Crown Center is more than a shopping mall or an office complex; it is a visionary “city within a city” that redefined urban living in the Midwest. Conceived in the late 1960s by Joyce C. Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, the 85-acre complex was designed to replace a dilapidated area surrounding the company’s international headquarters with a vibrant, high-quality environment for work, play, and residence. Today, it stands as a premier family destination and a testament to corporate civic responsibility, attracting five million visitors annually.
Crown Center Things to Do
Crown Center offers an impressive concentration of attractions, dining, and accommodations—all within an interconnected, walkable footprint.
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The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center stands apart from typical hotel stays thanks to its dramatic five-story indoor waterfall, which cascades over natural limestone bluffs original to the site. This design integration with Signboard Hill makes the lobby itself worth visiting, even for non-guests curious about Kansas City’s architectural landmarks.
For visitors treating Crown Center as a home base, the Westin offers direct access to shops, restaurants, and attractions via The Link—the enclosed pedestrian walkway system that also connects to Union Station. Guests staying here can easily pair a Crown Center day with excursions to the adjacent Crossroads arts district or catch the KC Streetcar north to Power & Light without needing a car.
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Sheraton Kansas City Crown Center
The Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center is the district’s high-rise lodging option, offering panoramic views of the downtown skyline and direct connectivity to Crown Center’s retail and entertainment levels. Its location makes it a practical choice for business travelers attending meetings in the complex or families seeking proximity to SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Like the Westin, the Sheraton connects to The Link walkway system, giving guests climate-controlled access to Union Station and Crown Center’s indoor attractions. Visitors who want to explore beyond the district can walk to Downtown Kansas City attractions or take the streetcar to River Market for weekend farmers market outings.
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Crown Center Free Exhibit
One of Crown Center’s most underrated draws is its collection of free experiences. The Hallmark Visitors Center offers a self-guided tour through the history of Hallmark Cards—featuring presidential Christmas card collections, vintage postcard displays, and interactive exhibits on the artistry behind card making. Admission is complimentary, making it an easy add-on to any visit.
Kaleidoscope, also provided by Hallmark, is a free creative art studio designed for children. Kids use leftover materials from Hallmark’s card manufacturing process to build, cut, and create—a hands-on tradition that’s been a Kansas City family favorite for decades. Reservations are recommended, especially during school breaks and weekends.
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Crown Center Restaurants
Dining at Crown Center spans from nostalgic local icons to upscale casual options. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant remains a must-visit for families—orders arrive at your table via an overhead model train, and the burgers and shakes deliver on decades of hype. For a quicker bite, SPIN! Pizza and Unforked offer quality sit-down meals without lengthy waits.
Those seeking Kansas City’s signature cuisine will find Burnt End BBQ inside the complex, serving award-winning smoked meats in bowl and sandwich form. For dessert or a sweet gift, Chip’s Chocolate Factory lets visitors watch fudge being made before choosing from over 40 chocolate varieties. Crown Center’s dining diversity means you can plan a full day here without repeating a meal—or use it as a launching point before heading to restaurant-dense neighborhoods like Westport or The Country Club Plaza for evening options.
For a complete breakdown of attractions, restaurants, venues, and scheduled events, explore the categorized tabs below—each one unpacks a different facet of what Crown Center has to offer.
Crown Center is the epicenter of family entertainment in Kansas City.
- SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium: A 360-degree ocean tunnel experience featuring thousands of aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, and rescued sea turtles. It offers interactive rock pools and educational talks on marine conservation.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center: The ultimate indoor LEGO playground, featuring a 4D cinema, ride-on attractions, and a “Miniland” replica of Kansas City landmarks built entirely from LEGO bricks.
- Hallmark Visitors Center: A free museum detailing the history of the Hall family and the Hallmark brand. Exhibits include J.C. Hall’s original postcard collection, presidential Christmas cards, and interactive displays on the artistry of card making.
- Kaleidoscope: Provided by Hallmark, this free creative art studio invites children to use their imaginations with leftover materials from the card manufacturing process—a beloved local tradition for decades.
- Crown Center Ice Terrace: Kansas City’s only public outdoor ice skating rink, typically open from November through March under an iconic white canopy.
- Museum of BBQ (New for 2025): The world’s first museum dedicated entirely to barbecue. This immersive experience takes visitors through the elements of BBQ (meat, rub, wood, fire, smoke, sauce) and explores the major American BBQ regions.
What indoor-friendly highlights make Crown Center a reliable destination?
- If you’re trying to avoid the sometimes unpredictable weather but still want a fun outing, the SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium is a top pick — the 360° ocean tunnel, thousands of sea creatures, and interactive touch-pools offer immersive underwater views under one roof.
- Right beside the aquarium is LEGOLAND Discovery Center Kansas City, a sprawling indoor LEGO playground complete with rides, 4D cinema, building zones and even birthday-party rooms — a go-to attraction for families.
Because both are indoors and adjacent, many visitors treat Crown Center as a weather-proof “go anywhere” option. For families or groups looking for Indoor Activities, this is one of the few places in town where you can reliably plan hours of fun regardless of forecast.
Dining at Crown Center ranges from unique family experiences to upscale casual.
- Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant: A local icon where orders are delivered to tables by an overhead train system. Famous for its “Gen Dare” burgers and old-fashioned shakes.
- The American: Formerly a 4-star restaurant, this architectural gem designed by Warren Platner is now a premier private event space, retaining its stunning kaleidoscope-glass windows and panoramic views.
- SPIN! Pizza: Known for hand-spun, stone-fired pizzas and fresh salads in a casual, bicycle-themed setting.
- Unforked: A locally owned spot committed to seasonal, local ingredients, offering gourmet tacos, burgers, and concretes.
- Burnt End BBQ: Offering award-winning Kansas City-style barbecue, featuring signature bowls and classic smoked meats.
- Chip’s Chocolate Factory: A sweet shop where visitors can watch fudge being made and purchase over 40 varieties of chocolate confections.
- Hotel Dining: Spectators at the Sheraton offers gastropub fare, while One East at the Westin provides contemporary American cuisine.
Is Crown Center dining flexible enough to accommodate a spontaneous day?
Yes. The center includes everything from quick-service spots to full-service restaurants. For instance, some casual cafés serve fast food or snacks — handy for a quick bite after a visit to the aquarium or LEGO center.
On the other end, there are sit-down and themed restaurants, great for families or groups winding down after attractions. That diversity makes Crown Center’s dining a smart match for Group Activities — you can tailor meals to match your group’s mood, whether high-energy kids or relaxed adults.
The complex is a hub for the performing arts and public gatherings.
- The Coterie Theatre: Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the top five theaters for young audiences in the U.S., producing Broadway-quality plays and musicals for families.
- MTH Theater (Music Theater Heritage): A professional theater company dedicated to the American musical, known for its intimate productions and cabaret performances.
- Crown Center Square: The outdoor heart of the complex featuring the famous dancing fountains. It serves as the staging ground for major festivals and concerts.
What kind of performances are available at Crown Center?
Crown Center isn’t only about kid-friendly fun. It hosts respected venues such as The Coterie Theatre and Music Theater Heritage, where you’ll find youth shows, musicals, and productions that appeal broadly across age groups.
Many adults — or couples on a night out — use Crown Center’s entertainment + dining + walking-friendly layout to design a balanced outing. That makes it a good fit for those browsing Activities for Adults or even couples checking out Dating options in Kansas City.
Crown Center hosts some of the city’s most significant annual traditions.
- Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting: The arrival of the 100-foot-tall Mayor’s Christmas Tree on the Square signals the start of the holiday season, accompanied by thousands of lights.
- Kansas City Irish Fest: Held annually over Labor Day weekend, this is one of the largest Irish festivals in the country, taking over the Square and streetscapes.
- KC Oktoberfest: Modeled after the Munich original, this two-day festival in October features authentic German beer (KC Bier Co.), food, and music.
- WeekEnder: A summer series on Friday evenings featuring live local bands followed by a movie on a giant outdoor screen.
When does Crown Center shine with special events?
Throughout the year, Crown Center schedules outdoor movie nights, live music, cultural festivals, community events, and rotating exhibits in its public plaza and venues.
During winter and holiday season, the entire area transforms: the Crown Center Ice Terrace opens for ice skating under lights, and festive decorations and celebrations make the complex a natural draw for those interested in Holiday Activities or Winter Activities.
Because events span nearly every interest — family-friendly, cultural, seasonal — Crown Center works well for a variety of group sizes and outing types. People planning with friends, family, or date-days often combine attractions, meals, and event attendance for a full Kansas City experience.
- Location: 2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108.
- Context: Located south of the Downtown Loop, immediately adjacent to the Crossroads Arts District.
- Connections: The complex is connected via “The Link” (glass-enclosed walkway) to Union Station (north) and the Sheraton and Westin hotels. The KC Streetcar’s “Union Station” stop is just a short walk across Pershing Road or through the Link.
How well situated is Crown Center for exploring greater Kansas City?
Crown Center sits adjacent to Union Station Kansas City, connected by a climate-controlled elevated walkway called “The Link,” making it simple to walk from aquarium or shopping to history, science, or planetarium attractions at Union Station without needing a car.
Because of that convenience, many visitors treat Crown Center as a base to combine multiple days or half-days — attractions, shopping, dining, and cultural sites — into a seamless downtown Kansas City itinerary. It’s especially useful for those referencing their plans through broadly labeled Things to do lists.
Crown Center FAQ
What is Crown Center?
Crown Center is an 85-acre mixed-use complex that serves as the international headquarters for Hallmark Cards. It acts as a “city within a city,” comprised of office buildings, two luxury hotels, a three-level shopping and entertainment center, residential condominiums, and landscaped open spaces. It is privately financed and managed by Crown Center Redevelopment Corp., a subsidiary of Hallmark.
What is near Crown Center?
Crown Center is centrally located in the “Crown Center District.”
- Crossroads Arts District: A short streetcar ride or walk north, known for galleries and boutiques.
- Union Station: A historic rail station and home to Science City, located just north across Pershing Road (accessible via The Link).
- National WWI Museum and Memorial: Located directly across the street to the south, offering the best views of the city skyline.
What kind of experiences does Crown Center offer?
It offers a blend of family-centric, retail, and cultural experiences.
- Seasonal: Ice skating in winter and outdoor festivals in summer/fall.
- Family: Hands-on creativity at Kaleidoscope and LEGO building at LEGOLAND.
- Cultural: Live theater at The Coterie and MTH, and history at the Hallmark Visitors Center.
What’s a balanced itinerary at Crown Center?
A practical plan starts indoors: visit SEA LIFE Aquarium or LEGOLAND Discovery Center — perfect for kids and weather-proof fun. Then grab lunch at one of the many eateries in the complex. After lunch, stroll around the plaza, maybe catch a performance or shop, and if it’s winter — wrap up with a session at the Ice Terrace rink. With this mix of indoor and outdoor options, visitors get excellent flexibility.
Such an itinerary usually appeals to families, mixed-age groups, or weekend visitors who want a bit of everything without driving all over town. For people browsing broad Kansas City guides, this kind of day often matches entries in Activities for Young Adults when planned as a social outing.
Where to stay in Crown Center?
Visitors can stay directly within the complex at two major hotels:
- Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center: A high-rise hotel offering sweeping views of the city.
- The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center: Famous for its lobby waterfall carved into the natural limestone hillside.
What kind of accommodations are available in Crown Center?
Both the Westin and Sheraton offer full-service, business-class accommodations. Amenities include heated outdoor pools, fitness centers, club lounges, and extensive meeting/ballroom spaces. Both hotels are connected to the shopping and entertainment complex via The Link, allowing guests to access attractions without stepping outside.
What kind of transportation options are available near Crown Center?
What kind of transportation options are available near Crown Center?
- Parking: The complex features a massive underground parking garage. Parking is often validated for unmatched hours with receipts from shops or restaurants.
- KC Streetcar: The southern terminus (Union Station Stop) is a short walk away, providing free transportation north to the Power & Light District, Library, and River Market.
- The Link: A system of elevated, climate-controlled walkways connecting the hotels, Crown Center shops, and Union Station.
What is the history of Crown Center?
The project began in the 1960s when Joyce C. Hall (founder of Hallmark) sought to revitalize the deteriorating area surrounding his corporate headquarters. He envisioned a high-quality environment that would stimulate civic pride. The master plan was announced in 1967, and the complex opened in phases starting in 1971. It was one of the first mixed-use redevelopments in the United States and remains a privately owned urban renewal success story.
What is the story behind Crown Center?
In the early 1960s the site that’s now Crown Center was full of abandoned warehouses, broken parking lots, and overall urban decay. The family behind Hallmark Cards decided to revitalize the land rather than abandon it, forming a development corporation and breaking ground in 1968.
Over time, what began as offices and underground parking grew into a mixed-use district: retail shops, restaurants, hotels, residences, and entertainment venues. Today, Crown Center spans over 85 acres and draws over five million visitors annually — showing how successful that vision was.
That layered history helps explain why Crown Center feels more like a neighborhood than a mall — a place where commerce, culture, and community converged. It’s a unique urban success story in Kansas City.
Where to shop in Crown Center?
Crown Center offers a curated mix of local and specialty shopping.
- Halls Kansas City: The anchor department store, owned by Hallmark, offering luxury fashion, cosmetics, and home goods.
- Crayola Kansas City: A retail store that also offers interactive creative experiences for kids.
- The Best of Kansas City: A go-to spot for local souvenirs, BBQ sauces, and gifts.
- Specialty Boutiques: Stores range from toy shops and chocolatiers to women’s fashion and kitchenware.
How does shopping at Crown Center differ from a standard mall?
Crown Center’s shopping complex includes flagship stores like Halls — a specialty department store with upscale apparel, housewares, and gift-oriented merchandise — giving a premium feel compared with typical mall chains.
Beyond that, there are smaller boutiques, specialty toy shops, collectible and souvenir stores, and local retailers offering unique items — perfect if you’re looking for something more personal than generic mass-market goods.
Because shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment are all within walking distance, Crown Center offers a vibe that makes it easy to combine a quick shopping trip with a full outing or night out.
Crown Center represents something rare in Kansas City: a single destination where entertainment, dining, shopping, lodging, and cultural experiences coexist within a walkable, weather-protected environment. Its connectivity to Union Station, the National WWI Museum, and the KC Streetcar system positions it as both a standalone destination and a practical hub for exploring the broader metro.