Sauer Castle has been a part of my life since I was a kid…read more My dad used to take me and my siblings up to the castle at night on family drives and tell us great ghostly stories. Once me and my school buddies could drive, we would make many journeys up to this area, drink and freak ourselves out. I've taken many friends on the drive through Argentine in KCK up the steep incline of a road to the castle to gaze. There are many stories about this place, so many that I have no idea which are true and which are not. I should do the research to find out, but there is something inside of me that wishes to keep *all* the stories I have heard alive and well. But the few that I can think of at this time include: There was an underground railroad tunnel to the Kaw River from this residence. The wife hanged herself on the second story balcony from the bell tower rope.....her ghost could be seen on the balcony in a flowing white gown. There is an outline of an old pond (fountain) on the grounds that two children had drown in. The stories talk about the husband's ghost walking the house and grounds protecting his property. I've been told that the stones and woodwork in the house was imported from Germany. He chose this site because it sat on top of bluff of the Kaw River and he could see the entire city. That's what I've been told through the years, again, I don't know what is and isn't true. When I was a teenager there was a caretaker that lived in the house. He supposedly had guns and dogs to help him take care of all of the curious people making the pilgrimage up to look at the castle from afar or up on the *private property* itself. Since then, the caretake has passed, the house had a huge auction and the house in now surrounded by a chain link fence. I don't know who owns it, but I hope something great happens with this legend of a castle. I'm sure I gave myself crows feet from all of the squinting I've done at this location hoping to see a ghostly figure. (and at times sure that I did see things) I'm sure I've given myself some anxiety disorder from the tricks my imagination has played on me because of this place. I wouldn't change a thing because I love every memory I have of this place. Not only Sauer Castle, but much of the neighborhood itself, stories run rampant in this *interesting* part of town. Now.....go! Go check it out for yourself and I hope you don't get lost in trying to find this mysterious, fantastic piece of local flavor!

Okay so it kind of cracks me up that Sauer Castle is on Yelp. It is on the National Register, and…read morehas a sort of local legend charm to it here in the metro area. I found out about Sauer Castle back when I was dating my now husband. We went on a ghost tour around the city and this was one of the stops. I won't bore everyone here with Sauer Castle lore but it's well worth the wikipedia read. Every once in a while if I'm in the area I'll drive by and see how the renovations are going on this place. It's kind of remarkable to see and take in, even just from the road, as it's in a very modest neighborhood and all of a sudden there is this massive victorian mansion. The ghost stories only make the place all the more interesting. I believe it's currently been purchased and is being restored so who knows, maybe one day this will be a landmark folks can explore - I'd love to go inside. Until then it will just be one of my favorite little off the beaten path KC landmarks.

Really neat place to wander around BUT there are a lot of dangers here and you shouldn't bring your…read morekids. You need to wear closed, thick shoes, too. There's a lot of needles and broken bottles, etc. because the property is actively used. Graffiti is outstanding.

Giving a five star review for an abandoned building seems out of place, but my visit today has been…read moredecades in the making and is an afternoon that i can't wait to tell friends about and share photos. Built in 1897 as Kansas City's workhouse jail and later served as a storage facility, marine training center and an animal euthanasia center until being abandoned in 1972. With it's dark history, graffiti, collapsed roofs, dark stairwells, debris, and remnants of homelessness everywhere, my solo visit was slightly macabre and a bit scary not knowing if I was alone when turning each corner. I did run into two other explorers and one homeless person in my self guided tour of the darkside. There was talk about a decade ago of renovating the property into a venue for weddings and concerts but that failed to materialize. My advise to you is put on your big-boy pants (or girl) grab a friend and go explore an iconic architectural piece of history before it's too late.

I finally made it to Union Station in Kansas City today. I knew it was one of those places you're…read moresupposed to see here, but I honestly didn't know much about it besides being a beautiful old train station. And yeah... I could probably spend a while here just looking at the building itself. I walked around the Grand Hall, checked out the architecture, the trains and all the little details. Then I realized how much stuff is actually inside. Science City, a planetarium, exhibitions, restaurants, model trains... I wasn't expecting all of that. But strangely, my favorite part was just being there. This place has been around for more than 100 years, and somehow it still feels alive. People everywhere, things going on, trains still coming through. It doesn't feel like an old station that was preserved just so people could look at it. I really enjoyed walking around today. I came mostly to finally see Union Station, and left understanding a little better why this place is such a big part of Kansas City.

Just stepping foot in the building is a cool experience. The architecture is beautiful. I love…read moreanything historical and going here is a treat. I attended an exhibit on the Berlin Wall. It was very informative and interesting. I'd say very thought provoking considering the times we live in. A great reminder of why love and unity should always win. Fear, ignorance, and division are the tools of authoritarians. I left a message on the wall on the way out which is in one my photos. The station has some fun places. I stopped by the slime factory and grabbed myself a new tub of slime just because! I had left the exhibition and wanted some pure fun! Parisi coffee was busy. I stopped in at made in KC and Rally House. I'd consider both of these very sports related but they have some MO and KS trinkets as well. I did get a kick out of the signs for the private event for the KC fashion week. As someone who loves fashion, I'd be very curious to see what makes it into the KC fashion week lineup! There's definitely a practical, midwestern theme to dressing for many here. A lot does seem to close early even on a Saturday. Most things were closing between 5-6pm. You have to pay to park. Anywhere from $7 for 4 hours and then up from there. Still fun and I highly recommend.

This house always gets attention from people who drive by. I grew up across the street from it and…read morepeople would always drive by really slowly when they caught sight of it. This ultra mod house doesn't really fit into our turn of the century neighborhood...but it defiantly adds interest. The view from Valentine is not so spectacular. It stands out because of its Yellow color and bubble dome. (The dome area is awesome containing nothing but a circular couch and build-in speakers...this is such a party house.) The really shocking view is from the park, 30 or 40 feet below. Anyway, its an interesting house in an interesting neighborhood. One could spend a day checking out this whole midtown area with the Frank Lloyd wright house and Thomas Hart Benton home down the street and 39th street shops and restaurants close by too.

Very quiet at this time of year…read more Cute little park located right across from restaurants like Rye.. a lap is about a mile or you can just enjoy the fountain

Beautiful park to walk through, and plenty of shade if you just want to rest and people watch…read more This park is adjacent to the Country Club Plaza shopping area, which puts you well within walking distance for food and drink options when you're done soaking in the vitamin free (*D). At the southern end of the park is the J.C. Nichol's Memorial Fountain. Folks were walking, running, and biking on the paved trail around and through the park. I didn't expect to find this beautiful fountain here, but it was a beautiful surprise. The walkways of the park put you less than a block away from Country Club Plaza, but I was well within walking distance of the Kemper Contemporary Museum of Art and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Great green space.

I personally had an amazing experience here! It was completely free, you just reserve your ticket…read moreonline. It's obviously a stunning museum with many original pieces. The staff was incredibly helpful to me as well! It's extremely clean and overall a well kept museum. I asked where I was allowed and they gave me the exact route and what I would be seeing in those paths. Along my solo trip a lot of them were very kind to agree to take photos of me! Hence my profile photo lol. I would come back again and I already have reccomended this museum to so many friends. Please donate to this museum if you can, I think it's amazing in the fact that it's free.

*Missing Review(s)?…read more In my opinion this is one of the best museums in the world. No doubt,pound for pound I would put the Nelson Akins up against any museum anywhere. I love art so, traveling to Kansas City regularly in the early to mid 2000s,I naturally visited the Nelson Adkins. Walking into the building was not particularly interesting as the entrance had been modernized and different from the exterior. However,once you walk into the galleries,you are stunned. The overall building design,galleries and quality of art seems almost out of place in Kansas City. Not that they don't deserve it,every city should be so lucky,it just seems a surprise. One special thing they had, that is just wonderful, is the cafeteria style cafe in a significantly beautiful atrium. I took many pictures and posted them of the entire facility including the marvelous food over several years. I have been trying to come up with a good excuse to go to KC for a Nelson-Adkins fix! Seriously,maybe an UYE! Now for "The"truly significant impact this museum had on my life.On the second floor you could walk out doors, taking you into the large atrium that holds the cafe. Around this walkway were many Rodin sculpture. I must have past these sculpture a dozen times on my walk to the descending stairs in order to eat During one visit as I exited the doors,passed the sculptures,I noticed a large photographic presentation. Stopping to look closer,I learned it was regarding details of Rodin's Hell Gates. If you have the slightest interest in art,look it up, amazing. After lunch,I returned to this exhibit reading all about the Hells Gates. Finding out there are only two bronze cast of this magnificent sculpture,I felt I just had to see one if not both. One is at the Rodin museum in Paris. If I needed a reason to go to Paris( you don't) this was as good as any. I'm proud to report a few months later I was standing in front of the Gates Of Hell at the Rodin museum Paris. All because of a visual display at Nelson Atkins... Go!

Simply iconic. To…read morestart off Liberty Memorial is part of the National World War One Museum and Memorial. It's the only National monument to WWI in our country and every time I see it as part of our KC skyline I'm reminded of how cool that is. I've been here countless times, both just to enjoy it myself, and also to take friends and family that are visiting. It's the best place in town to get a photo of the skyline, and it's a gorgeous park to walk around and explore even if you don't do the museum (which I think you should). I most recently attended the Chappell Roan concert here and was amazed at how well the staff did in terms of keeping the area safe and clean. It's not a *perfect* venue in terms of sloping for stage views, but it makes up for that with ample viewing areas, tons of food vendors, and an unmatched backdrop. All in all this is a KC must visit, whether it's for views, a check on your KC itinerary, or a concert. It's a fantastic place in our great city.

The Liberty Memorial is an awe-inspiring memorial to those who served in World War One fighting for…read moredemocracy and freedom. This column is visible across the city and reminds people daily that freedom is not free and must be fought for every day. You can walk up to the top of the memorial with the purchase of a museum ticket. The Liberty Memorial is part of the WWI Museum. The museum is worth checking out! This memorial offers excellent views of the city and is a must see for tourists and locals alike!

This has always been my favorite building in Kansas City and one of my favorite in the whole world…read more Built in 1931, this is the crowing jewel of KC's art deco building collection. Growing up I always remember admiring its glowing crown that changes three different colors. I wonder if this building had a lot to do with my decision to become an architect? It still holds a dominate spot on our skyline and commands attention with its dramatic set backs, beautiful details, and glowing crown. A little bit of Gotham in KC. The Power and Light company has not been a tenant for years. Today, the architecture firm, BNIM is the main tenant. Their offices are in the restored ground floor lobby. As of June 2009, there is a proposal to renovate the entire structure and build an addition (connecting to the 'blank' side if the tower). The former office building would become a convention hotel, maybe a W. I just hope they do not compromise the beauty of the original design.

Not to be confused with the Power & Light District, this landmark is the glowing, art-deco style…read morebuilding *almost* in the dead center of the KC skyline. For starters, let me show my hometown bias here but the KC skyline is an epic skyline. Sure it's not New York or Seattle, but take a second to Google-image search some other U.S. skylines.. Dallas? Yawn. LA? If I could see it through the smog, I might rank it higher. Denver? The mountains add to it, but otherwise it's like a short section of Lego blocks. The KC skyline frames everything, with great views of the city while packing in Union Station, Kauffman Center, T-Mobile Center, Western Auto sign, the fun-if-not-slightly-cheese Marriott light up billboard (which will always be near and dear to me after seeing it after the Chiefs Super Bowl win), and this cool, old building. This one is most known for it's glowing ember up top, that changes colors. Formerly, it announced sun (yellow), or rain (blue). It rings in Pride Month in June, sports themes, Cancer awareness and other seasonal highlights throughout the year. I've never been into this building, but with iconic placement on the skyline, and nearly century old history, it's a cool building that I always appreciate from afar.

Came here about a month after its opening. The bridge is cool. However the music is SO LOUD omg I…read moredon't want to be screaming the whole time to talk with my friends. Also it's so windy all the time too. You can order at the window and sit outside or on another floor, or you can choose to sit inside and eat like a normal restaurant. The menu is pretty limited. However the burger was really good! I don't love a burger but this one really was amazing. And it came out ssssooooo fast. Like 5 mins or less. That was crazy lol. Overall decent time! Can't wait to see improvements through the years!

We have been wanting to visit Rock Island Bridge since we heard about the project being developed…read more It was a decent experience. The restaurant was on a 90 minute wait to be seated inside. But it was a warm Friday night. The to go order window line wasn't too long so we waited and ordered some things for our group of six. A lot of the tables on the west side of the bridge are in the smoking area, which is disappointing that it was that large. I got a cheeseburger and some chips and it was just okay. Nothing to write home about. The drinks were not cheap, but not ridiculous. Parking is an absolute disaster. Quite possibly the worst parking experience in the metro. They're just isn't enough of it and they didn't make a deal with Hy-Vee Arena to let people park there so that's not available. It's an unfortunate situation because it's a decent place and experience, but the parking is so bad that we will not return.