You had your weekend in Chicago—complete with booze cruise and Instagrammed pictures with the Bean—all planned out, and then you heard the news: the senior trip is in Kansas City, Mo., this year. Fortunately, Student Life’s got you covered with a must-see list of destinations no matter your tastes. And if those tastes involve barbecue and unearthed steamboats, you’re in for a special treat.

For the Child at Heart

Science City

Union Station, 30 West Pershing Rd

It’s a bit of a trek from the Power and Light District, but Science City’s interactive exhibits—think a cross between a natural history museum and a play-place—should be entertaining enough to distract you from the effort to get there. While you’re in Union Station, also consider checking out the planetarium.

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant

Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd

Fritz’s is located in Crown Center, catty-corner to Union Station. The food itself is classic Midwestern fare (much like the restaurant’s similarly named St. Louis counterpart), but the restaurant’s main appeal is the miniature trains that run on tracks throughout the restaurant to deliver your order to your table.

Steamboat Arabia Museum

400 Grand Blvd

The wreckage of the steamboat Arabia, which sunk in the Missouri River around 160 years ago, was discovered in a cornfield in the mid-1980s. Much of its cargo and the passengers’ belongings are now on display in this museum and include everything from dry goods to leather shoes and a mule skeleton. Take advantage of the life-size replica deck for a golden photo opportunity.

For the Foodie

Winstead’s

Country Club Plaza, 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd

A 74-year Kansas City tradition, Winstead’s is best known for its steakburgers and milkshakes, and its casual atmosphere makes it a great lunch spot. If you get lost on the way, look for the white tower on top of the building. Once you’re there, make sure to try the Skyscraper Shake, which is big enough to split with friends—or just eat yourself. We won’t judge.

Farmer’s Market

City Market, 5th St and Grand Ave

The farmers market offers a plethora of fruit, vegetables and handmade art sold by local vendors. It’s open Saturday and Sunday morning until 3 p.m. for your perusal. How to get any produce home on a bus is an exercise left to the reader.

Gates

1325 Emmanuel Cleaver II Blvd

If you’ve been looking forward to trying classic KC barbecue that’s also reasonably priced*, look no further than Gates. Be warned that you’re going to be subjected to a steady stream of “Can I help you?” until you finally figure out what you want to order. We recommend the burnt ends or brisket sandwich paired with Gates’ sweet sauce.

*and does not include free lint with your brisket. This may or may not have happened to us at Arthur Bryant’s.

For the Cultured

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

4525 Oak St

Although it is far from the only art museum in Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins has the widest collection of art and is fascinating even to those without a background in art. Free exhibits on display over fall break include items from the whimsical National Museum of Toys and Miniatures—also located in Kansas City but currently closed for renovation—and a set of bronze statues by Auguste Rodin, sculptor of “The Thinker” and inspiration for our very own Bunny. Don’t forget to pose for a picture by the giant shuttlecocks on the south lawn.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

1400 Main St

This dine-in theater is a great environment to enjoy a movie in peace—talking, texting and unaccompanied minors are all banned from the theater. It also features a variety of local and craft beers and minimally obtrusive service during the movie itself. Films to check out this weekend include “Gone Girl” and “The Judge.”

The Country Club Plaza

between 45th and 51st streets

While the actual shopping may leave something to be desired (the Plaza mostly contains stores you can find at the Galleria) there are a few local boutiques that are worth checking out, such as Baldwin KC and Diebel’s Sportsmens Gallery. However, the real selling point of the Plaza is the architecture. Built in the 1920s, it’s technically the world’s oldest strip mall. With a plethora of Spanish-style architecture, fountains and quirky statuary, it’s worth a prolonged browsing. And you can always stop by Scooters Coffee & Yogurt for a caffeinated pick-me-up.