Visit Liberty Blog

During times of uncertainty, frugal families love staycays. In fact, 44% of families are planning local weekend getaways, road trips right now. 

Closeby staycays have perks like  saving money and tending to be more relaxing since there are no flights to catch or bags to lose.

If you live in Kansas City, here is a 3-day itinerary in Historic Liberty, Missouri, that has something for the whole family – art, outdoor fun, and walking tours.

Day 1: Historic Sites and Downtown Charm

• Morning: Museums and Muffins
  • Start the day with a hand-roasted coffee and fresh muffins at Hammerhand Coffee. Then head to visit Historic Liberty Jail to learn about religious oppression during the Mormon War in Missouri in 1838. 
  • After your tour of the jail, visit the amass of history contained in the Clay County Museum and Historical Society. The 170-year-old building houses thousands of objects that represent three centuries of history. For a sneak preview, see these photographed 465 items.
• Lunch:
  • Grab a bite to eat at Aromatic Nepal, where you’ll be transported to the Himalayas to taste dishes infused with bold spices and rich flavors. Try the steamed dumplings, butter chicken, or gorkhali lamb. We dare you to find a better Nepalese restaurant in the Midwest.
    
    
• Afternoon: History and Downtown Square
  • Walk the beautiful downtown square and window shop the 30-plus boutiques, restaurants, and family-owned businesses.
  • Visit the Jesse James Bank Museum. The museum at the corner of Water and Jefferson Street was home to the first daylight peacetime robbery by the infamous Jesse James Gang in 1938. The museum is run by volunteers, so please check the hours in advance.
    
    
    
    
• Evening: Dinner and Drinks
  • Dine at Luigi’s, a restaurant on the square with an extensive wine selection and huge servings of authentic Italian dishes and pizzas.
  • For a nightcap, head to the speakeasy-style 34 South Main Cocktail Lounge, which takes its name from its location. The lounge is small and intimate, serving craft cocktails and non-alcoholic selections.
    
    
    

Day 2: Arts and Outdoor Adventure

• Morning: Bike, Hike, and Browse Art

• If you prefer walking, head to Westboro-Canterbury Greenway at 1400 Canterbury Lane. The Westboro-Canterbury Greenway passes through wooded and open areas along quiet neighborhood streets. The north-south section of the trail follows a clear stream and includes several bridge overpasses. The paved trail is an easy 2-mile walk one-way.
• Lunch:
  • Grab a casual, bike-friendly lunch at The Fish Market for a relaxed, Louisiana-themed joint for Cajun favorites, including gator, plus beers. The restaurant has nearly 2,500 positive reviews. If you need a taste of the Bayou, head to the hidden gem along Old MO-210 in LIberty, Missouri. 
    
• Afternoon: Visit Murals, Sculptures, and Galleries
  • Drop by the Kansas Street Mural near Crowley Furniture. Capture a selfie in front of this 210 x10 feet mural that encapsulates all the cool architecture and town spirit Liberty has to offer.
  • Take a stroll around historic downtown Liberty to view the Great American sculpture series, includingGeorge Washington (Mill/Lightburne), Mark Twain (Kansas/Missouri), and Susan B. Anthony. A fourth, life-size bronze Great American sculpture will be unveiled on July 4, 2026. Schedule a mini trip to enjoy the 4th of July parade and unveiling.
  • Admire additional pieces of public art, history, and dozens of murals at these locations.
• Evening: Take the Family Bowling
  • Take the family bowling at Retro Bowl. Bowl under the cosmic lights while you enjoy one of the best burgers in the Northland. Bring spare change for the kids to enjoy the arcade games while you focus on scoring that next strike. 
  • Cap the evening with a gelato or espresso at Iceberg’s Italian Ice and Gelato. It’s located just north of the Jesse James Bank Museum at 111 N. Water Street and carries a rotating selection of flavors to enjoy, like Blueberry Honey Nut Goat Cheese and KitKat. Flavors vary by month and season.
    

Day 3: William Jewell College & Birding

• Morning: Tour the Jewell and a Nature Sanctuary
  • Eat breakfast like a local at Huey’s on the Square, a family-owned diner that knows how to make a hunger-crushing omelet, Belgian waffle, and biscuits and gravy. Huey’s has a full coffee bar and will treat you like kin. Order at the counter, grab a number, and enjoy the people-watching.
    
  • Afterward, visit William Jewell College. Take a stroll around campus to take in historic architecture, like Jewell Hall (1858), a centerpiece listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The campus is known for its "steep stairs" leading to a hilltop with views of the Kansas City skyline. If you want to get your steps in, take the Jewell-LightburneWalking Tour using this printable guide.
• Lunch:
  • Grab a casual lunch downtown at La Costa Mexicana, a community restaurant and bar on the Historic Downtown Square. Popular menu items include fish tacos, carne asada burritos, and shrimp ceviche. Try a cowboy margarita made with Blanco or gold tequila, fresh orange juice, lime juice, agave nectar or simple syrup, and a splash of Mexican lager. Request a jalapeno as a garnish if you dare.
• Afternoon: Birding watching & Forest Bathing
  • Explore Mother Nature at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, a 100-acre conservation reserve enjoyed by countless families for 50 years.
  • Hike one of the paved trails to enjoy viewing fox, deer, chipmunks, turkey, and more than 240 species of birds found in the sanctuary.
  • End your visit on the hummingbird deck to delight in seeing hundreds of hummingbirds up close when in season (April-Oct).
• Evening: Final Dinner
  • Enjoy a final meal at a Liberty longstanding favorite, Conrad’s. Conrad’s has been serving Kobe Beef Short Ribs, steaks, and pastrami sandwiches for 25 years. Don’t leave without trying the Carrot Cake.