Lee’s Summit, Missouri is a short 20-minute drive from the lively Kansas City. It’s a charming city full of unique activities. You’ll find vibrant downtown life, top-notch parks, and attractions for all ages here. The city is perfect for anyone looking for art, tasty food, or outdoor fun. Lee’s Summit has plenty for everyone to enjoy.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the historic charm and boutiques of Downtown Lee’s Summit
- Explore the city’s vibrant public art and sculptures
- Enjoy outdoor adventures in the parks and nature trails
- Experience family-friendly attractions like museums and entertainment venues
- Indulge in the local culinary scene and seasonal events
Immerse Yourself in Downtown Lee’s Summit
Downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri is a lively place. It’s filled with historic buildings, boutique shops, and great art. This area invites everyone to walk around, find cool shops, and enjoy the music and art. It really makes the city stand out.
Historic Buildings and Boutiques
Downtown Lee’s Summit is well known for its history. It has many old buildings that are now home to boutique shops and local stores. You can visit places like Red Door Wine Store that’s served wine and craft beers since 2010. And Neighborhood Cafe, one of the oldest spots in the area. There’s also Henry’s Antiques which is great for those who love old things. Luxxe Apparel is perfect for people who love fashion, they opened their doors in 2015.
Public Art and Sculptures
The streets of downtown Lee’s Summit are alive with public art. You’ll see murals, statues, and other cool art. This shows how much the city loves creativity. During Arts Week, from October 11 to October 20, the whole area celebrates art and culture. It’s a great time for visitors to experience the local creative scene.
Whether you’re into history, shopping, or art, downtown Lee’s Summit is a gem. Exploring this vibrant area is a unique experience. It’ll charm you with its lively spirit and unique character. It’s truly a special place in Missouri.
Outdoor Adventures Await
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is like a big playground for folks who love the outdoors. It has parks and nature trails that really show off the area’s beauty. No matter if you want a quiet walk, a challenging hike, or just to be with nature, this city has it all.
Parks and Nature Trails
Lakeside Nature Center is a must-see. It’s a 25-acre wild spot with many trails to hike, a pretty lake, and a home for Native Hoofed Animals. It got a high score of 4.6 out of 5 from happy visitors. Here, you can see local wildlife and enjoy the quiet of nature.
- At Legacy Park, you’ll find beautiful trails and lots of animals. It has won awards and offers many chances to hike, bike, and have fun outside.
- Visit Missouri Town 1855 to step back in time. It’s a living museum with old buildings and places to eat outside.
- Blackwell Trails have peaceful paths and lovely views. They go through forests and next to water, perfect for a quiet walk.
If you need more thrilling outdoor fun, Lee’s Summit has something for you. K1 Speed is a spot for go-kart racing. Even with mixed reviews, it’s sure to bring excitement.
“Lee’s Summit’s parks and nature trails offer a perfect balance of tranquility and adventure. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll or an exhilarating outdoor pursuit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
From calm park scenes to exciting activities, Lee’s Summit is committed to outdoor fun for all. It shows how the region cares about giving people great ways to enjoy nature.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Lee’s Summit, Missouri is full of attractions for the whole family. These places are great for all ages. You can find everything from museums to outdoor areas. These spots offer chances for families to have fun and make special memories together.
The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is a favorite. It’s home to over 1,700 animals. You can see things like the Polar Bear Plunge and the African savanna.
If you’re looking for some excitement, visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City. It has LEGO rides and games for hands-on fun. Or check out the Regnier Family Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City for something educational.
- Don’t miss the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium with its 5,000 sea creatures.
- Learn about the Negro National League at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
- Explore science at Union Station’s Science City.
For outdoor fun, Lee’s Summit has many parks and trails. Swope Park is one such place, great for exercising and playing. And you can’t miss the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in Overland Park. It’s a chance to see farm animals up close.
“Lee’s Summit’s family-friendly attractions offer endless opportunities for children and parents to explore, learn, and create unforgettable memories together.”
If you love museums, the outdoors, or fun experiences, Lee’s Summit is perfect. With so many kid-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone.
Things to do Lee’s Summit, MO
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is a lively city with lots to offer. It’s perfect for families, culture seekers, and outdoor lovers. Let’s dive into what makes this city a great place to visit.
Indulge in Local Experiences
Begin your journey in Lee’s Summit’s bustling downtown. Embers Candle Bar is a favorite, letting you make your own scents with a 4.8-star rating. Don’t miss Arcade Alley for a nostalgic arcade experience, rated 3.7 stars.
Discover Nature and Wildlife
Lee’s Summit has many natural treasures to explore. The Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure is loved for seeing and learning about wildlife, with a 4.6-star rating. And if you’re up for a thrill, K1 Speed – Lee’s Summit offers indoor go-kart racing, rated at 2.5 stars.
Family-Friendly Fun
For family fun, check out MY Play Cafe with its 4.8 stars. Or try The Exit Room for a fun escape game with a 4.9-star rating. For spooky thrills, don’t miss the Shady Acres Haunted House, loved by everyone who’s visited.
Arts, Culture, and Entertainment
Explore Lee’s Summit’s lively arts and culture scene. The W art gallery is a must-see, with a 4.6-star rating. For action-packed fun, consider Kansas City Laser Tag, a top-rated spot for laser tag with 5 stars.
With its mix of history, culture, and things to do, Lee’s Summit is a top-choice for memorable travel. Dive into the city’s past, enjoy its natural beauty, and have fun at its many attractions. You’re sure to make great memories here.
Unleash Your Inner Foodie
Lee’s Summit, MO, is a hidden gem for food lovers, with a mix of flavors to satisfy all. You can find everything from local favorites to one-of-a-kind dining adventures.
Restaurants and Local Cuisine
Lee’s Summit, MO, is filled with exciting restaurants. Treat yourself to the area’s local tastes. Try Burn Theory Fire Kitchen‘s wood-fired dishes, rated 4.7 from 21 reviews. Or head to Tacos El Mercadito for a 4.4-star Mexican meal.
For American favorites with a twist, check out Third Street Social, boasting a 4.1-star rating from 611 reviews. Need something quick? Smash-N-Nash serves up great burgers, rated 3.2 out of 5.
| Restaurant | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Burn Theory Fire Kitchen | 4.7 | 21 |
| Tacos El Mercadito | 4.4 | 107 |
| Third Street Social | 4.1 | 611 |
| Smash-N-Nash | 3.2 | 5 |
| Johnny Rays Drive In | 4.0 | 77 |
| Longboards Wraps & Bowls | 4.1 | 90 |
| Taco-Holics Club | 4.2 | 40 |
| CAVA | 4.4 | 44 |
| Unk’s Burgers | 4.2 | 332 |
| Jacomos Hunger Shack | 4.4 | 45 |
Looking for classic American meals, Mexican feasts, or innovative dishes? Lee’s Summit has amazing local cuisine and foodie spots for you. Step out and explore the delicious side of this lively city.
“Lee’s Summit’s culinary scene is a delightful surprise, offering a diverse array of restaurants and local cuisine that cater to every foodie’s taste.”
Experience the Arts and Culture
Lee’s Summit is a place for art and culture lovers. It’s full of museums, galleries, and events celebrating the community’s creativity and history.
Museums and Art Galleries
Summit Art boosts Lee’s Summit’s arts scene. Its member artists are skilled in many mediums like watercolor, oil, and photography.
You can find their work at various galleries. Some are at Saint Luke’s East Hospital and Powell Gardens. Others, like the Healing Arts Gallery, are at Lakewood Medical Center. This lets visitors see the area’s artistic talent firsthand.
| Gallery Name | Location | Artistic Mediums Featured |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Art Gallery | Saint Luke’s East Hospital | Watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawing, mixed media |
| Summit Art Gallery | Powell Gardens | Photography, glass, pottery, fiber art |
| Summit Art Healing Arts Gallery | University Health Lakewood Medical Center | Jewelry, digital art, photography |
Local art is also showcased at places like Headquarters Winery and through the Lee’s Summit Symphony. Plus, visitors can enjoy the Summit Art Festival in downtown Lee’s Summit.
Summit Art hosts workshops for artists and helps students. Its Student Advisory Council supports high school art students. This helps the young artists grow into their potential.
Summit Art stands for diversity and inclusion. It makes sure everyone in Lee’s Summit can enjoy and be part of its arts and culture.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is known for its lively events and festivals each year. These celebrations reflect the town’s rich history and culture. Whether it’s through music festivals or holiday events, there’s fun to be had in this lovely town.
The Downtown Days festival in June is a big hit. It supports the Main Street organization and has fun activities, music, and local goods for sale.
In the fall, Oktoberfest warms up the town with German food, drinks, and entertainment. This event shows off Lee’s Summit’s diverse cultural roots.
- Longview Lake is perfect for all kinds of water fun across its 930 acres. It also has many picnic shelters, ideal for gatherings, making it a favorite spot in Lee’s Summit.
- The Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation team plans nearly daily events in the summer. These events suit many different tastes and age groups.
- Worlds of Fun nearby has fun events and festivals year-round. This includes Wednesday FriendsDay and special Halloween activities that start in September.
- Summit Waves, also run by the town’s Recreation system, is a must-visit water park in summer. It features water slides, splash pads, and a lazy river, perfect for cooling off.
“Lee’s Summit’s lively events and festivals offer something for everyone. They make the town even more inviting throughout the year.”
Looking for music, arts, culture, or adventure? Lee’s Summit is the place to be. Its seasonal events and festivals make every moment special.
Sports and Recreation
Lee’s Summit, MO, is lively with sports and fun outdoor activities. It’s perfect for both pros and those who want to play. The city offers many sports facilities and programs for all age groups and skill levels.
Sporting Facilities and Activities
Lee’s Summit is known for its great sports facilities. It has everything from team sports to activities for just one person. Here’s some of what you can find:
- Itty Bitty and Pee Wee Sports for 3-6 year olds, with a focus on improving skills. Kids get a t-shirt and a medal for taking part. Parents can join in if they want.
- Soccer programs for ages 3-4 and 5-6, with both indoor and outdoor options available.
- T-ball programs, with instructors, teach children aged 3-6 the basics of the sport.
- Football programs for 3-6 year olds include learning how to hike, pass, catch, and pull flags.
- Kids aged 3-6 can join basketball programs to learn shooting, dribbling, and passing skills.
- There are also Physical Education Classes introducing kickball, indoor soccer, T-ball, flag football, and basketball to kids aged 3-6.
The city really cares about sports and fun. This is seen in how well they keep up their facilities and in the many programs they offer. Anyone can find an activity they love in Lee’s Summit, thanks to their dedication to youth athletics.
| Sport | Age Group | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Soccer | 3-4, 5-6 | Indoor and outdoor options |
| T-ball | 3-6 | Instructor-led programs |
| Football | 3-6 | Hiking, passing, catching, flag pulling |
| Basketball | 3-6 | Shooting, dribbling, passing |
| Physical Education | 3-6 | Kickball, indoor soccer, T-ball, flag football, basketball |
“Lee’s Summit offers an impressive array of sports and recreation opportunities, catering to visitors of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for some fun outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty to keep you engaged and active in this vibrant city.”
Lee’s Summit is ideal for sports and fun. It offers a wide range of programs and top-notch facilities. Check out the sports and recreation choices and you’ll find something that fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Shopping Galore
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is every shopper’s dream. It’s filled with all types of places to shop. You can find everything from cozy boutiques to big retail spots. This city makes it easy for anyone to enjoy a day out shopping.
Dive into Downtown Lee’s Summit
The historic downtown area is bursting with over 60 unique shops. You can check out clothes, home decorations, and cool crafts. Be sure not to miss the Farmers Market. It has fresh food, yummy treats, and great handmade stuff from 50 vendors.
Explore Retail Destinations
There are plenty of other shopping spots in Lee’s Summit too. Check out Summit Woods Crossing for a nice mix of big brands and local stores. Or visit Summit Fair for many shops and places to eat. For cool vintage stuff, head to Greenwood Vintage Market or As Time Goes By.
Seasonal Events and Celebrations
Lee’s Summit always has something fun happening. There are over 112 events each year in the downtown area. These include art fairs, Halloween fun, and tree lightings. The Downtown Days event each year draws around 100,000 people. It’s a big celebration of the local scene and community.
Lee’s Summit, MO, mixes shopping, events, and local flavor perfectly. Whether it’s new clothes, home decorations, or fresh food, there’s something for everyone. Come and see what makes this city so special.
| Retail Destination | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Summit Woods Crossing | 2.5 out of 5 | 2 |
| Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street | 4.5 out of 5 | 4 |
| As Time Goes By | 4.9 out of 5 | 8 |
| Summit Fair | 3.7 out of 5 | 3 |
| Revive Upscale Resale Clothing | 3.7 out of 5 | 14 |
| Living Stone | 5.0 out of 5 | 2 |
| Greenwood Vintage Market | 4.0 out of 5 | 1 |
| A Thyme For Everything | 3.6 out of 5 | 8 |
“Downtown Lee’s Summit is a shopper’s paradise, offering an unparalleled variety of local and unique retail experiences.”
Nearby Kansas City Attractions
Just a quick drive from Lee’s Summit is lively Kansas City. It’s a city full of fun things to see and do. You can check out museums, go to sports games, or enjoy cultural events. Lots of exciting day trips await you in the Lee’s Summit area.
Explore the Wonders of Kansas City
Your adventure in Kansas City starts at the City Market. It sees over 1.3 million visitors yearly, making it the region’s top farmers’ market. Walk around the colorful stalls, try local food, and feel the buzz.
For art lovers, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-visit. It has more than 40,000 art pieces, making it world-famous. Also, don’t miss the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s grown a lot and is now a top place for modern art in the U.S.
If you’re with family, head to Crown Center in downtown KC. There, you can watch free outdoor movies, enjoy live music in summer, and see the Mayor’s Christmas Tree in winter. It’s fun for all ages.
Sports lovers will enjoy watching teams like the Chiefs (NFL) or the Royals (MLB). Kansas City is known for its sports. It’s a perfect spot for sports fans.
Don’t forget to see the city’s over 200 majestic fountains. That’s why it’s called the “City of Fountains”. The Mill Creek Fountain is a popular fountain spot.
“Kansas City is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in arts, culture, sports, or outdoor adventures, there are countless opportunities to create lasting memories during your day trips and excursions from Lee’s Summit.”
Kansas City is a great match for Lee’s Summit’s beauty and peace. It’s a wonderful place for day trips and adventures when visiting the area.
Accommodations for Every Traveler
Coming to Lee’s Summit, MO for work or fun? You’ll find a place to stay here for any need or budget. You can choose from small, welcoming bed and breakfasts to sleek, new hotels. Each choice offers a cozy spot for your visit.
If you want, Lee’s Summit has a room for you, starting from luxury 5-star places down to simple 1-star spots. They aim to please, letting you pick what fits your style and wallet. The top places earn high marks, loved for their tasty breakfasts, cushy beds, and great service. Guests often leave feeling happy about their time there.
| Hotel | Star Rating | Review Score | Price per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Garden Inn Lee’s Summit | 3 stars | 9.2 | $123.18 |
| Comfort Inn & Suites Lee’s Summit | 2 stars | 8.5 | $86.91 |
| Hampton Inn Lee’s Summit | 3 stars | 8.9 | $109.85 |
| Best Western Plus Lee’s Summit Hotel | 3 stars | 8.7 | $99.18 |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lee’s Summit | 2 stars | 8.3 | $92.76 |
| Super 8 by Wyndham Lee’s Summit | 1 star | 5.2 | $61.20 |
| Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lee’s Summit | 3 stars | 8.6 | $103.48 |
People also love the good location. They talk about how handy it is to be near food spots, shops, and highways. Looking for a fancy stay or something easy on the wallet? Lee’s Summit has plenty of hotels and lodging options to make your visit great.
“The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating. The room was clean and comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious. I would definitely stay here again.”
When you’re getting ready for Lee’s Summit, think about where you’d like to stay. There are many lodging options, all waiting to make your Missouri trip memorable.
Getting Around Lee’s Summit
Navigating Lee’s Summit is simple. The city has a great transportation setup. This lets visitors check out everything easily, from fun attractions to local spots.
Transportation Options
In Lee’s Summit, you’ll find many ways to travel. There’s public transit and ridesharing. It’s all designed to help people move around the city.
- Public Transportation: The KC Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) runs buses. They go all around, including Lee’s Summit. This makes it easy to travel the area and reach other nearby places.
- Rideshare Services: Uber and Lyft operate here. Their services make it convenient for people to see the city without driving themselves.
- Driving: With good roads and lots of parking, driving around Lee’s Summit is popular. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of their own car in the city.
If you like buses, rideshares, or driving, Lee’s Summit has something for you. It ensures everyone has a smooth and fun travel experience.
| Transportation Option | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Embers Candle Bar | 4.8 out of 5 | 26 |
| Arcade Alley | 3.7 out of 5 | 17 |
| Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure | 4.6 out of 5 | 7 |
| K1 Speed – Lee’s Summit | 2.5 out of 5 | 11 |
| MY Play Cafe – Lee’s Summit | 4.8 out of 5 | 19 |
| The Exit Room | 4.9 out of 5 | 18 |
| Shady Acres Haunted House | 5.0 out of 5 | 1 |
| The W | 4.6 out of 5 | 60 |
| Kansas City Laser Tag | 5.0 out of 5 | 1 |
The table lists different travel options in Lee’s Summit, along with ratings and reviews. It’s great info for planning your visit’s transportation.
“Lee’s Summit’s transportation network makes it easy to explore the city. Everyone can find a way that suits them to see the sights.”
First-time visitors or locals in Lee’s Summit will love the smooth travel options. The city’s transport system is set up to help you enjoy all it offers.
Conclusion
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, is a lively city full of diverse things to do. It has a pretty downtown, outdoor fun, and tasty local food. This city will make every visit memorable, whether it’s a short trip or a longer one.
The city has many events, both paid and free, like the Jamaican Jam and Blues Fest at Legacy Park Amphitheater. There are also Moonlight Yoga classes. Lee’s Summit works hard to make sure visitors have a great time, from the food to the culture and nature.
Before your trip, learn about the rules for events in Lee’s Summit. This includes what you can bring, where you can smoke, and what help is available. The city aims to keep you safe and happy, making you want to come back. It’s a top spot for anyone interested in nature, culture, or just having a great break.
