Discover Kansas City's jazz and barbecue history on Twelfth Street Treks’ immersive guided tour. Dive into stories that shaped the city’s unique culture with delicious food, soulful music, and historic landmarks.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness level recommended for comfortable walking over uneven city terrain.
Wildlife
History
Kansas City’s jazz scene began in the 1920s, becoming a major influence on American music, while Bar-B-Q culture grew alongside as a community staple.
Conservation
The tour emphasizes the importance of respecting local sites and supporting sustainable tourism practices in Kansas City.
Kansas City Tour Company
Discover Kansas City's jazz and barbecue history on Twelfth Street Treks’ immersive guided tour. Dive into stories that shaped the city’s unique culture with delicious food, soulful music, and historic landmarks.
Kansas City Tour Company offers guided cultural and historical tours across Kansas City, Missouri. The company curates immersive experiences that highlight local civil rights history, jazz heritage, Underground Railroad narratives, and organized crime history within the city. Tours include Streetcar KC: a River City Civil Rights Tour, Twelfth Street Treks of Our Ancestors — Charlie Parker Edition (which includes a Bar-B-Q Chicken meal at Gates Bar-B-Q), Swope Park Blue River Underground Railroad Trek, Chasing after Freedom Westport Plaza Trek, Streetcar KC: a River City Mafia Tour, and the Be Bop and Beyond 18th and Vine Walking Tour.
Each route follows specific Kansas City landmarks and neighborhoods such as the downtown streetcar route, 18th and Vine Jazz and Baseball District, Swope Park, Westport Plaza, the Santa Fe Trail corridor, and Little Italy. The Streetcar KC routes use the downtown streetcar corridor to connect stories of civil rights and organized crime to physical places. The 18th and Vine tour focuses on jazz history and civil rights connections, spotlighting figures like Charlie Parker. The Swope Park trek interprets Underground Railroad history through the park’s hills and trails. The Westport Plaza trek traces African American history along the Santa Fe Trail and discusses Reconstruction and redlining. The mafia tour examines historical influence on politics and culture.
Kansas City Tour Company is presented as an educational, group-friendly operator with customizable experiences for occasions and events. The company was featured on The Adventure Collective, reinforcing visibility among travelers seeking cultural history tours in Kansas City. Book today.
Tours Offered
6
Historic and cultural routes.
District Focus
18th & Vine
Jazz and civil rights hub.
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Trusted travel directory visibility.
Group Friendly
Customizable
Tailored for groups and events.
Reserve a guided experience on the downtown streetcar or neighborhood walking tours — customizable group options available and ideal for events.
Bring comfortable walking shoes
The tour covers a lot of ground on foot, so wear supportive shoes.
Stay hydrated
Bring water, especially in warmer weather to stay alert and comfortable.
Bring a camera or smartphone
Capture memorable moments and historic sights along the way.
Plan for food and drinks
Enjoy local barbecue at the start and take others as recommended.
Wear layered clothing
Weather can vary, so dressing in layers ensures comfort during your walk.
Check for tour availability
Reservations are recommended as tours fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Comfortable walking shoes
Support your feet on the urban streets during the tour.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your walk.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Shield yourself from the sun on warm days.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the historic sights and vibrant city scenes.