15 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO AROUND WHITEMAN AFB

Introduction

Once you’ve made the move, settled the family, checked into your unit, and gotten to the first weekend, you think to yourself, “what is there to do in this town?” This guide should give you a good starting point with some things to do on and off Whiteman AFB and in the surrounding areas. With the base being located in a very small town, your best bet for big fun is to head over to Kansas City, one hour west. There are tons of activities, sports, shopping, restaurants, and museums in the city to enjoy. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-2) Outdoor Recreation (3) Bowling (4) Golfing (5) Clubs and Events (6-8) Attractions (9) Hobby Shop (10) Gyms (11-14) Museums (15) Brewery Tours

Suggested Read:

Whiteman AFB: In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.

Things to Do Near Whiteman AFB

Whiteman AFB Outdoor Rec

1. Whiteman AFB Outdoor Center

725 2nd St, Bldg 110 Whiteman AFB, MS 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5565 The outdoor recreation center offers equipment rental for any type of water sport, camping, sports, events and BBQs. The center also offers excursions for rock climbing, hiking, skiing and snowboarding and more. Check their Facebook page here for more information.

Knob Noster

2. Knob Noster State Park

873 SE 10 Rd. Knob Noster, MO 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 563-2463 Located just outside the base this family-friendly state park offers a nice quiet lakeside park with walking trails and campgrounds. The trails are unfinished, so you’ll have to leave your strollers behind.

Whiteman AFB Bowling Alley

3. Stars & Strikes Bowling Center

699 Mitchell Ave Whiteman AFB, MS 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5114 The bowling center features 16 brand new lanes and pro shop. Reserve the party spaces for birthdays, family events, or tournaments. Stop into the Star & Strikes grill for snacks and drinks!

Whiteman AFB Golf Course

Knob Noster

4. Royal Oaks Golf Course

985 SE 130 Rd Knob Noster, MS 65336

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5572 A beautiful 18-hole course owned and operated by the USAF on 350 acres of rolling land with serene woodlands and roaming wildlife. Enjoy lunch at Duffer’s Grill and a cool beer on a summer day.

Whiteman AFB Clubs and Events

Knob Noster

5. Mission’s End Club

323 Spirit Blvd Knob Noster, MS 7145

Phone:

1 (660) 687-4422 This consolidated club has an officer and enlisted club area, ballroom, dining rooms, lounges and a schedule of events such as Mongolian BBQ nights, comedy nights, poker and darts tournaments, wine and cheese parties, and holiday celebrations.

Attractions

Whiteman AFB

6. Information, Tickets & Travel

725 2nd St, Bldg 110 Whiteman AFB, MS 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5618 Stop by the ITT office and check out amazing deals on tours, travel, hotels, and incredible vacation packages to places like Disney Theme Parks or Universal Studios.

Kansas City

7. Kansas City Zoo

6800 Zoo Dr Kansas City, MO 64132

Phone:

1 (816) 595-1234 Explore a lovely zoo with more than 1,700 animals on 202 acres of family fun at very reasonable admission prices.

8. Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium

1 Royal Way Kansas City, MO 64129

Phone:

1 (816) 921-8000 Enjoy a Major League Baseball game and all the fun that a day at the ballpark brings; from hotdogs to foam fingers and bringing your mitt to catch a foul ball. Military discounts are available on tickets.

Whiteman AFB Auto Hobby Shop

9. Spirit Auto Hobby Shop & Car Wash

837 Vandenberg Ave Whiteman AFB, MS 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5689 If you like working on cars, the auto hobby shop offers bay rentals where everyone from beginners to experienced self help enthusiasts can rent tools and ask professional mechanics for instructions to fix or upgrade their car for cheap. With multiple car wash bays and cleaning systems, you can service and spruce up your car for low cost.

Whiteman AFB Gym

10. Fitness Center

777 Mitchell Ave, Bldg 2014 Whiteman AFB, MS 65305

Phone:

1 (660) 687-5496 This fitness center features weight machines, free weights, a cardio room, a basketball court, classes, and intramural activities. There is also a 5k running route, outdoor track, and outdoor functional fitness area.

Whiteman AFB Museum

Kansas City

11. National WWI Museum

2 Memorial Dr Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone:

1 (816) 888-8100 You can spot this stunning museum from anywhere in the city by its beautiful memorial tower that stands above a gorgeous sloping lawn. The museum is a heartbreaking but moving tale of the Great War and its cost that you won’t soon forget.

12. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

4525 Oak St Kansas City, MO 64111

Phone:

1 (816) 751-1278 Wander the world-class galleries and exhibits and stop into the Rozelle Court for lunch or a cup of coffee. Just three blocks from the Country Club Plaza. Admission is free and this is recognized as one of America’s finest art museums.

13. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

1616 E 18th St Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone:

1 (816) 221-1920 An excellent museum celebrating some of baseball’s greats. It celebrates American black history through the lens of baseball and civil rights.

14. Science City at Union Station

30 W Pershing Rd Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone:

1 (816) 460-2020 This great educational museum is located in the historic Union Station building which is reason enough to visit. Inside, you can see how astronauts train, learn about the chemistry of your favorite soft drinks, and more. This museum is a great place for kids and adults to have a fun day of learning.

Brewery Tours

Kansas City

15. Boulevard Brewing Company

2501 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108

Phone:

1 (816) 701-7247 Come for a tasting tour with hosts who can educate you with a wealth of knowledge on beer and brewing. Enjoy flights of beer and free samples. This is a great way to start a big night out before dinner and hitting the town!

Conclusion

Whiteman AFB is in a pretty small and quiet part of Missouri but there are plenty of things to do on base to get you by day to day and Kansas City is a lot of fun and an easy drive away. This guide is just meant to help get you started as you explore your new home so get out there and find your new favorite places!  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.