Celebrate the spirit of summer with enriching cultural arts experiences close to home and beyond. Immerse yourself in ragtime music, explore nature, wander through engaging museums and galleries, enjoy new restaurants and shops and sip locally crafted wines. Connect, discover and delight in all that the region has to offer. View our list of top summer destinations and begin your cultural journey today.
Bridging Art and Nature: Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri, is a private nonprofit Wildlife Sanctuary with 100 acres of land and about 4 miles of trails through diverse habitats. It offers hiking trails, a nature center, an art gallery, a gift shop, a butterfly garden and live exhibits. The Sanctuary is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Trails are open daily 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round.
Come explore downtown St. Joseph for a Whimsical Walk with the Arts
Take a step into a world of wonder! Stroll through downtown St. Joseph where every turn reveals a new, whimsical creation that sparks joy, curiosity and imagination. Perfect for all ages, this walk invites you to see the world through a playful lens. Join us for this free walk that’s as fun as it is unforgettable.
Lawrence Summer of Fun Pass
Sign up for FREE to enjoy the Lawrence Summer of Fun Pass! This pass offers unmistakable summer experiences, coupons or giveaways and fun for all ages. By signing up for the pass, visiting locations, and using coupons, you can earn points for entries in the ultimate Lawrence Weekend Getaway sweepstakes or other prizes. Want more inspiration to plan a weekend getaway in Lawrence? Visit our website to start exploring or order our new visitors guide, featuring the best of Lawrence during the day and at night.
Explore Downtown Emporia
Located just 90 minutes from KC on I-35, downtown Emporia is home to an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, architecture, murals and cultural attractions. With a brewery, chocolate shop, history museum, art galleries and events, there’s always something to explore in this charming Kansas gem. Check out the current gallery show at the Emporia Arts Center, or shop for unique art and home decor at Trox Gallery & Gifts.
An Art Destination That’s Worth the Drive
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR, is your perfect summer getaway for creativity, connection and outdoor fun with family and friends. We’re an art museum and so much more! Whether you want to wander our peaceful trails, attend an illuminating summer camp, or spend time creating in our art studios, we’ve got your summer schedule covered. Don’t wait to make special summer memories—plan your all-day getaway at Crystal Bridges today.
Experience the Syncopated Sounds of Ragtime in the City it All Began
When Scott Joplin arrived in Sedalia in 1894, he never could have imagined how his life and music would be forever linked to the town. The 2025 Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, May 28 – 31, features the best performers in the nation and abroad. From lively outdoor performances and elegant evening concerts to educational symposia, historic tours and themed experiences like “Dining with the Stars” and “The Ragtime Dance,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy — all in the heart of Sedalia where Scott Joplin’s legacy lives on!
Tasteful Travels in Hermann Wine Country
Winding through some of the prettiest scenery in Missouri, the Hermann Wine Trail hugs the Missouri River for 30 miles between Hermann and New Haven. Along the way, six family-owned wineries are open for wine tasting. Visit for a day or a weekend and explore them all! Open year-round, enjoy daily wine tastings, and participate in six trail events featuring wine and food pairings. Advance tickets required for wine trail events. For information call 573-294-2228.
Historical fun at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Just 4.5 hours away from KC is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois. Visitors can step into scenes from Lincoln’s life, see incredibly rare documents and artifacts and enjoy theatrical presentations that use amazing special effects to tell the Lincoln story. A state-of-the-art digital experience enhances the visit with games, special tours and extra historical details.