adminThe West Bottoms is a historic district located in Kansas City, Missouri, just west of the downtown area. The district was once the city’s industrial hub, home to numerous stockyards, meatpacking plants, and warehouses. Today, it is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the district’s unique blend of history, art, and entertainment.
One of the most popular attractions in the West Bottoms is the First Fridays event. The event is held on the first Friday of every month. During this event, visitors can explore the district’s numerous vintage and antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Many of which are housed in historic buildings. The event also features live music and other entertainment, making it a festive and lively atmosphere.
Top 20 Attractions to check out
- First Fridays: This monthly event features live music, food trucks, and dozens of art galleries and antique shops open late into the night.
- Boulevard Brewing Company: Take a tour of one of the country’s largest craft breweries and sample award-winning beers in their tasting room.
- The Green Lady Lounge: This jazz club is a must-visit for music lovers, featuring live jazz performances and a speakeasy-style atmosphere.
- Belger Arts Center: This contemporary art museum features rotating exhibits, artist residencies, and a large collection of ceramic art.
- National World War I Museum and Memorial: This museum tells the story of the First World War through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a moving memorial tower.
- The Majestic Restaurant: Located in a historic building, this restaurant serves up classic American cuisine and live jazz music.
- The West Bottoms Antique District: Spend an afternoon browsing the numerous antique shops and vintage stores that line the streets of the West Bottoms.
- The Arabia Steamboat Museum: Learn about life on the Missouri River in the 1850s. See the impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the sunken Arabia steamboat.
- The Livestock Exchange Building: Once the largest livestock exchange in the world. This historic building now houses offices and event spaces but still retains its grandeur.
- The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art: While not technically located in the West Bottoms, this museum is just a short drive away and features a diverse collection of contemporary art from around the world.
- The Ship: A popular bar and restaurant located in a historic building. The Ship features a rooftop deck with panoramic views of the city.
- The West Bottoms Kitchen: This restaurant serves up classic soul food in a cozy, no-frills atmosphere.
- Artistic Works by Lu: This gallery features unique handcrafted jewelry and art pieces by local artist Lu Lee.
- Stockyards Brewing Company: This brewery and taproom serves up a variety of craft beers. It features a spacious patio area for outdoor drinking and dining.
- The Bottoms Up Antique Market: This massive antique mall features over 40,000 square feet of vintage finds and collectibles.
- The West Bottoms Farmer’s Market: Open on weekends, this market features fresh produce, artisanal food products, and handmade crafts.
- The West Bottoms Murals: The district is home to several large murals painted by local artists. This includes the colorful “Kansas City I’m So In Love” mural.
- The Edge of Hell Haunted House: This haunted house attraction is open year-round and features elaborate sets and special effects.
- The Ghost Tour of Kansas City: Learn about the haunted history of the West Bottoms. Also other parts of the city on this spooky walking tour.
- The Roasterie Cafe: Located in a former factory. This coffee shop serves up a variety of specialty drinks. It also features a roasting facility where visitors can watch the coffee beans being roasted.
