If you want to cover more ground than a walking tour without sitting on a bus, the Art and Glide Segway tour is the most distinctive way to see Kansas City’s arts district. The guided ride lasts an hour and a half and glides through the city’s cultural centre, passing architecture, public art and landscape, with a stop at the Country Club Plaza, the Spanish-style shopping district known for its fountains and outdoor art. Segway and safety equipment are included, helmets are required and a local guide leads the group, so even first-timers can relax after a short introduction to the machines. The tour is one of the best-rated activities in the city, averaging 4.9 stars from more than 200 reviews, and it starts from about 69 dollars a person. It runs daily all year, rain or shine, which makes it dependable for a short trip. Choose it if you like art and design, want a fun alternative to the usual sightseeing, and are comfortable standing and balancing for an hour and a half. It is a different experience from the trolley tour: smaller, quicker to stop for a photo and far more hands-on.
The operator’s page gives the start point as 4245 Walnut Street in Midtown, but check your booking confirmation for the exact meeting instructions. The route is described as a ride past architecture, art and landscape in the city’s cultural centre, and it includes the Plaza, where fountains and outdoor sculpture are the main draw. There is no need to ride a Segway before: a safety introduction covers how to start, steer and stop, and the guide sets a comfortable pace for the group.
There are a few rules to check before you book. Riders must weigh at least 100 pounds and no more than 280 pounds. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older, and helmets are required for everyone. The operator says tours go ahead rain or shine, with disposable ponchos for light showers, but heavy storms can lead to a cancellation and refund. Booking and cancellation both need at least 24 hours’ notice, so plan the day in advance rather than deciding on the morning.
Dress for the weather in layers and wear closed shoes with grip. Bring a phone for photos, but keep it in a secure pocket, because both hands are used for riding. Midweek departures are generally quieter on the sidewalks, and spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Combine the ride with lunch on the Plaza or a visit to the free Nelson-Atkins and Kemper museums nearby, and if you prefer a seated option, the trolley tour covers the city at a slower pace.
To get the most from the ride, listen closely during the introduction, because the first few minutes are the only time you will be practising the controls. Keep a relaxed stance with soft knees, look where you want to go rather than at the ground, and ride at the group’s pace.
If you have a bad back, balance issues or have recently had an injury, check with the operator before you book. The Plaza is a good place to finish, since lunch, fountains and shopping are all close, and the free museums nearby offer a second activity if the weather turns.
What to expect
The experience
A guided 90-minute Segway ride through Kansas City’s cultural centre, past architecture, public art and landscape, with a stop at the Country Club Plaza.
Best time
Daytime departures in spring and autumn are the most comfortable, and the tour runs daily all year.
How long
About an hour and a half, including the safety introduction.
Tips
Riders must weigh 100 to 280 pounds, helmets are required, children under 18 need an adult aged 21 or older, and booking needs 24 hours’ notice.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Art and design lovers, active travellers and anyone who wants a fun, efficient way to see the arts district.
- Families
- Better for teens than small children, because of the weight limit and the under-18 rule requiring an adult aged 21 or older.
- Couples
- A playful daytime activity that ends in the Plaza area, which is ideal for lunch or a stroll afterwards.
- Pair with
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art or the Plaza’s fountains and shops, both close by.
- Time needed
- Allow two hours in total with check-in and the safety introduction.
Good questions
How long is the Kansas City Segway tour?+
The Art and Glide tour lasts about an hour and a half and is guided throughout.
Do I need Segway experience?+
No. Segway and safety equipment are included, helmets are required and a guide leads the tour. A short introduction explains how to ride.
Are there weight or age limits?+
Riders must weigh at least 100 pounds and no more than 280 pounds. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older.
Does the tour run in bad weather?+
It runs rain or shine, with ponchos for light showers, but the operator may cancel and refund in heavy storms.
What does it cost and can I cancel?+
Prices start from about 69 dollars per person. Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the tour, and the operator requires 24 hours’ notice to book.
