FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 2026™ information, please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. Kansas City is one of the host cities and proudly welcomes fans from around the nation.
Home to 2.5 million people, Kansas City is a vibrant metro in the heart of the U.S., known as the “KC Heartland.” An all-new single terminal at Kansas City International Airport welcomes guests by air, while 85% of the U.S. is less than a two-day drive away. The region’s red-hot sports culture is embraced every season, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City, and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current.
The Northland, generally defined as the area starting just North of the Missouri River in Kansas City, MO, which then stretches as far out to the KCI Airport and the surrounding region. Go North KC represents this Northland community. From bubbling creek trails and lakeside adventures to storied museums and vibrant arts, this region is packed with unique “things to do” for every interest. Here, you’ll discover outdoor escapes, cultural gems, family fun, and seasonal experiences across Clay and Platte counties.
Find all the best places to be.
October 10, 2025
Find out all the best places to be…
Enjoy easy Access to Kansas City metro’s Northland, just minutes from downtown and easily accessible from major highways, airports, and transit routes.
Fly through KCI — where modern design, local flavors, and Midwest hospitality come together to kick off your trip right.
Getting around KC is a breeze with connected highways, short commutes, and easy access to every part of the metro.
Explore Kansas City car-free with RideKC bus network and the free KC Streetcar, connecting top spots across the metro with ease.
Parking in Kansas City is simple with convenient garages across the city and the Park KC app to help you find and pay for your spot in seconds.
The Northland of Clay and Platte counties offers an impressive variety of hotel experiences to suit every traveler’s taste and budget. Whether you’re in town for business, a weekend getaway, or visiting friends and family, the region’s comfortable and convenient stays are just minutes from attractions, shopping, and dining. Stay upscale and stylish at Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Kansas City North/Gladstone, unwind after a long drive at Holiday Inn Express & Suites North Kansas City by IHG, or choose flexible extended stays like TownePlace Suites by Marriott Kansas City at Briarcliff with spacious suites perfect for longer visits. A lively option with gaming, dining, and waterfront views is Argosy Casino & Hotel , while the modern SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kansas City Northeast offers polished comfort and easy access to local hotspots. From historic charm in nearby Excelsior Springs with The Elms Hotel & Spa to well-rated favorites like Hampton Inn Kansas City-Liberty, Northland hotels ensure a warm welcome and restful stay near everything the region has to offer.
Explore the local hotel scene to find personalized hospitality that fits your itinerary. Many properties provide extra amenities like complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, and pet-friendly rooms, making them ideal for families, couples, or business travelers alike. Enjoy easy access to Northland attractions such as shopping at Zona Rosa, arts and culture in Liberty, and outdoor adventures around Smithville Lake—all while having a comfortable place to relax at the end of your day.
The Northland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic campgrounds that connect you directly with Missouri’s natural beauty. At Smithville Lake, campers will find excellent facilities and diverse site options at Camp Branch-Clay County and nearby Crows Creek Campground, where hundreds of tent and RV sites range from primitive spots to electrical hookups right along the shoreline. The lake’s abundant trails and water activities make these campgrounds perfect bases for hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating just steps from your site.
Beyond Smithville Lake, Platte County features additional outdoor retreats like the Basswood Resort RV and camping resort and Watkins Mill Campgrounds for a quieter woodland experience. Whether you prefer shaded tent camping, a fire under the stars, or an RV hookup with easy access to park amenities, the Northland’s campgrounds offer flexibility and natural charm. Many campers also enjoy exploring nearby Weston Bend State Park’s scenic river trails and picnicking areas for a full day of adventure before returning to your campsite.
For families, groups, or longer stays, the Northland’s array of short-term rentals provides a welcoming “home away from home.” From cozy lake-area homes in Smithville to stylish properties closer to the heart of Kansas City, vacation rentals give travelers space and privacy that hotels can’t match. Browse a variety of top-rated options in Platte County and beyond that feature full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor spaces—perfect for reunions or group getaways.
In North Kansas City and surrounding neighborhoods, options abound with listings ranging from charming standalone houses to spacious urban retreats. Whether it’s a weekend escape with friends or a longer family reunion, short-term rentals in the Northland give you the flexibility to live like a local while staying close to attractions like the Platte River, historic downtown Parkville, and the vibrant culinary and arts scenes across Clay and Platte counties. Start exploring options with services like Airbnb and Vrbo.
The Northland features two counties, Clay and Platte. Clay County, Missouri, offers a diverse itinerary blending history (Jesse James, Watkins Mill), outdoor fun (Smithville Lake trails, Tryst Falls), entertainment (Worlds of Fun, Chicken N Pickle), and charming towns like Liberty and Excelsior Springs, with options for hiking, history buffs, families, and foodies, making for a great weekend escape focused on nature, local flavor, and American heritage.
An itinerary for Platte County, Missouri, blends history, wine, and outdoor fun, focusing on charming towns like Weston and Platte City with stops at Weston Bend State Park, historic sites like the Lewis & Clark Exhibit, and local wineries such as Jowler Creek and Pirtle Winery, plus family spots like Great Wolf Lodge, offering a mix of river views, local crafts, and unique experiences for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Morning
Explore Kearney, visiting the Jesse James Birthplace and the Liberty Bank where the infamous robbery occurred.
Lunch
Head to North Kansas City for a casual bite and pickleball at Chicken N Pickle.
Afternoon
Discover rural history at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, including hiking trails.
Evening
Enjoy the small-town charm and breweries in Liberty, the county seat.
Morning
Hit the trails at Smithville Lake, offering miles for hiking, biking, or paddling, with options for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Lunch
Pack a picnic or find a spot near the lake.
Afternoon
Seek out natural waterfalls at Tryst Falls Park, a quiet spot between Excelsior Springs and Kearney, or explore Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
Evening
Relax at campgrounds near Smithville Lake or explore the offerings in nearby Kansas City suburbs.
Morning
Immerse yourself in storytelling at The Rabbit hOle, an interactive children’s literature museum.
Lunch
Try unique flavors in Excelsior Springs or Gladstone.
Afternoon
Visit the Shoal Creek Living History Museum for reenactments or check out the TWA Museum for aviation history.
Evening
Catch some thrills at Worlds of Fun or wind down at Ameristar Casino if you’re looking for entertainment.
Morning:
Weston Historical Museum & Town Square.
Lunch
Grab a bite in Weston.
Afternoon
Winery tour (e.g., Jowler Creek & Pirtle).
Evening
Dinner at a local spot, perhaps in Platte City or back in Weston.
