We spent about four hours there but could easily done another one or two if we really wanted to. The volunteers there (everyone I saw was a veteran) were very friendly and happy to provide information. The information about the war (and the eventual US involvement) is presented in multiple ways and there are a few interactive displays as well. There are a couple of different movies you can watch, while both are good, the first one is really recommended if you need to get an understanding on how the war started. Once you are in the main museum, you’ll see a beautiful tribute on the lower level with poppy flowers (and each one of the 9,000 flowers represents 10,000 lives lost).

The other building had a virtual reality experience but unfortunately was closed, but perhaps it was a blessing in disguise since there was so much to do. One was an exhibit that showed how soldiers spent their spare time and was interesting. There are two other budlings next to the tower. Once at the top, you get a nice view of downtown KC, but the area isn’t that big and within five minutes (or less) you’ll be ready to go down. You still have to take some stairs after that but it’s not hard. The elevator has a limit of only seven people, but the wait still wasn’t that long. It’s taller than the Statue of Liberty and you can get more detailed information in the basement of the main museum.

They recommend (and I agree) that you visit the tower the earlier the better in the day to beat the heat. A pleasant surprise is that parking is free, as there is some street parking in front, and there is a side lot as well. I was also surprised on the large number of actual items from the war on display as well. I have to admit I didn’t know very much about WW1 before arriving but learned a ton.

Kansas city to hilton head airport