Passenger Trains > Kansas City Union Station Question

Thinking about a 3 day trip to KC and was wondering about how safe the area is for a 10pm arrival and walking to the Crown Plaza hotel?  They say it is a 3 minute walk from the station to the hotel but I think that might be for an in shape 21 year old.  More concerned about the safety of the neighborhood than the distance. First timers to Kansas City.

stockwood Wrote:
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> Thinking about a 3 day trip to KC and was
> wondering about how safe the area is for a 10pm
> arrival and walking to the Crown Plaza hotel? 
> They say it is a 3 minute walk from the station to
> the hotel but I think that might be for an in
> shape 21 year old.  More concerned about the
> safety of the neighborhood than the distance.
> First timers to Kansas City.

Are you referring to the Westin Crown Center or the Sheraton Crown Center?  The easy answer is that both of those are within a block or two of Union Station and are connected from the station by enclosed skywalks.  Crown Plaza is a nice area and security in and around the station is good.   You shouldn't have any issues as long as you are comfortable walking a few blocks.

crowncenter.com

Also, make sure to visit the nearby National WW1 Museum- it is a hidden treasure and you won't be disappointed!
 

Thanks for the info, That sounds great and thanks for that tip on the museum. That's right up my alley!

HI: I also agree that the walk from Kansas City Union Station to the Crown Plaza Hotel is safe. It's only a block from the front door of the station. Nevertheless, always be alert no matter where you are. I'm a tour operator and have lead several groups over the last years on this very walk. We all felt safe. Enjoy the hotel as it is a fine one. I also agree with the comment to be sure if you have time to visit the WWI Memoral and Museum. It's world class. I also recommend the JACK STACK"S restaurant just over the tracks from the station. Excellent Bar-B-Q items and more. Kansas City is a 'surprise' city that offers so much to see and do!!  Mike-Silver View

SilverView Wrote:
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 I also recommend the
> JACK STACK"S restaurant just over the tracks from
> the station. Excellent Bar-B-Q items and more.

I second this recommendation.

> Kansas City is a 'surprise' city that offers so
> much to see and do!!  Mike-Silver View

A few years ago, I was in Kansas City for a professional conference.  I arrived ahead of the conference for sightseeing, including railfanning.  You are correct - there is plenty to see & do.  I was amazed at the number of trains going by Union Station and through the Bottoms.

Also dont forget to bring your wayback machine, so u can see the variety that USED to be at Santa Fe Jct.

mpe383 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> stockwood Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Thinking about a 3 day trip to KC and was
> > wondering about how safe the area is for a 10pm
> > arrival and walking to the Crown Plaza hotel? 
> > They say it is a 3 minute walk from the station
> to
> > the hotel but I think that might be for an in
> > shape 21 year old.  More concerned about the
> > safety of the neighborhood than the distance.
> > First timers to Kansas City.
>
> Are you referring to the Westin Crown Center or
> the Sheraton Crown Center?  The easy answer is
> that both of those are within a block or two of
> Union Station and are connected from the station
> by enclosed skywalks.  Crown Plaza is a nice area
> and security in and around the station is good.  
> You shouldn't have any issues as long as you are
> comfortable walking a few blocks.
>
> crowncenter.com
>
> Also, make sure to visit the nearby National WW1
> Museum- it is a hidden treasure and you won't be
> disappointed!
>  

Are the enclosed skywalks open right now? I think I recall seeing a mention about them being closed due to covid? Was on another site I think where I read it. 

Deleted,



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/21 22:05 by robj.

Thanks all for the comments. Sounds like KC has all the ingredients for a great weekend!

Thank you all for the positive comments on my hometown.  It will be a lot more fun in the post-mask era.  Coming soon, I hope.

stockwood Wrote:
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> Thanks all for the comments. Sounds like KC has
> all the ingredients for a great weekend!

Will you have access to a car? Also if you are not already a member of the Kansas City Railfans group, I suggest joining it https://www.facebook.com/groups/354803824606731

SantaFeCF7 Wrote:
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> Are the enclosed skywalks open right now? I think
> I recall seeing a mention about them being closed
> due to covid? Was on another site I think where I
> read it. 

They were closed and locked this past October

Posted from iPhone

While this may be closed account the virus, I consider the Arabia Steamboat Museum a must.  A 1856 steamboad sank in the mud, now dug up and displays all the frontier supplies of guns, hardware, clothing, food that a freight would have carried.  Can easy spend two hours.  This is in the northern section of downtown, but may be on the new street car line that operates from Union Station and the hotels mentioned.

I have taken group  tours here, who consider it one of the outstanding attractions in the US.

Another, right near the hotels mentioned  is the Hallmark Visitor Center, showing the production of Hallmark greeting cards.
Ed

Don't forget to ride the KC Streetcar.  The line ends/begins right outside the Main Street door of the station.

agent1522 Wrote:
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> Don't forget to ride the KC Streetcar.  The line
> ends/begins right outside the Main Street door of
> the station.

Free street cars, I might add!  Runs from Union Station, though downtown and loops in the Farmers Market area.

You guys have convinced me to visit KC again!   I'll second the Jack Stack recommendation.  I've eaten there and the BBQ is great!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/08/21 21:01 by exopr.

If you're in the mood for some truly fine, upscale Italian food, try Lydia's, just down a few doors from Jack Stacks.  You won't be disappointed.  The chicken piccatta (sp?) is the best I've had anywhere.

Mangia!

-John

Jack Stack is good. It’s kindof a commercial chain BBQ place, but not bad.

But......If you have the time, and desire for something really good, Pierpont’s, is right in Union Station. High end steak house, and amazing cocktail bar. Prices are higher than your average chain steakhouse, but the food is truly something special. And, the ambiance can’t be beat. The bar menu is a little cheaper, and still exceptional as I recall. It’s my go-to when I’m in KC.

If you have access to a car, I'd suggest Arthur Bryant's BBQ on 1727 Brooklyn.  It's a little out of the way because it's not far from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.  The last time I was there, the sandwich was large enough for two people. 

Good suggestions. Several museums and restaurants.

Posted from Android