Best Kansas City Missouri Travel Books of 2026

A Guide to Midwestern Conversation by Taylor Kay Phillips is a hilarious and affectionate look at the language and culture of America's heartland. The book offers a guide to understanding the common phrases and sentiments of Midwesterners, from their friendly facade to what they really mean. It's a witty, self-deprecating, and insightful look at the language of a people defined by their kindness and reduced to their voting patterns. With an array of guides, tips, and state profiles, A Guide to Midwestern Conversation is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn (and love) the language of the landlocked.

The Route 66 Travel Guide is a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the nostalgia and wonder of America's Route 66. This pocket reference includes detailed route maps, GPS coordinates, and addresses for all stops on the trip, making it easy to navigate. The guide also features 202 amazing places in the order they appear on Route 66, as well as 66 hand-picked “Iconic Places” and 11 premiere “Off Route” attractions travelers won’t want to miss. The logbook pages allow readers to memorialize their adventure, and the specially selected playlist immerses them in the nostalgia of America’s quintessential road trip. Overall, this guide is a comprehensive and unique resource for anyone planning a Route 66 road trip.

The Best Hits on Route 66 is an inspiring and practical guide to the 100 must-visit stops along America's iconic Mother Road. Expert and enthusiast Amy Bizzarri has compiled a comprehensive list of unique landmarks, museums, eateries, and photo-ops that every traveler should explore during their journey. The book also includes specialized itineraries with themes such as Native American History, Hollywood, and Natural Wonders of Route 66. With interesting backstories and fascinating facts, this guide is essential to the Route 66 experience. Overall, The Best Hits on Route 66 is a well-researched and entertaining read that offers a unique perspective on this legendary highway.

Moon Route 66 Road Trip is the ultimate travel guide for anyone looking to explore the iconic highway. With detailed maps, driving tools, and flexible itineraries, this book offers everything you need to plan an unforgettable road trip. From roadside curiosities to breathtaking landscapes, Moon Route 66 Road Trip covers it all. The author, Jessica Dunham, provides cultural insight, insider tips, and critical history of the route, making it a must-have for anyone interested in experiencing classic Americana. Overall, Moon Route 66 Road Trip is a comprehensive and expertly crafted guidebook that is sure to enhance any road trip along the Mother Road.

The Trees of Missouri Field Guide is a comprehensive and user-friendly guide for identifying trees in Missouri. The book features 119 species, including every native tree and common non-natives. Its unique organization by leaf type and attachment makes it easy to use, and the crisp, stunning full-page photos are perfect for accurate identification. The author, Stan Tekiela, is a naturalist, wildlife photographer, and writer with over 30 years of experience. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Missouri's trees, whether you're a beginner or an experienced naturalist.

The Rand McNally Folded Map for Kansas City is an essential companion for travelers visiting the Missouri region. With unbeatable accuracy and reliability, this map offers a full-color layout of all the major highways, county boundaries, parks, points of interest, and streets. The map is conveniently sized, measuring 9.5' x 4' and folds out to 40' x 28'. The easy-to-use legend and detailed index make it easy to locate destinations quickly. This map is regularly updated, ensuring that travelers always have the most current information. Overall, the Rand McNally Folded Map for Kansas City is a trustworthy and practical guide for anyone traveling in the area.

Rising From the Deep by Geoff Baker is a captivating read that tells the story of how the Seattle Kraken, the National Hockey League's newest expansion franchise, came to be. The book traces the origins of the team, from the history of Seattle hockey in the early 20th century to the winter sports void left by the bitter departure of the Sonics. Baker takes readers behind the scenes and back to the start with power brokers, players, and fans in this fascinating, hard-fought saga. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in sports, civics, and regional identity, as it offers a multifaceted narrative of launching a franchise from the ground up.

Celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' NFL Championship season with Super Chiefs! This book is a commemorative keepsake that features game-by-game recaps of the regular season and playoffs, special player features, and extended coverage of the Chiefs' incredible come-from-behind Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles. With great action photography throughout, this book is a must-have for all members of the Chiefs Kingdom! Football fans will love reliving the highlights of the season with this book. Super Chiefs! is a unique and informative read that is beautifully designed and well-written.

The Kansas Bucket List Adventure Guide is an invaluable resource for anyone who wants to explore the Sunflower State's picturesque landscapes and historical sites. With over 100 must-see destinations, this guidebook provides readers with GPS coordinates, lesser-known facts, and insider tips on how to make the most of their adventure. From the Grinter Sunflower Farms to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historic Site, this guidebook covers it all. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the Kansas Bucket List Adventure Guide is the perfect companion for your next excursion.

Unique Eats and Eateries of Kansas City is a guidebook that takes readers on a culinary tour of Kansas City's most unique and enjoyable food spots. Written by Matt Stewart, an Emmy-award winning television news anchor and reporter, the book highlights how some of the best chefs in the world have made Kansas City their home and brought their award-winning recipes with them. Each eatery offers a fascinating story behind the delicious food they serve, making this book an essential guide for anyone who wants to pick and better appreciate their next dining experience in Kansas City.