Rye in Kansas City (located in Country Club Plaza!), and I can’t wait to spill the tea (or should I say, the mimosa?). This place is a farm-to-table haven with a focus on Midwestern comfort food, and it totally blew me away. First things first, I started with their legendary cinnamon roll. Let me tell you, this thing is massive and absolutely decadent. It’s soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-y goodness. The icing was perfectly sweet and not too thick, and the whole thing just melted in my mouth. For my main course, I opted for the salmon eggs Benedict, and it was a game-changer. The salmon was perfection, flaky and flavorful, and the poached eggs were on point. But the real star of the show was the hollandaise sauce. It was creamy, lemony, and had just the right amount of richness. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique brunch spot in Kansas City, Rye is definitely the place to be. Just be sure to go hungry because the portions are generous! 

Jack Stack Barbecue – Alright, let’s talk barbecue! Jack Stack Barbecue is a Kansas City legend for a reason, and it totally lived up to the hype. We lucked out with amazing weather and snagged a table outside on their patio. It was the perfect setting for a barbecue feast! We kicked things off with their smoked salmon dip, and wow, what a way to start! It was creamy, smoky, and had just the right amount of spice. For my main course, I went all out and got the Kansas City Combo. This thing is a meat lover’s dream and I chose to get a hefty portion of their famous beef brisket and their incredible lamb ribs. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the lamb ribs? Oh my goodness, they were fall-off-the-bone delicious. Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about Jack Stack. The food was incredible, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was perfect.  

Brown & Loe – Nestled within the vibrant City Market of Kansas City, Brown & Loe is a restaurant that effortlessly blends classic American cuisine with global influences. To start our meal, we couldn’t resist ordering the Peruvian guacamole and it was the perfect appetizer to whet our appetites. For the main course, I opted for the seafood stew. It was a hearty and flavorful dish filled with tender seafood. The broth was rich and savory, with a subtle kick of spice, making it the ideal comfort food. The attentive service, the stunning setting within the historic City Market, and the delicious food make Brown & Loe a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Kansas City. 

Where to Stay in Kansas City: Hotel Phillips

Throughout my time in Kansas City, I stayed at Hotel Phillips. This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown and just a short drive from the best wheelchair accessible Kansas City attractions. 

The hotel lobby is absolutely beautiful and reminiscent of a luxurious 1930s hotel from a bygone era. This hotel has an on-site Italian restaurant, Tavernonna Italian Kitchen, and even a speakeasy.  

I stayed in a wheelchair accessible room and it had a living area with a couch, desk, and a TV. There was one king-sized bed in the room and it was 24 inches tall. There was enough clearance underneath the bed for a hoyer lift/hoist. 

In the bathroom, there was a pull-under sink, grab bars by the toilet, and a roll-in shower. The roll-in shower had smooth entry, which was nice, and a handheld shower wand. 

If you are looking for an accessible downtown hotel, hopefully Hotel Phillips will work for your needs. If you’d like to learn more about this hotel and check rates, just click here. 

My five days in Kansas City, Missouri were so much fun and better than I could’ve ever imagined. There were a plethora of attractions and delicious restaurants, which you’ve now discovered from this blog post, but I’m sure I barely scratched the surface of Kansas City’s wheelchair-friendly offerings. If you visit and find other accessible places to enjoy, please let me know so that I can add them to my list for my next trip to this magical Midwest destination! 

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*Thank you to Visit Missouri for working with me on this trip and showing me the best of wheelchair accessible Kansas City! While my experiences were complimentary, all opinions expressed are authentic and my own.

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