Scenic Midwest Road Trip: Aurora to Wichita via St. Louis and Kansas City

Day 1: Explore St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Rooster, known for its fresh ingredients and excellent coffee. Open from 7:30am to 2:00pm.
USD20, 1h

10:30am

Visit Gateway Arch National Park

Explore the iconic Gateway Arch and take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
USD16, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at Pappy's Smokehouse

Taste the famous dry-rub ribs at Pappy's Smokehouse, one of St. Louis' top BBQ joints. It’s a perfect prelude to Kansas City’s BBQ scene. Open 11am-8pm.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Forest Park

Spend the afternoon in Forest Park, home to beautiful landscapes, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Saint Louis Zoo. The park is open year-round.
Free entry to park, museum and zoo also free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Neighborhood

Enjoy an Italian dinner in The Hill, St. Louis' charming Italian district with many authentic restaurants. Try Rigazzi's or Cunetto House of Pasta.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Kansas City BBQ & Culture

Kansas City, Missouri on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Succotash

Enjoy a funky and filling breakfast at Succotash, famous for its creative Southern-style dishes. Open 7:30am to 2:00pm.
USD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive from St. Louis to Kansas City

The drive takes about 4 hours; enjoy scenic views along the way across Missouri.
USD0, 4h

1:30pm

BBQ Lunch at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Dine at Joe's Kansas City, a must-visit BBQ spot hailed among the best nationally for its ribs and burnt ends. Open 11am to 8pm.
USD25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Explore one of the premier art museums in the US with beautiful gardens. Open 10am to 5pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Q39

Experience upscale Kansas City BBQ at Q39, known for its award-winning burnt ends and brisket. Open 4pm to 9pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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Day 3: Wichita Highlights

Wichita, Kansas on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Doo-Dah Diner

Kick off your day with classic diner breakfast fare at Doo-Dah Diner, a Wichita staple open 6am-2pm.
USD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Wichita from Kansas City

The drive to Wichita takes roughly 3 hours, allowing for morning transit and arrival before noon.
USD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bite Me BBQ

Sample some of Wichita’s best BBQ at Bite Me BBQ, praised for its bold flavors and brisket. Open 11am-9pm.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sedgwick County Zoo

Spend the afternoon at one of the largest zoos in the US, featuring over 3,000 animals. Open 9am-5pm.
USD15, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Anchor

Enjoy dinner at The Anchor, known for its local dishes and relaxing atmosphere perfect for ending your tour. Open 5pm-9pm.
USD30, 1.5h
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