10 Fun Facts About Kansas City You Didn't Know

Kansas City is a vibrant hub of culture, history, and surprises waiting to be uncovered. While many know it as a center for jazz and barbecue, there are countless lesser-known facts that make this city truly unique. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to explore more, hopping on a Kansas City Airport Shuttle can be the perfect way to dive into the city’s hidden gems and intriguing trivia.

Did you know that Kansas City boasts more boulevards than any city except Paris? Or that it has more fountains than any place in the world except Rome? This “City of Fountains” combines historical elegance with modern flair, making it a memorable destination. From its roots in jazz music to its sports legends and thriving arts scene, Kansas City has a story behind every corner. The shuttle ride from the airport gives visitors a chance to catch a glimpse of these landmarks, while a knowledgeable driver may even share some fun local insights. 

Exploring Kansas City’s quirky facts adds depth to any trip, and with Kansas City Airport Shuttle, discovering them is as convenient as it is exciting.

Birthplace of Kansas City-Style Barbecue

Kansas City is celebrated as the birthplace of a distinct barbecue style that has captured taste buds worldwide. Kansas City-style barbecue is known for its rich, smoky flavors and a signature tomato-based sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and often has a hint of spice. Unlike other regional barbecue styles, Kansas City barbecue isn’t restricted to one type of meat. From tender brisket to juicy ribs, pulled pork, and even chicken, Kansas City’s barbecue tradition is all about variety.

This iconic style dates back to the early 1900s, when Henry Perry, known as the "father of Kansas City barbecue," began selling slow-smoked meats from an outdoor pit. Perry’s influence inspired others, leading to the city’s vibrant barbecue culture. Today, Kansas City is home to over 100 barbecue restaurants, each adding its own twist to the classic style.

Visitors and locals alike embrace the city’s BBQ legacy, celebrated annually at events like the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, one of the world’s largest barbecue competitions. Kansas City’s smoky, savory BBQ is more than food—it’s a cultural experience, representing the city’s love for bold flavors, community, and culinary creativity.

Home to the National World War I Museum

Kansas City proudly houses the National World War I Museum and Memorial, one of the world’s foremost institutions dedicated to understanding World War I and its global impact. As one of the few museums in the United States that focuses exclusively on “The Great War,” it stands as a testament to the era’s profound influence on international relations, including the evolution of global transportation. During World War I, advancements in transportation—such as the development of armored vehicles, airplanes, and naval fleets—transformed the ways nations moved troops and resources, reshaping both warfare and the future of travel worldwide.

The museum showcases over 300,000 artifacts, from weapons and uniforms to personal letters, alongside immersive exhibits that recreate battlefields and trenches. The Liberty Memorial Tower, which rises 217 feet, offers panoramic views of Kansas City and symbolizes the sacrifices made during the war. As visitors explore the exhibits, they gain a greater appreciation of how World War I accelerated innovations that would influence global transportation infrastructure for decades.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the National World War I Museum offers invaluable insights into how the war impacted our world, including the modern-day systems of travel and transportation we rely on today.