Discover the Charm of Kansas City Through Its Iconic Film Settings

“Kansas City, here I come!” goes the old jazz standard, and indeed, this Midwestern gem has been a cherished destination for filmmakers, authors, and TV producers alike. The city’s vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes have served as the perfect backdrop for numerous famous films, TV shows, and books. In this guide, we delve into the cinematic allure of Kansas City, offering travel tips, trivia, and suggestions for your upcoming trip.

Kansas City in Film: From Classic Cinema to Modern Masterpieces

Kansas City, Missouri, fondly known as the “Heart of America,” has been featured prominently in numerous films over the years. From classic cinema to modern masterpieces, the city’s charm has been captured beautifully on the silver screen.

Classic Films Shot in Kansas City

Kansas City’s cinematic history traces back to the early days of film. Here are some classic films that were shot in Kansas City:

1. “In Cold Blood” (1967)  – Directed by Richard Brooks. This chilling true-crime film, based on Truman Capote’s eponymous novel, features scenes shot in various Kansas City locations.
2. “Paper Moon” (1973)  – Directed by Peter Bogdanovich. This Depression-era comedy-drama starring Ryan O’Neal and his daughter Tatum was partially filmed in St. Joseph, a small city near Kansas City.
3. “Kansas City” (1996)  – Directed by Robert Altman. This crime film starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and Miranda Richardson was shot entirely on location, offering viewers a glimpse of Kansas City during the Jazz Age.

Contemporary Films Shot in Kansas City

In recent years, Kansas City has continued to attract filmmakers with its unique blend of Midwestern charm and urban sophistication. Here are some contemporary films shot in Kansas City:

1. “Gone Girl” (2014)  – Directed by David Fincher. While the primary setting of this thriller is a fictional Missouri town, some scenes were shot in Kansas City.
2. “American Honey” (2016)  – Directed by Andrea Arnold. This coming-of-age drama about a teenage girl who joins a traveling magazine sales crew features several scenes shot in Kansas City.
3. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017)  – Directed by Martin McDonagh. While the film is set in a fictional town, several scenes were shot in the Kansas City area.

Kansas City on the Small Screen: TV Shows Set in Kansas City

Kansas City’s appeal extends beyond the big screen to the realm of television. Numerous TV shows have found a home in this vibrant city, presenting it in a variety of creative contexts.

1. “Switched at Birth” (2011–2017)  – Created by Lizzy Weiss. This drama series about two teenagers who discover they were switched at birth is set in the Kansas City suburb of Mission Hills.
2. “Queer Eye” (2018–present)  – This Netflix reality series, which focuses on the “Fab Five” as they give lifestyle makeovers to individuals, filmed its third and fourth seasons in Kansas City.
3. “The Day After” (1983)  – Directed by Nicholas Meyer. This chilling TV movie about the effects of a devastating nuclear holocaust was filmed and set in Lawrence and Kansas City.

Animated Films Set in the Heart of America

Kansas City’s enchanting landscapes and cityscapes have also provided inspiration for animated films. Here are a few animated films set in or inspired by the city:

1. “Lady and the Tramp” (1955)  – Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, and Hamilton Luske. While not explicitly set in Kansas City, Walt Disney’s childhood in the city reportedly inspired the film’s setting.
2. “The Triplets of Belleville” (2003)  – Directed by Sylvain Chomet. This French animated comedy-drama features a scene where the characters watch a jazz performance on TV, which is announced as being from Kansas City.
3. “We’re Back! A Dinosaur’s Story” (1993)  – Directed by Phil Nibbelink and Simon Wells. The film’s main antagonist, Professor Screweyes, mentions he ran a “Mystic Circus” in Kansas City.

Famous Books Set in Kansas City: A Blend of Classic and Contemporary Literature

Kansas City’s rich history and cultural significance have also made it a popular setting for numerous literary works. Here are three classic and three contemporary books set in Kansas City:

Classic Books Set in Kansas City

1. “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote  – This riveting true-crime novel is set in Holcomb, Kansas, and Kansas City, where the murderers were captured and tried.
2. “The Plague of Doves” by Louise Erdrich  – Although set in North Dakota, the novel’s protagonist, Mooshum, moves to Kansas City at one point in the novel.
3. “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum  – While the story primarily takes place in the magical land of Oz, Dorothy hails from Kansas, which includes Kansas City.

Contemporary Books Set in Kansas City

1. “Kansas City Lightning: The Rise and Times of Charlie Parker” by Stanley Crouch (2013)  – This biography narrates the life of jazz legend Charlie Parker, who was born in Kansas City.
2. “The Good Lieutenant” by Whitney Terrell (2016)  – This novel tells the story of Lieutenant Emma Fowler, a native of Kansas City, during the Iraq War.
3. “November Road” by Lou Berney (2018)  – This crime novel set in the aftermath of the JFK assassination sees some of its characters passing through Kansas City.

Exploring Kansas City’s Filming Locations: Where to Go

To fully immerse yourself in Kansas City’s film history, there are several key locations you must visit. Here are ten must-visit filming locations in Kansas City:

1. Union Station  – As seen in “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” (1990). This historic train station is a city landmark and a great stop for history and architecture buffs.
2. 18th & Vine Jazz District  – As seen in “Kansas City” (1996). This district was the center of the jazz scene in the 1920s and ’30s, and it remains a significant cultural hub today.
3. Country Club Plaza  – As seen in “In Cold Blood” (1967). This shopping district is known for its Spanish-style architecture.
4. West Bottoms  – As seen in “American Honey” (2016). This industrial area has a distinctive look that’s perfect for capturing the grittier side of the city.
5. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art  – As seen in “The Day After” (1983). This art museum is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
6. The Midland Theatre  – As seen in “Queer Eye” (2018–present). This theater is a vibrant spot for concerts and other performances.
7. Liberty Memorial  – As seen in “The Day After” (1983). This World War I memorial offers stunning views of the city.
8. River Market  – As seen in “Queer Eye” (2018–present). This bustling market is a foodie’s paradise.
9. Kauffman Stadium  – As seen in “Moneyball” (2011). This stadium is home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team.

10.Sauer Castle – As seen in “Ghost Hunters” (2004–present). This castle is a local landmark known for its beautiful architecture—and its ghost stories.

Where to Sleep in Kansas City: From Budget to Luxury

Kansas City offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are our suggestions for budget accommodations and luxury stays in Kansas City:

Budget Accommodations

1. 816 Hotel  – This budget-friendly hotel is located near the Country Club Plaza and offers comfortable rooms and free breakfast.
2. Hotel Kansas City in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt  – This hotel, located in a historic building, offers affordable rates and a convenient downtown location.
3. Comfort Inn & Suites Kansas City Downtown  – This hotel offers budget-friendly rates and a free hot breakfast.

Luxury Accommodations

1. 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City  – This boutique hotel offers luxury accommodations and a rooftop bar with city views.
2. The Fontaine  – This luxury hotel is located on the Country Club Plaza and offers spacious rooms and a rooftop pool.
3. The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center  – This luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and several dining options.

Where to Eat in Kansas City: From Budget Bites to Luxury Dining

Kansas City is known for its vibrant food scene, which includes the famous Kansas City-style barbecue. Here are our recommendations for both budget-friendly eats and luxury dining in Kansas City:

Budget Eats

1. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que  – Known for their mouthwatering barbecue, this is a must-visit for food lovers.
2. Town Topic  – This classic diner serves up delicious burgers and shakes at wallet-friendly prices.
3. Papu’s Café  – This food truck serves affordable and flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.

Luxury Dining

1. The Capital Grille  – This upscale steakhouse in the Country Club Plaza offers an unforgettable dining experience.
2. The Rieger  – Located in a historic building, this restaurant serves up innovative dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
3. Bluestem  – This award-winning restaurant offers a luxury dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally.

Detailed Itinerary: Exploring Kansas City’s Filming Locations Day by Day

To make the most of your film-themed trip to Kansas City, we’ve curated a detailed itinerary that will take you to the city’s most iconic filming locations.

Day 1: Downtown Kansas City

• Start your day at Union Station, the filming location for “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” (1990).
• Head to the 18th & Vine Jazz District, featured in “Kansas City” (1996).
• Have lunch at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a local favorite.
• Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, as seen in “The Day After” (1983).
• End your day with dinner at The Capital Grille in the Country Club Plaza.

Day 2: Kansas City Landmarks

• Begin your day at the Liberty Memorial, featured in “The Day After” (1983).
• Visit the Country Club Plaza, the filming location for “In Cold Blood” (1967).
• Have lunch at Town Topic, a classic Kansas City diner.
• Spend the afternoon exploring West Bottoms, featured in “American Honey” (2016).
• End your day with dinner at The Rieger, an upscale restaurant located in a historic building.

Day 3: Hidden Gems

• Start your day at the River Market, as seen in “Queer Eye” (2018–present).
• Visit the Midland Theatre, another “Queer Eye” location.
• Have lunch at Papu’s Café, a local food truck serving Mediterranean cuisine.
• Spend the afternoon at Sauer Castle, featured in “Ghost Hunters” (2004–present).
• End your day with dinner at Bluestem, an award-winning restaurant in Westport.

Local Legends and Curiosities about Kansas City’s Film Industry

Kansas City’s film industry has its own share of legends and curiosities. For instance, did you know that Kansas City native Robert Altman, director of “MAS*H” (1970) and “Nashville” (1975), used the city as the setting for his film “Kansas City” (1996)? Or that Kansas City was the setting for “Superman” (1988), the first American television series filmed entirely in color?

Another interesting fact is that the film “The Day After” (1983), which depicts the catastrophic impact of a nuclear war on Kansas City, was so realistic and impactful that it reportedly influenced President Ronald Reagan’s nuclear policies.

Hidden Gems: Discover Lesser-Known Filming Locations in Kansas City

While Kansas City’s iconic landmarks often steal the spotlight, the city is also home to several lesser-known filming locations that are worth checking out. Here are a few hidden gems:

1. Ward Parkway  – This beautiful boulevard was featured in “American Honey” (2016) and is known for its stately homes.
2. Shawnee Indian Mission State Historic Site  – This historic site was featured in “Ride with the Devil” (1999) and offers a glimpse into the area’s Native American history.
3. Tom’s Town Distilling Co.  – This distillery was featured in “Queer Eye” (2018–present) and offers guided tours and tastings.
4. Webster House  – This historic building, now housing a restaurant and boutique, was featured in “Gone Girl” (2014).
5. The Scout  – This iconic statue, featured in “In Cold Blood” (1967), offers stunning views of the city skyline.

What to Pack for a Trip to Kansas City: From Essentials to Extras

When packing for your film-themed trip to Kansas City, consider the city’s varied weather conditions and the activities you plan to do. Here are some suggestions on what to pack for your trip:

Clothes and Accessories

• Pack a mix of lightweight clothing and layers. Kansas City’s weather can be unpredictable, with hot summers and cold winters.
• Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the city’s filming locations.
• Don’t forget your camera to capture the city’s cinematic sights.
• Pack an umbrella or a rain jacket, as Kansas City can experience rain throughout the year.

Travel Documents

• Ensure you have a valid ID or passport.
• Carry a copy of your travel insurance policy.
• Have a printout of your hotel and travel bookings.

Miscellaneous

• Pack a portable charger for your electronic devices.
• Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Consider packing a notebook to jot down your observations and experiences.

Transportation Tips for Navigating Kansas City’s Filming Locations

Navigating Kansas City’s filming locations is relatively easy thanks to the city’s efficient public transportation system. Here are some tips on getting around:

• Kansas City Streetcar: This free streetcar service runs through downtown Kansas City, making it easy to visit many filming locations.
• Bus: Kansas City’s bus system is extensive and covers most of the city.
• Car: Renting a car can be a good option if you plan to visit filming locations outside the city center.
• Bike: Kansas City has several bike rental services, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels.
• Walking: Many of Kansas City’s most iconic filming locations are within walking distance of each other in the downtown area.

Whether you’re a film buff, a book lover, or a TV series enthusiast, Kansas City offers a wealth of cinematic and literary experiences. With its rich film history, captivating filming locations, and vibrant culture, Kansas City truly is a film lover’s paradise. So, pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the cinematic charm of Kansas City, the Heart of America!