KANSAS CITY- Considered the "heart of America", Kansas
City is the closest 'large' city to Whiteman AFB. Whether it is shopping to do, your
favorite restaurant to dine at, gambling at one of the many casinos, or catching a
sporting event it is all a short drive from the base. Crown Center, River Market and the
many fountains located in the central Kansas City add to the city's attractiveness. Swope
Park, the second largest municipal park in the United States, houses a zoo, Imax theater,
Starlight Theater, golf course, and picnic sites. Amusement park lovers will be pleased
with trips to Worlds of Fun Theme Park and Oceans of Fun Water Park. Kansas City is
definitely a blend of modern convenience and down-home friendliness.
COLUMBIA- Located approximately 70 miles from Whiteman, Columbia is
another great shopping and entertainment option. Despite its small town atmosphere it has
many major shopping and eating establishments. It is also the home of the University of
Missouri-Columbia. Just a short drive from Columbia is the Lake of the Ozarks (a 58,000
acre recreational area) and Arrow Rock (a historic frontier town on the Sante Fe Trail).
SPRINGFIELD- Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri
with a population of approximately 145,000. This city of country charm also offers a
Mecca
for outdoors lovers. Enjoy boating and fishing in one of four local and six regional lakes
then camp in one of the many scenic areas. For animal lovers take a trip through the
World's largest drive-through animal park! Appreciate the spectacular view inside one of
many caverns in the area including the only cave big enough to drive through!
ST. LOUIS- If you don't mind a longer drive, St. Louis has a variety of
things to see and do. The city of 2,500,000 is the home of Six Flags Over Mid-America and
Raging Rivers Water Park. Younger children will enjoy a free trip to the St. Louis Zoo and
to Grant's Farm (a small zoo and game preserve set on land previously owned by Ulysses S.
Grant). The whole family will be amazed by the view from the Gateway Arch in the heart of
St. Louis. Also worth stopping at are the Anheuser Busch Brewery and the Old Courthouse.
