2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, MO 64108

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is the official U.S. institution offering remembrance and knowledge of the Great War. It’s located just off the I-35, next to the Crown Center/Grand Boulevard and Science City at Union Station. You can park your Kansas City car rental on the south side of the museum or in the West Visitors lot.

Some of the artefacts include a poppy field, with each of the 9,000 poppies representing 1,000 lives lost. Crossing the Paul Sunderland Glass Bridge lets you see them from above. There are also life-size trenches to give visitors an idea of the conditions endured. The chronology wall depicts the events in order, allowing you to contextualize the whole thing. It’s a fascinating itinerary staple – history buffs will love it.

1000 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Hearty American-classic barbecue fare in the heart of the city over at Q39 – Midtown. There are a few different Q39’s dotted around Kansas City. This one is situated between the historic Westport neighborhood and the arty Crossroads district, with chic industrial décor, outstanding customer service, and good vibes all round.

The menu consists of starters and shareable dishes such as spiced onion straws, crispy cauliflower bites, and wings – titled “best wings on the planet”. Mains include certified Angus, beef brisket, wood-fired Canadian salmon, and BBQ veggie burger. Feast on the rich flavors and satisfy your hunger at Q39.

4445 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza is located right next to the Country Club Plaza, which is great if you want to stay here and visit the plaza. This way, parking is easier as you can just park your Kansas City rental car on-site at the hotel.

It’s a pet-friendly hotel, so you can bring your furry friends to Kansas City with you. There are a few on-site restaurants which will save you time looking around the city for places to eat if you’re in a hurry. Plus, if you want to stay on top of your exercise goals, the hotel’s fitness center is a great place to work up a sweat.

60 miles & 65 minutes

Follow I-70 west through rolling Kansas prairie, passing communities such as Lawrence, home to the University of Kansas. In Topeka, explore the historic Kansas State Capitol, the Kansas Museum of History and the Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden. You can also experience landmarks tied to Kansas's political and civil rights history, like Constitution Hall and Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park.

248 miles & 4 hours.

Travel east on I-70 through central Missouri, passing towns such as Columbia and the Missouri River corridor. Arriving in St. Louis, visitors can enjoy the iconic Gateway Arch, riverfront views, and major museums like City Museum and Museum of Illusions St. Louis. There are also vibrant neighborhoods such as Central West End (CWE) and Soulard, as well as the city's historic downtown.

482 miles & 7.5 hours

Take I-70 east across Missouri and Illinois, passing Columbia and near Jefferson City, the state capital of Missouri, and crossing farmland and small Midwestern towns such as Rocheport, MO and Effingham, IL. Indianapolis offers attractions including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the downtown canal district, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the Indiana State Museum. It also has a thriving sports scene with the NFL's Colts, the NBA's Pacers, and the WNBA's Fever.