Arriving in the Kansas City during the last weekend of April, the 2023 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is slated to feature two of the area’s most iconic destinations.
Union Station Kansas City and the National WWI Museum and Memorial have played a central role in KC’s progress over the decades, each boasting more than a century of history in the Heart of America. Explore their stories and find out how to experience them firsthand while you’re in the neighborhood.
Construction began on Union Station in 1910 with the intention to establish a centralized location for railroad service in Kansas City. The brilliant beaux-arts structure opened to the public on Oct. 30, 1914.
Union Station enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in its first 30 years, welcoming hundreds of trains per day. Passenger traffic peaked in 1945 as armed forces personnel made their way home from World War II. However, the following decades saw rail service decline as air travel became more accessible. Businesses inside Union Station closed and revitalization efforts were unsuccessful. Even Amtrak left the station in 1985.
Without an innovative approach and commitment from the community, the building may have fallen into a state of permanent disrepair. But in 1996, voters across three Missouri counties and one Kansas county approved a one-eighth cent sales tax designated to the restoration of the historic station. The bi-state tax is thought to be the first of its kind in the United States.
The restored and reimagined Union Station opened to the public once again in November 1999, signifying the start of a renaissance for one of Kansas City’s crown jewels. Science City—an endlessly creative science center that invites children of all ages to build, climb, splash, and explore—opened along with the renovated building.
Since then, Union Station has welcomed historical exhibits, office spaces, expansions to Science City, and a sprawling gallery dedicated to hosting museum-quality exhibitions from all around the world. (Next up: a first-of-its-kind look at the cultural impact of Spider-Man across the decades, opening May 26.)
During the Draft
Union Station’s businesses, attractions, and restaurants remain open throughout the month of April leading up to the Draft.
Union Station’s main entrance and South Plaza parking lot are closed through early May. The building’s east doors (near the KC Streetcar’s Union Station stop) and west doors (near the West Yards Garage) remain open. Parking is available in the covered West Yards Garage.
Amtrak will operate to and from Union Station on a normal schedule throughout the Draft.
Find the latest information from Union Station here.
Courtesy of Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library
Kansas City leaders formed the Liberty Memorial Association (LMA) shortly after World War I in order to establish a lasting monument to those who had served. The effort raised $2.5 million over 10 days in 1919. The site of the Liberty Memorial was dedicated in 1921 and constructed was completed in 1926, commemorated with a dedication by President Calvin Coolidge in front of more than 150,000 people.
Nearly 80 years later, the institution was designated by Congress as the nation’s official World War I museum. In 2006, the National WWI Museum and Memorial opened, ushering in a new era for one of Kansas City’s great treasures. To date, the museum has welcomed more than two million visitors.
Today, the Museum and Memorial stands as a symbol of the courage, patriotism, sacrifice and honor of all who served in World War I. The institution remains committed to offering top-tier exhibitions and educational programs. It also maintains one of Kansas City’s premier public spaces, on display during the 2023 NFL Draft as well as many events and celebrations throughout the year.
During the Draft
The National WWI Museum and Memorial will be open to the public during the 2023 NFL Draft. (Guests must complete the free NFL Draft registration and proceed through event security in order to access the Museum and Memorial.)
The Museum and Memorial will be open at the following hours during the week of the Draft:
Tuesday, April 25: Closed
Wednesday, April 26: Closed
Thursday, April 27: 12 to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 28: 12 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 29: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 30: Closed
During these dates, general admissions tickets will only be available in person at the door. Access full details here.