When you head to Strawberry Hill in KCK, you’ll find both quiet streets and bustling businesses, cultural diversity and community cohesion, and small town + big city vibes. It’s the kind of place with dozens of destinations, each where you’ll meet the owner and want to become regulars. We sure did.
If you haven’t explored in a while, it might be time to rediscover why some people — maybe even you — love to call it home.
Need to know
Our readers said Strawberry Hill is one of KC’s most historic + walkable neighborhoods (if you don’t mind a bit of a workout — it is on a hill after all). Some readers even called it KC’s “best kept secret neighborhood.”
The boundaries run from Minnesota Avenue (north) to I-70 (east + south) and 7th Street (west). Historic homes are nestled close together and sprinkled with iconic landmarks and businesses (more on that later). Residents are within walking distance to the library, courthouse, and city hall — all with scenic views of downtown KC.
The early days
Eastern European immigrants settled along the riverfront , working jobs connected to the livestock exchange in the West Bottoms. Then came the flood of 1904, destroying homes along the banks and forcing residents to relocate up the hillside, where wild strawberry vines prompted the neighborhood name.
Rich in cultural heritage but carved from meager means, many of the modest homes today retain their original woodwork + stained glass windows.
Can’t miss
Oh hey Lewis + Clark, fancy meeting you here.
Photo by KCtoday
Running low on time? A trip to Strawberry Hill isn’t complete without a stop to smell the roses (and take a strawberry selfie ) at Holy Family Park, a drink from Splitlog Coffee Co. (take in the view from the rooftop while you’re there), and a visit to Kaw Point.
OK — so that last one isn’t technically in the neighborhood, but the Riverfront Heritage Trail is. The path provides access to this park + amphitheater at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, so we simply had to include it.
Interactive map
Eat + Drink
- Kinship Cafe is mixing things up with its proprietary Flash Brew + local business collabs.
- The KCK Taco Tail has five stops in this neighborhood — El Camino Real , Tarahumaras Mexican Restaurant #2 , Slapps BBQ , The Mockingbird Lounge , and The Easy Inn .
- New: Hillsiders neighborhood bar opened this month + Chentes on the Hill (formerly Sarah’s) is serving up Mexican pizza additions.
The sun is rising on this local coffee shop.
Photo by Kinship Cafe
Arts + Culture
- The Strawberry Hill Museum & Cultural Center exhibits the neighborhood’s rich heritage + traditions, including exhibits about Croatia, Poland, and Ukraine.
- Find local artists (and artfully crafted drinks) at Manor Records , a nonprofit label, performance venue + neighborhood bar.
- The Mockingbird Lounge serves up more than food — catch comedy shows + karaoke every week.
- Flagship Books is more than just a neighborhood bookstore, attracting acclaimed authors + providing community events.
- EPIC Clay Studio offers an arts and crafts programming, including classes for kids.
- The Third Friday Artwalk is done for the 2022 season, but this downtown arts event plans to be back next May.
Outdoors
- The Huron Park + Indian Cemetery is a grassy square that connects KCK government, the public library, and the 7th Street Casino. This quiet quadrangle is home to 400+ native Wyandot people and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites .
- St. John’s Dog Park may be one of the smallest parks in KCK, but it has one of the best views of the skyline.
- The KCK Farmers’ Market is open June-October.
Where to live
- 535 Armstrong Ave., KCK | 4 BD, 3 BA | $219,093 | Architectural details include operational pocket doors and original, refinished hardwood floors. We love the butcher block counters.
- 640 Tenny Ave., KCK | 3 BD, 2 BA | $205,000 | Modern, renovated features and appliances, plus a front porch and a back deck.
- 313 Orchard St., KCK | 3 BD, 1 BA | $175,750 | This brick-facade bungalow has a stately porch perfect for sipping lemonade and waving to the neighbors.
Related: Westport Neighborhood Guide