Sitting at the crossroads to the west, Kansas City is a sparkling jewel on the prairie with world-class museums, beautiful and inspiring arts, restaurants with inventive and delectable foods, an abundance of parks and wide-open green spaces, and spectacular fountains. The country was explored from here, beginning at the banks of the Missouri River, which bisects the city. Many stopped in Kansas City to purchase goods and load wagons before heading west on trails that led to gold, land, and the ocean. But many also stayed, building a friendly and hospitable town that is as rich in culture as it is in history. These photos present just a hint of what Kansas City has to offer.