Missouri

Signature City Kansas City

Program No. 21810RJ
Discover the many faces of Kansas City: From jazz to barbecue joints, from its Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to grand institutions of art, enjoy it all in the “Paris of the Plains.”

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At a Glance

Combine all the fountains in Rome with more boulevards than Paris, throw in more than 100 barbecue joints and top it off with some stompin’ jazz and you’ve got Kansas City. Spend a week in the “Paris of the Plains” discovering its attention-grabbing neighborhoods, rich African American history, world-class museums and lively jazz clubs. Venture across the city with local experts who share their love and knowledge of this Midwest gem. Along the way, tap your toes to live jazz and stimulate your mind and your taste buds with some of the best barbecue in the country.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Average of 4+ hours per day on your feet between walking and standing during museum visits and presentations. Museums have stairs (no elevators) and there is very limited seating in the exhibit areas.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Learn about the historical anchors of Kansas City’s black culture on expert-led visits to the American Jazz Museum and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
  • Delve into the life, history and artifacts of Harry S. Truman.
  • Explore the Kansas City home and studio of the late artist Thomas Hart Benton to see how he and his family lived, visit Independence and learn about the pioneers.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Bill Worley
Dr. Worley is a professor of history at Metropolitan Community College—Blue River in Independence, Missouri, and a historical reenactor in the Kansas City region. He received his B.A. from Kansas State University as well as his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. A noted expert on Kansas City history, he has portrayed historical figures including Bob Hope, Harry Truman, Walt Disney and Richard Nixon on the Chautauqua circuit. His written works include "J.C. Nichols and the Shaping of Kansas City."

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Bill Worley
Bill Worley View biography
Dr. Worley is a professor of history at Metropolitan Community College—Blue River in Independence, Missouri, and a historical reenactor in the Kansas City region. He received his B.A. from Kansas State University as well as his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas. A noted expert on Kansas City history, he has portrayed historical figures including Bob Hope, Harry Truman, Walt Disney and Richard Nixon on the Chautauqua circuit. His written works include "J.C. Nichols and the Shaping of Kansas City."
Profile Image of Tish Dwiggins
Tish Dwiggins View biography
Tish Dwiggins, a Missouri native, is an avid traveler who has visited 43 U.S. states and two countries (so far). When friends started asking her to join them on vacation to “show them around,” she discovered a new career path and became certified as a group director/guide in 2018. Tish enjoys helping people not just visit new places but experience them like a local. When not on the road, she works for the University of Missouri in Columbia and enjoys being surrounded by scholars.
Profile Image of Nancy Powell
Nancy Powell View biography
Nancy Powell is on the board of directors for SPARK - Flossie Pack Center of Lifelong Learning, which is affiliated with the University of Missouri - Kansas City. She is the chair of the Curriculum Committee. Nancy has been leading Road Scholar groups through Country Club Plaza and enjoys sharing the history of the plaza. She also leads a morning historical presentation which gives the group an exciting overview of things they will be seeing during their week in Kansas City.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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