As part of my AA FLY3 run, I will be arriving into MCI at 10:40pm on Sat., May 13, and leaving at 6:25am the next morning.

This isn't your typical "what is there to do?" request. I have a thing where I'd like to physicially visit all 50 states, and while I've been to MO (STL) I have not stepped foot in KS.

So, my question... is there any late-night happenings in Kansas City, KS? Anything I should see/experience? Perhaps a restaurant (BBQ!)? (And I suppose if there's a must-see in KC, MO, please let me know that too ;)).

And for such a short amount of time, should I rent a car, use public transport, or taxi it?

Thanks ^

EDIT - ok, NOW it's a "what is there to do?" request, since I'll be overnighting in MCI on 4/25, 4/29, and 5/13.

My parents live in Kansas City, KS, and from what I've seen, it's pretty dead at night - most of the fun stuff is on the MO side. One thing I can def tell you: do NOT attempt to use Public Transport or take a cab. The airport is literally in the middle of nowhere - you'll save a ton by renting a car...

I live in Overland Park, KS which is about 30 minutes from MCI. Kansas City, KS itself is a complete dump and not safe at night, however, the suburbs (Overland Park, Shawnee, Lenexa) are very nice. As for BBQ, everything will be closed unfortunately (we happen to the city that sleeps).

If I am around on May 13 I wouldnt mind doing the late night tour of KC.

While there isn't much to do in Kansas City, Kansas, there is a new Dave & Busters that's open until 2am about 30 minutes from the airport. It's not bad, but it is a generic National chain.

If you're looking for BBQ, there's a Gates BBQ (http://www.gatesbbq.com) on Main St. in Kansas City, Missouri that's open until 1am. Or at least it was a few years ago when I lived near it. The area around the restaurant isn't the greatest, but if you need directions let me know. Otherwise, it might help to have a KC FTer as a travel guide.

Once you've had your BBQ, Kansas is only a short drive away -- 10-15 minutes. The state line is truly a road called State Line. Then you can say you've been in Kansas. You can also route through KCK on your way back to the airport. Since KC closes up pretty early, there won't be much to do other than head back to the airport.

If I am around on May 13 I wouldnt mind doing the late night tour of KC.

I appreciate the offer, and I might even take you up on it... thanks ^

Gates BBQ sounds just like the thing for my post-TX run... I will look into it. Thanks nfc :D

And B-52 ;) I will probably rent a car on your suggestion.

Weeee... middle of the country, here I come!

And B-52 ;) I will probably rent a car on your suggestion.
I rented a car at Thrify just earlier this week. Got an $11.99/day rate for three days. I went to sign for it and, no joke, the bill was for $150! Four times as much as the rate.

Turns out $75 was in "prepaid gas" or something crazy, and I brought the tank back full and it was removed. It better have been removed, I still have to doublecheck. It's just an impressive amount of fees at that airport.

I've been to K.C. several times on business but it's just not a hoppin town. It's a pretty straightlaced midwestern city in my opinion. Since you are basically there for all of 8 hours, you will spend close to 40 minutes each way just getting from MCI downtown. Downtown is technically in MO anyway, only the western burbs are in KS and they are miles and miles of professional buildings with outlet malls and chain road house restaurants.

If you have to go there for 8 hours, I'd save some money and sleep at the airport.

Rent the car, and drive a few miles west from the airport to Leavenworth, KS. The federal prison (as floodlit at night) is one of the most fascinatingly eerie sights you'll ever see or photograph.

Rent the car, and drive a few miles west from the airport to Leavenworth, KS. The federal prison (as floodlit at night) is one of the most fascinatingly eerie sights you'll ever see or photograph.

LEAVENWORTH! Ok, I'm a dork, but I'm actually oddly curious enough to want to see that. I think I just got my late-night thing to do in KS.

How fun, did I mention I have another overnight in MCI on April 29? Is there something going on that weekend? I can't seem to get a cheap Priceline room.

How fun, did I mention I have another overnight in MCI on April 29? Is there something going on that weekend? I can't seem to get a cheap Priceline room.


Agreed. Can't find a room cheap for Friday night, April 28th, either. Ideas?

Agreed. Can't find a room cheap for Friday night, April 28th, either. Ideas?

Rent a car and sleep in it? That's the best I have right now.

Ugh... got PL to give me a room on 4/28 for $50++, $66 all in - AmeriSuites.

So who's gonna be around 4/28 and 5/13? (Those ARE Saturday nights). Is there ANYTHING that's 24hrs there?

Ugh... got PL to give me a room on 4/28 for $50++, $66 all in - AmeriSuites.

So who's gonna be around 4/28 and 5/13? (Those ARE Saturday nights). Is there ANYTHING that's 24hrs there?


I'll definitely be around those nights. As far as 24 hours goes...not much....the bars on the Missouri side stay open 2:30am...and there is a few late night "eateries" (aka greasy spoons) that stay open 24 hours. Unfortunately, all the fun here in KC stops about 2am. :(

The casinos are open 24 hours on the weekends. However, if you are used to gambling in other places (Vegas, Tunica), Missouri casinos will probably drive you crazy with the rules & regulations.

count me in for late night fun. Leavenworth prison sounds pretty cool.

Arthur Bryants at the Ameristar casino is open until 1am on Friday and Saturday.

We'll have to coordinate, because I will be down for all those things.

Schedule Update: I will be spending the night in MCI on April 25, April 29, and May 13. So far, I've PLed a room for the 29th, reserved something on the 13th, and seriously considering just hanging out on the 29th. Is the MCI airport open all night? Or would I have to rent a car?

Geez... I've been searching for something to do at night in MCI... apparently sleeping at the airport isn't even a good idea!

Right now, my plan is to sit at MCI from 11:30pm-5am (when I can go into the AC), unless someone has a better idea. Depressing!

Geez... I've been searching for something to do at night in MCI... apparently sleeping at the airport isn't even a good idea!

Right now, my plan is to sit at MCI from 11:30pm-5am (when I can go into the AC), unless someone has a better idea. Depressing!

You could get a shuttle to one of the nearby hotels that has a bar & hang out there until closing time. Bars can be open until 3:00 in MO, but I doubt any of the nearby hotels stay open that late. You might be able to find one that is open until 1:00.

You could get a shuttle to one of the nearby hotels that has a bar & hang out there until closing time. Bars can be open until 3:00 in MO, but I doubt any of the nearby hotels stay open that late. You might be able to find one that is open until 1:00.

That's a good idea... I'll call around and ask. It should kill a couple hours at least. Hopefully the hotels will have WiFi access in the lobby, so I can get some work done too.

Any place that's 24/7? I searched for Denny's, and there's not even one within 10 miles of MCI :eek:

Reporting in from MCI... to say the gate to curb distance is short is a severe understatement. I step out of the glass box and BAM it's right there! I actually think it's a unique and great design.. too bad it's not a more major airport.

If any insomniacs want to come hang out with me, I'm landside by the AC :D

So who's still up for late night in KC? :D