Going to Kansas City: What to do in the Northland

With the World Cup starting today, and the first game in Kansas City right around the corner, visitors are flooding into town. While the FIFA Fan Fest and the stadium will be buzzing with FIFA World Cup energy, crossing the Missouri River into the Northland rewards you with incredible local flavors, hidden history, and pristine parks.

Here is your guide to exploring the local side of KC, north of the Missouri River.

Everything You Need to Know about the World Cup in Kansas City

Local Eats

Danny’s Burger Shack (Gladstone)

If you are looking for the quintessential American smash burger, this family-owned gem is a must-visit. They use fresh, never-frozen certified Black Angus beef served on local bakery buns, paired with perfectly crispy hand-made onion rings. I’m a big fan of the tater tots and Roy’s lemonade.

Champion Burrito (Gladstone)

For a quick, massive, and incredibly flavorful meal between matches, head here for authentic Mexican street food. Their heavily stuffed burritos and fresh street tacos are legendary among locals looking for a real taste of the Southwest. Or if you are up early, their breakfast burritos are a delight as well.

The Italian Sausage Company (Gladstone)

Part local deli and part culinary destination, this spot serves up massive, scratch-made Italian sandwiches loaded with premium cured meats. Don’t leave without browsing their market shelves for unique culinary souvenirs and house-made specialties.

Leo’s Pizza (Gladstone)

Experience authentic Kansas City-style pizza, characterized by an ultra-thin, cracker-like crust and a distinctively rich blend of Provel cheese. It is cut into squares and topped with a robust, perfectly spiced sauce that has kept locals coming back for decades. If provel and square pizza sounds familiar, they claim to be the original!

Meddy’s (Liberty)

This bright, fast-casual spot serves up exceptionally fresh and vibrant Mediterranean cuisine like shawarma wraps, hummus, and bowls. It is the perfect refreshing alternative to heavy game-day pub food. They are a chain, but they are local to Kansas and have expanded to KC.

Tree Hugger Kitchen (North Kansas City)

A plant-based paradise, this spot crafts comforting, flavorful vegan versions of classic diner foods, burgers, and wraps. It proves that eating sustainably doesn’t mean skipping out on rich, hearty indulgence.

Sweet EMOtion KC (North Kansas City)

This clever, emo-themed dessert parlor specializes in completely vegan, oat-milk-based soft serve and loaded “sad cream” concretes. With unique toppings and a nostalgic, alternative vibe, it is a fun, sweet escape after a long day at the pitches. Don’t let the “vegan” part scare you off, as a meat eater with a sweet tooth, I still love this place!

Taco Rico (Gladstone)

This beloved neighborhood spot is a go-to destination for authentic, no-nonsense street tacos served on fresh, warm corn tortillas. Packed with perfectly seasoned meats like pastor, carne asada or barbacoa and topped with crisp cilantro and onions, it offers a quick, delicious, and incredibly budget-friendly taste of the Northland.

Entertainment & Shopping

Screenland Armour Theatre (North Kansas City)

Catch a film or enjoy a drink at Kansas City’s oldest historic independent movie theatre. Beyond showing a mix of new releases, classics, and foreign films, they feature a massive taproom with over 100 craft beers and a retro arcade.

Welco Brewing Project (Smithville)

Housed in a beautifully converted historic gasoline filling station, this neighborhood brewpub spins out excellent rotating craft beers and artisan cocktails. Grab a pint, relax on the covered patio, and chat with local sports fans.

Captain’s Corner (Paradise)

Located right near Smithville Lake, this beloved, no-frills local bar is the ultimate spot to experience true Midwestern hospitality. It’s a great place to crush a domestic beer, grab a bite, and unwind far away from the chaotic stadium crowds. They also feature delicious daily specials that are can’t miss.

Zona Rosa (Kansas City)

This expansive outdoor shopping and dining district is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon walking around. Make sure to visit The Pink Dinosaur boutique for trendy clothing and gifts, and Draftcade to enjoy 60+ vintage arcade games alongside a massive pour-your-own beer wall.

Thrills & Family Fun

Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun

This massive, dual-theme amusement and water park offers a world-class lineup of towering roller coasters and looping waterslides. It’s an exhilarating day trip for families and adrenaline junkies looking for big thrills outside the stadium.

T-Shotz (Kansas City)

Perfect for groups, this high-tech driving range features climate-controlled hitting bays, interactive gaming screens, and a fantastic food and drink menu. You don’t need to be a golf pro to enjoy the competitive, lively atmosphere here.

PowerPlay & The Sandbox

This massive indoor fun center is an adrenaline junkie’s dream, packed with attractions for the kids. Inside features a sprawling arcade floor, indoor go-karts, a laser tag arena, and classic rides like a carousel and tilt-a-whirl. Located right next door, The Sandbox is a lively sports bar and outdoor recreation venue and is the ultimate hangout spot on a sunny day. It features sand volleyball and pickleball courts, an expansive yard games area, and a two-story restaurant boasting over 35 draft beers and great rooftop views.

History & Heritage

Jesse James Farm & Bank Museum (Kearney/Liberty)

Step right into the American Wild West by visiting the birthplace of the notorious outlaw Jesse James. You can tour his original log farmhouse and visit the nearby historic bank museum, which was the site of the first daylight bank robbery in US history.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

Nestled in a scenic park, this unique open-air museum features authentic 19th-century log cabins and historic homes relocated from around Missouri. Walking the grounds feels like stepping out of a time machine into the 1800s.

Outdoor Adventures

English Landing Park & Downtown Parkville

Set right along the banks of the sweeping Missouri River, this gorgeous park offers miles of scenic walking trails and open green spaces. Afterward, simply walk up the street to explore downtown Parkville’s historic brick buildings, antique shops, mini-golf and local cafés.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

If you need a quiet moment to recharge, this hidden gem features peaceful, heavily forested hiking trails that wind past rugged limestone bluffs and a serene waterfall. It is a completely protected sanctuary for local wildlife right in the city’s backyard.

Line Creek Trail

This paved, 8-mile linear trail traces the path of Line Creek through dense woods, offering a shaded route perfect for a morning run or bike ride. Keep your eyes peeled, as it is very common to spot white-tailed deer and native birds along the way.

Staley Farms Golf Club

This premier destination offers an exceptional experience for golf enthusiasts visiting the Northland. Staley Farms Golf Club is both beautiful and challenging. It also has a very nice clubhouse.

No list will cover everything and there are plenty of other great places to experience, so keep exploring! This list is heavily influenced by me, my For the Glory KC co-host (and wife) and our friends. What did we miss? Leave a comment so others know too!