FIFA World Cup 2026™ Kansas City
Outdoor & Seasonal Experiences
FIND THE HEARTLAND BETWEEN THE MATCHES
One of the most surprising things about the KC region is how quickly the urban environment gives way to something entirely different. Within an hour of downtown, you can find towering prairie grasses, bison herds, secluded lakes, scenic river overlooks and some of the most expansive landscapes in North America.
This is the side of the Heartland worth the time to experience.
The Flint Hills
For many, this starts with the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.
Stretching across nearly four million acres of eastern Kansas, the Flint Hills represent the last great tallgrass prairie ecosystem on Earth. The landscape feels almost impossibly vast, especially for visitors arriving from densely populated parts of Europe, South America, Asia or Africa. At sunset, the rolling hills seem to stretch forever.
For an even deeper connection to the prairie, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Konza Prairie Trail System offer hiking trails, educational programs and opportunities to see bison roaming one of the world's most intact grassland ecosystems.
It's a reminder that before stadiums, highways and cities, this was the landscape that defined the American interior.
For many, this starts with the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.
Stretching across nearly four million acres of eastern Kansas, the Flint Hills represent the last great tallgrass prairie ecosystem on Earth. The landscape feels almost impossibly vast, especially for visitors arriving from densely populated parts of Europe, South America, Asia or Africa. At sunset, the rolling hills seem to stretch forever.
For an even deeper connection to the prairie, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Konza Prairie Trail System offer hiking trails, educational programs and opportunities to see bison roaming one of the world's most intact grassland ecosystems.
It's a reminder that before stadiums, highways and cities, this was the landscape that defined the American interior.
Nature Close to Kansas City
Closer to Kansas City, nature takes a different form.
Shawnee Mission Park offers more than 1,200 acres of trails, beaches and lake recreation in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas. The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens provides a quieter experience, with walking paths winding through gardens and native landscapes that feel far removed from nearby hotel corridors and shopping districts.
Closer to Kansas City, nature takes a different form.
Shawnee Mission Park offers more than 1,200 acres of trails, beaches and lake recreation in the heart of Johnson County, Kansas. The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens provides a quieter experience, with walking paths winding through gardens and native landscapes that feel far removed from nearby hotel corridors and shopping districts.
Urban Parks and Scenic Spaces
In the city itself, visitors can discover unexpected pockets of natural beauty. The Loose Park Rose Garden bursts with more than 4,000 roses in June. Kessler Park and Cliff Drive provide one of the most scenic urban drives in the Midwest. Swope Park, one of the nation's largest urban park systems, combines trails, forests and recreation areas alongside some of the region's most recognizable attractions.
In the city itself, visitors can discover unexpected pockets of natural beauty. The Loose Park Rose Garden bursts with more than 4,000 roses in June. Kessler Park and Cliff Drive provide one of the most scenic urban drives in the Midwest. Swope Park, one of the nation's largest urban park systems, combines trails, forests and recreation areas alongside some of the region's most recognizable attractions.
Lakes, Rivers and Water Views
For visitors seeking water, the options are equally impressive.
Clinton Lake State Park, Perry Lake, Smithville Lake and Hillsdale State Park offer boating, fishing, swimming, beaches and camping within an easy drive from the tournament footprint. The Kansas River Trail provides an entirely different perspective, allowing paddlers to experience the Heartland from the water while connecting Lawrence and Kansas City along the historic Kaw River.
Meanwhile, the Missouri River creates dramatic views at Berkley Riverfront Park and English Landing Park, where visitors can watch barges move through the same waterways that helped build the region.
For visitors seeking water, the options are equally impressive.
Clinton Lake State Park, Perry Lake, Smithville Lake and Hillsdale State Park offer boating, fishing, swimming, beaches and camping within an easy drive from the tournament footprint. The Kansas River Trail provides an entirely different perspective, allowing paddlers to experience the Heartland from the water while connecting Lawrence and Kansas City along the historic Kaw River.
Meanwhile, the Missouri River creates dramatic views at Berkley Riverfront Park and English Landing Park, where visitors can watch barges move through the same waterways that helped build the region.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
And then there are the day trips.
Powell Gardens showcases nationally recognized horticulture and summer butterfly exhibits. Weston pairs river bluff views with historic streets and Americana charm. Excelsior Springs offers mineral baths and Art Deco architecture. Atchison celebrates aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, while the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline preserves the hometown that inspired Walt Disney's vision for Main Street, USA.
And then there are the day trips.
Powell Gardens showcases nationally recognized horticulture and summer butterfly exhibits. Weston pairs river bluff views with historic streets and Americana charm. Excelsior Springs offers mineral baths and Art Deco architecture. Atchison celebrates aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, while the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline preserves the hometown that inspired Walt Disney's vision for Main Street, USA.
Whether you’re chasing adventure, seeking quiet, traveling with family or simply looking to experience something new, the Heartland has a way of making space for everyone.
There’s even more to discover across the Kansas City region. Check out all of the things to do in the Heartland.
