outdoor recreation

Just southeast of Kansas City is Lee's Summit, Missouri, founded just a few months after the Civil War ended. Now, the city has a historic downtown shopping district, vibrant local arts scene and plenty of green space to explore.

Hunting deer and other animals remains a popular hobby and way of life in Kansas and Missouri. KCUR's guide will help you learn the basics of how to get your permit, where to hunt, how to hunt safely, and how to navigate local hunting regulations.

There’s a whole lot of history packed into the little town of Weston, Missouri. Just a 45-minute drive north of Kansas City, it's an ideal destination for weekend getaways, whether you like to hike and bike, dine and drink, or enjoy local festivals.

The Kansas City region goes wild during the autumn months, with festivals and fall-themed events nearly every weekend. Find out where to pick pumpkins, sip cider, get confused in corn mazes and even celebrate spinach.

With music, food, and the great outdoors, summer is the time for festivals and concert series all around Kansas City. We put together a list of the season's can't-miss events, including July 4 festivities and annual staples like the Ethnic Enrichment Festival.

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Kansas City native and 2016 Democratic vice presidential nominee, is coming to town this weekend to talk about his new book. As a member of both the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, he also shared his insights on the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

There are thousands of different wild mushrooms in Kansas and Missouri, but the morel stands alone when it comes to popularity. It’s a healthy, tasty snack that offers a chance to disconnect from the day-to-day.

It’s a rite of spring to go paddlefish snagging in Missouri and Oklahoma, at reservoirs such as Lake of the Ozarks, Truman, Table Rock and the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. In the not-so-distant past, it used to be a back wrenching, exhausting pursuit, but some anglers have simplified the process.

Prepare for the next big snow with these recommendations for the best sledding hills around Kansas City. Don’t forget to bundle up properly, and have fun!

The Kansas City metro area has a fair amount of manicured green space, abundant trees, and miles of urban hiking for citizens to enjoy. But not too far away are wildlife refuges and conservation areas where animals and plants take priority over humans.

Flying Asian carp, river barge traffic, and dangerous eddies all awaited Steve Kueny as he floated his massive fruit, called "Huckle Berry," from Kansas City, Kansas, to Napoleon, Missouri. But after 11 hours, Kueny completed his journey — squashing the world record.

Both sides of the Kansas-Missouri border offer ample opportunities and locations for fishing, from rivers to lakes, and your new hobby doesn't need to break the bank — although you will need a license. KCUR's guide to fishing in the Kansas City area will have you catching catfish in no time.