Help me plan my anniversary trip

Question

Hello,

My husband and I were looking to take an anniversary trip to Kansas city Missouri at the end of May for 6 days. Every vacation we go on we try to go to as many states as possible until we get to all 50. So I was thinking kansas city Missouri and kansas then drive to Des Moines and then to omaha (for the zoo).

So if you have suggestions on:

-What romantic things to do on our anniversary in the kansas city area

- the time we should spend in each city

- cool things that are a must see

I will mention neither of us drink, we're in our 30's so adventure would be cool, both can spend a long time walking, we like the outdoors, won't have kids with us, obviously will have a car.

I'm not dead set on des Moines or omaha so if you recommend another route that will get us in multiple states let's hear it.

Answer

Planning a 6-day anniversary trip through Kansas City, Kansas, and possibly Iowa or Nebraska offers a wonderful mix of city exploration, outdoor adventures, and romantic experiences. Since you enjoy walking, the outdoors, and adventure, I’ve tailored suggestions to make the trip both memorable and active.

Kansas City, Missouri & Kansas (2–3 days):

Romantic & cultural experiences: Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art for a stroll through beautiful galleries and its outdoor sculpture park. Consider the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art for more modern exhibits.
Outdoor activities: Walk or rent bikes along the Country Club Plaza or Loose Park Rose Garden. The Kauffman Memorial Garden and Powell Gardens are also perfect for romantic outdoor exploration.
Adventure & unique experiences: Explore the City Market area, which has artisan shops, local food, and weekend farmers’ markets. Take a scenic drive or hike in Swope Park, which is the largest urban park in the city with trails and nature areas.
Historic & iconic spots: Union Station, Liberty Memorial & National WWI Museum, and the Boulevard Drive-In or historic neighborhoods like Westport for charming streets to explore on foot.

Kansas City to Des Moines, Iowa (1 day drive, ~3.5–4 hours):

Stop at scenic or historic small towns along I-35, such as Indianola (home of the National Balloon Museum) or Story City for local charm.
In Des Moines, enjoy the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Des Moines Art Center, and the Downtown Farmers’ Market if visiting on a weekend.
Walk or bike along the Principal Riverwalk, which is very scenic and great for couples.

Des Moines to Omaha, Nebraska (1 day drive, ~2 hours):

Omaha is perfect for animal lovers—visit the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, which is consistently rated one of the best in the country.
For outdoor adventure, check out the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and nearby riverfront parks for walking with scenic views.
Historic Old Market District offers boutique shopping, galleries, and outdoor cafes.

Alternative route for multiple states:

Instead of heading straight north, consider taking I-70 west to visit Kansas and then Missouri towns like Columbia, MO, or Jefferson City before swinging up to Des Moines. This lets you hit more states and enjoy smaller towns.
Another option is heading north through Iowa, then looping into South Dakota briefly to see Sioux Falls or the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center along the Missouri River, before dropping down into Nebraska for Omaha.

Timing & pacing:

Kansas City: 2–3 days—enough time for museums, parks, and a full day of outdoor activities.
Des Moines: 1 day—enough for highlights and walking along the riverfront.
Omaha: 1 day—mainly the zoo and a scenic stroll around Old Market.
Use driving days as part of the adventure, stopping at scenic towns and parks along the way.

Overall, this route balances city culture, romantic outdoor settings, adventure, and multiple states while keeping driving reasonable. Flexibility allows for extra time in Kansas City or detours to interesting small towns along the way.

Help me plan my anniversary trip

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