Located in Jackson County, Lee’s Summit is one of the most underrated destinations on the southeast edge of Kansas City. The small town has a population of approximately 101,108 and has been a thriving cultural community over the years. Boasting beautiful shopping malls, a variety of restaurants and cafes, an entertainment area and breweries, Lee’s Summit is considered to have the most vibrant shopping scene in the Kansas City area.
The city offers something for everyone, including history buffs and nature lovers. There are plenty of fun outdoor activities to explore, too. Here’s the ultimate guide to Lee’s Summit and things to do.
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Things to know before visiting Lee’s Summit, Missouri
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A highway in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
- Lee’s Summit is full of amazing outdoor activities. There are endless options for outdoor fun. You may choose to explore one of the many parks, including Charles David Hartman Memorial Park. The city has many opportunities for cycling, sports and excursions.
- Lee’s Summit has a vibrant shopping scene. This charming little city is filled with amazing shopping malls, local farmers markets, and galleries where you can enjoy shopping for different items.
- There are many cultural and artistic entertainment options. The city center is full of cultural and artistic attractions and related events and festivals.
- Lee’s Summit is an incredibly diverse community. Vacationers of different cultures and traditions would have a great time exploring Lee’s Summit, due to its diversity.
- Lee’s Summit is a family-friendly destination. Lee’s Summit offers plenty of family-friendly activities, including sports and adventures at local parks.
Related: 10 Reasons to Visit Missouri (You Hadn’t Thought About It)
The best time to visit Lee’s summit
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A cascading waterfall at Lee’s Summit
Between June and September, Lee’s Summit boasts the warmest temperatures, with July being the hottest month. These months offer the best opportunities for sightseeing. Summer lasts about three and a half months and has an average temperature between 71 and 81 degrees (Fahrenheit).
Winter is also a great time to explore Lee’s Summit as there is plenty to do, including some of Missouri’s most epic winter festivals and amazing outdoor adventures.
- The best time to visit Lee’s Summit: Summer (between June and September)
How to get to and around Lee’s Summit
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A street in downtown Lee’s Summit
Getting to Lee’s Summit
To get to Lee’s Summit, vacationers can choose to travel by plane, train, or car.
For those who choose to fly into the city, Lee’s Summit and Municipal Airport and Kansas City International Airport are the two airports to fly into.
If you’re arriving in the city by train, Amtrak connects Kansas City and Lee’s Summit Station, located on Main Street. Vacationers can sometimes use Amtrak to visit Branson, Missouri.
They might not get there directly, but once they reach the Warrensburg Amtrak station, they can connect with a bus to Branson, then a cab to their exact destination within the city.
Travelers intending to access the city by car have numerous routes, depending on where they come from. Some of them include Interstate 70, Interstate 470, US Route 40, US Route 50 and US Route 71.
Moving to Lee’s Summit
Driving is the best way to get around Lee’s Summit, especially when visiting as a family and plan to explore most parts of it and beyond the city limits as well. Vacationers who don’t have their own cars can rent vehicles from some of the best car rental companies in and around the city.
There are several taxis offering transportation services throughout the city. One can simply call and schedule their rides and enjoy the ride at Lee’s Summit.
Lee Summit is served by two bus services. These buses travel to many destinations in the city and are the cheapest form of transportation.
- The bus ticket: $1.50
- Cost of tariff cards: $15 for 10 one-way rides and $30 for 20 one-way rides
- Operating hours of bus services: 7:00 – 17:30
Related: These are the most scenic roads in the Midwest for a road trip
Top things to do at Lee’s Summit
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A walkway surrounded by fall colors in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Explore the rich cultural heritage of The Lee’s Summit at its history museum
Lee’s Summit History Museum shouldn’t be missing from this charming little town’s bucket list. It’s a perfect place to learn about the city’s past. Visitors will experience a variety of impressive artifacts specially designed to represent the history of Lee’s Summit. There are beautiful photographs and maps.
The museum also offers amazing exhibits, incredible tours, and a gift shop for you to explore.
- Opening time: 10:00 – 14:00 Thursday and Friday, 10:00 – 16:00 Saturday (April to December; 12:00 – 14:00 Thursday and Friday, 11:00 – 15:00 Saturday (January to March )
- Entrance ticket: $5 for adults and free for children under 12
Enjoy the story of a young firefighter at Bryan C. Pottberg Park
Bryan C. Potteberg Park is dedicated to a 25-year-old firefighter who died during a water rescue drill. The park boasts a firefighter-themed playground, making it a perfect place to visit with children. It may be a smaller park than the others in the city, but it is one of the most unique and fascinating.
Go shopping at Downtown Lee’s Summit
America is home to incredible historic landmarks and sites, and downtown Lee Summit is one of the best. Vacationers can spend several hours exploring this area of the city, thanks to a myriad of beautiful attractions, restaurants, shops and bars.
Whether it’s designer clothes, jewelry or home decor, this place will never disappoint.
Enjoy fun-filled adventures at Paradise Park
Paradise Park is popular with tourists of all ages and interests. From gem mining to golf to escape room games, there is plenty to see and do here. The park’s Discover Play Center will keep the kids busy while the adults enjoy other activities.
Where to stay at Lee’s Summit
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Woods Chapel Road to Lee’s Summit
One of the best places to stay when visiting Lee’s Summit is downtown. This place has the greatest concentration of things to see and do.
From incredible bars to amazing restaurants to endless shopping opportunities, staying in one of America’s most vibrant neighborhoods is sure to interest any traveler, especially newbies.
Best Western Plus Lee’s Summit Hotel & Suites
An exceptional stay awaits travelers at the Best Western Plus Lee’s Summit Hotel & Suites. The hotel is positioned in a quiet and peaceful place, providing vacationers with a relaxing accommodation experience. They offer proximity to some of the best dining, entertainment and shopping in the city.
- Address: 4825 Northeast Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-2486
- Services: Indoor pool, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, coffee maker, free parking, and business center.
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Lee Center Summit
Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Kansas City – Lee’s Summit, an IHG hotel
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel is one of the best hotels in the city and offers access to many shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Plus, the city’s most iconic attractions, such as the Exit Room, Paradise Park, and Summit Waves Outdoor Water Park.
- Address: 1201 Northwest Innovation Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
- Services: Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, coffee maker, free parking, business center, Wi-Fi available in all areas and flat-screen TVs.
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Lee Center Summit
Unity Hotel and Conference Center Ascend Hotel Collection
The Unity Hotel and Conference Center The Ascend Hotel Collection is located in Unity Village, near attractions like the Overland Convention Center and Summit Woods. The hotel amenities are also amazing, including free internet and free continental breakfast.
- Address: 1901 Northwest Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64065
- Services: Fitness center, free WiFi, coffee/tea maker, coffee maker, coffee shop, free parking, business center, flat screen TV, and cable or satellite TV.
Related: 8 Missouri Cabin Rentals to Book
Where to find the best food at Lee’s Summit
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Summit Grill & Bar in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Planning a vacation to Lee’s Summit and have no idea where to find the best restaurants? Sample some of Missouri’s must-try dishes that are an incredible fusion of cuisines at these restaurants:
- Neighborhood Bar – Lees Summit: This is one of the best breakfast restaurants in Lee’s Summit. Its menu is extensive, boasting items like sausage pan, chorizo pan, and chicken + waffles for breakfast.
- Jack Stack grillOffering indoor and outdoor dining options, Jack Stack Barbecue is a fantastic eatery serving up some of the most delicious barbecue in Lee’s Summit.
- Summit Grill & Bar: This restaurant has been in business for more than 40 years. It’s a great place for dinner and has fried chicken, crispy chicken tenders, a grilled burger, and fried calamari on the menu.
Related: 10 U.S. Cities Perfect for Late Night Eating
Spend a perfect day at Lee’s Summit
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A road through a forest in Lee’s Summit, Missouri
If one has chosen to come to Lee’s Summit for a day trip, Lee’s Summit offers great adventures to make it an amazing day to remember.
Start the day by visiting the Farmer’s Market downtown, where numerous local vendors sell colorful goods along the way. Visitors can experience some of the best food and wine experiences in the United States in this city. The market is a great place to learn a unique side of Lee’s Summit.
After shopping and exploring the market, head to Lee’s Summit’s Exit Room and have fun solving different puzzles.
Related: 10 Awesome Things You Can Do in Missouri
Another place for fun adventures is the Arcade Alley, where you will not only enjoy the exciting activities but also the food and the chance to strengthen friendships or family ties.
In the evening, visit the Red Door Wine Bar and experience the beautiful nightlife. Maybe hang out with friends and enjoy the delicious wines, craft beers, and spirits.
FAQs
Q: What is Lee’s Summit famous for?
Lee’s Summit is famous for being home to an award-winning downtown neighborhood, beautiful parks, and incredible dining options. The downtown area is filled with shopping, fun adventures, and plenty of cultural and arts options.
Q: Is Lee’s Summit considered Kansas City?
Although Lee’s Summit is its hometown, it is considered a suburb of Kansas City. The great news is that Lee’s Summit has a lot to offer travelers, yet Kansas City’s food scene and other attractions are within a short drive.
Q: Does Lee’s Summit have an airport?
Lee’s Summit is served by Lee’s Summit Municipal Airport, located approximately three and a half miles from the city’s bustling downtown district. Vacationers visiting the city may also fly into Kansas City International Airport, depending on where they are traveling to. On the same note, Kansas City offers another great travel experience, and it’s not far by car.
