Hiking Around Kansas City
One of my friends launched a small side business: Urban Hikes Kansas City. She will be taking people on a somewhat hilly 3-4 miles hike around downtown Kansas City, MO. The group will talk about historical and modern spots while getting a work out done.
I really thought this was a great idea and told her to let me know if there was something I could do to help her. A couple of weeks later she invited me on a complimentary tour with a group of her acquaintance in exchange for honest feedback. I was excited to be part of this group and was determined to make the most out of my tour. So I invited another friend of mine and made it a “Girls Day Out”. And all the Mommas out there know we need days like these.
Jerry stayed with Isabella and I went to meet the group at Union Station, Kansas City. Lisa kindly welcomed us and told us about the hike and her business. She gave a few details on what the hike would be like and asked the group to make introductions. The group was small and we got along well.
When the tour officially started, Lisa mentioned a little bit of the history of the Union Station, it’s structure and a very a curious fact that I have never heard before. The story of Frank Nash and the Kansas City Massacre.
Frank Nash was a notorious bank robber, that escaped from Fort Leavenworth prison. After 3 years on the run, Frank Nash was captured and was being transferred back to Kansas. When getting ready to leave the Union Station parking lot, a shootout started. It occurred as part of an attempt by a gang to free Frank Nash. As a result on the morning of June 17 1933, four law enforcement officers and a criminal fugitive (Frank Nash) were murdered and this episode is known as the Kansas City Massacre. Of course after hearing this I Google and searched all about it. I asked Jerry if he knew this fact, as he is originally from Kansas City and he surprisingly said no.
After this we walked to Liberty Memorial, this is one of the most spectacular views of Kansas City and my personal favorite. It was a beautiful sunny day in the upper 60’s. From the view of Liberty Memorial Lisa kind of mapped out the route we were about to do. I have to be honest, I don’t work out, I wish I did, but I don’t and this was my first official hike. So when I saw the route I was impressed, but still very excited.
We walked back to Union Station and learned about The Pencoyed Bridge. Then we headed out to one of my favorite neighborhoods in Kansas City, the Crossroads Art District. It is well known because of the mix of arts, locally owned restaurants and business, brewpubs, handcrafted jewelry and quirky stationery among other great things.
The hike took us also to the Westside neighborhood. This neighborhood has been historically known as a multicultural one with Latino and Mexican-Americans (American) influences. I know many people that had told me they were raised in this area or their grandparent lived there. An I have heard many good stories and anecdotes about the Westside.
We walked around 4.5 miles, visiting many unique places and witnessing amazing views. The hiking tour ended at the Library District, where we took the Street Car back to Union Station.
I honestly think that this tour is excellent and I recommend it for people who are visiting Kansas City and people like me who lives in this City. Lisa was a great tour guide providing helpful information about the areas we visited but also let all of us on the tour share our personal experiences about the City. This tour is very fun, with the perfect mix between exercising and learning about part of the history of Kansas City.
If you want to experience Urban Hikes Kansas City contact Lisa Peña, she is bilingual and provides this tour in English and/or Spanish. Visit her website and check out the options www.urbanhikeskc.com
Let me know if you experience this tour and tell me all about it, post your comment or email me at yani@blendinglavida.com.