Crown Center in Kansas City - Kansas City MO Shopping center Hallmark entertainment complex

Each year, more than five million visitors flock to Crown Center in Kansas City. The 85 acres of mixed-use space has been called a city within a city. While it can be overwhelming for first time visitors, by stepping back and examining the different elements of this massive complex it is possible to enjoy oneself while taking advantage of everything available.

First, it is helpful to know why the Crown Center evolved as it did. In the 1960's, the area was a slightly seedy series of rutted parking lots. Joyce Hall and his company, Hallmark, envisioned revitalizing the area with the complex and the Hallmark headquarters forms a key anchor point of the compound to this day. Five interconnected buildings formed the initial complex, opened in 1971.

Rutted parking lots have now been replaced with jammed parking lots. Crown Center in Kansas City has become one of the premier shopping and entertainment destinations. There are also 230 condominiums located in the complex, for those who need to be at the heart of everything going on at the Center.

Naturally, the condos and the Hallmark headquarters are off-limits to most visitors. Instead, visitors can see the Hallmark Visitors Center, a top draw, or explore the Union Station exhibits and train station. However, if museums and exhibits fade away when presented with shopping options, then Crown Center will be a paradise.

More than 60 shops and restaurants live in the three story Crown Center mall. The locally owned Crayola store is very popular, as is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store with its on-site chocolate manufacturing facilities visible to the public. While some visitors dismiss the Center as upscale, there are in fact a number of stores catering to all kinds of shoppers.

From November to March, Crown Center also offers the Ice Terrace. As Kansas City's only public outdoor skating rink, the low cost of skate rental and the smooth flat surface of the rink have made this a winter favorite for locals for more than 30 years. Skaters can come for a few hours and then retreat to some of the fun restaurants located in out of the cold, like Fritz's Railroad Cafy, where the food is delivered by train. Couples on special dates can visit the city's only four star restaurant, or enjoy some of the live jazz performances happening at the Center throughout the year.