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Step straight into the pages of a romance novel and the golden age of Hollywood cinema in Winterset, Iowa—a town that effortlessly proves classic Americana is alive and thriving.
Just 2 and a half hours from Kansas City, Winterset, Iowa is set against the rolling, wooded hills of Madison County, this picture-perfect destination is world-renowned for its iconic 19th-century covered bridges and as the proud birthplace of cinematic legend John Wayne.
At its heart lies one of the most vibrant historic courthouse squares in the Midwest, where you can sip craft coffee, tour world-class textile exhibits at the Iowa Quilt Museum, and grab an award-winning tenderloin at a cafe immortalized on the silver screen.
Whether you’re climbing a hidden stone castle tower in the woods or embarking on a scenic drive across historic wooden bridges, Winterset delivers an enchanting, nostalgic getaway that feels both comfortably familiar and unforgettable.

Seneca, Kansas, welcomes you with the kind of genuine, small-town warmth that makes you feel like an old friend the moment you arrive. 
Just 2 hours northwest of Kansas City, Seneca is tucked into the rolling hills of northeast Kansas. 
This historic community proudly preserves its roots as a vital stop along the legendary 1860s Pony Express route, blending fascinating pioneer history with a beautifully preserved downtown. 
Here, you can spend your day exploring unique stone monuments, hunting for vintage treasures along a brick-paved Main Street, and winding down with a slice of legendary, scratch-made pie at a cozy local bakery. 
It is a peaceful, authentic slice of the Heartland that invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy the simple pleasures of Midwestern hospitality.

If you’re craving a road trip that perfectly blends vibrant college-town energy with serene natural beauty, Kirksville, Missouri, is the hidden gem you’ve been waiting to discover. 
Just a scenic three-hour drive northeast of Kansas City, Kirksville is home to Truman State University. This welcoming community pairs a bustling, historic courthouse square packed with local boutiques and famous thin-crust pizzerias with world-renowned medical history. 
Step just minutes outside of town, and you’ll find yourself canoeing on the glassy waters of Thousand Hills State Park or hiking quiet forested trails. 
It is an effortlessly charming, easygoing escape that invites you to slow down, explore, and experience the very best of northeast Missouri.

Tucked away in northwest Iowa lies a hidden, glacial paradise that feels a world away from the everyday grind—and it’s just a scenic six-and-a-half-hour drive north of Kansas City.  

Welcome to Lake Okoboji, a stunning destination famous for its spring-fed, exceptionally clear, cobalt-blue waters that make it one of only three blue-water lakes on the entire planet.

Whether you’re looking to carve wake behind a boat, step back in time at a historic lakeside amusement park, or just unwind with a cold drink at a lively dockside restaurant, this vibrant summer hotspot is the ultimate Midwest lake escape you never knew was waiting for you.

Little Rock, Arkansas, surprises people—in the best way.

Arkansas’s capital sits right on the Arkansas River, mixing an easygoing Southern vibe with walkable downtown pockets, standout history, and quick escapes into the outdoors. You can spend a morning at a presidential library or a pivotal civil-rights site, grab lunch in a busy market district, then end the day on a river trail with skyline views.

It’s not a place that tries too hard; it just quietly delivers good food, friendly locals, and plenty to do.

Washington, Missouri, is a scenic Missouri River town where historic charm, local flavor, and small-town hospitality come together in an easy, welcoming getaway. Set in the heart of Missouri wine country, Washington offers a walkable downtown filled with brick storefronts, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, and riverfront views that invite visitors to slow down and explore. Whether you come for a festival, a weekend of shopping and dining, a winery day trip, or a peaceful stroll along the river, Washington delivers a memorable mix of history, culture, and relaxed Midwestern charm.

KCTV5's Sharon Chen shares information about a violent extremist network actively recruiting children in the Kansas City area through online games and apps.

Bentonville, Arkansas is the kind of place that surprises you — in the best possible way.

What was once known mainly as the hometown of Walmart has grown into one of the South’s most exciting small-city destinations, blending world-class art, award-winning trails, a lively downtown square with restaurants, local shopping, and a festival scene that keeps the calendar full.

It is polished without feeling pretentious, creative without losing its friendliness, and full of the kind of experiences that make a weekend trip feel bigger than expected.

You can spend the morning walking the trails around Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, bike through some of the best mountain biking terrain in the country, linger over a memorable meal downtown, shop local galleries and boutiques, then end the evening with live music, cocktails, or a seasonal event on the square. 

New records show Kansas City reversed thousands of earnings tax collection cases annually, even as officials dismissed concerns raised by a KCTV5 investigation last month.

KCTV5's Zac Summers visited with anchor Taylor Johnson to share some details behind his reporting.

Salina, Kansas, offers visitors a well-rounded mix of museums, public art, popular dining, shopping districts, and annual events that give the city a lively regional identity.

From downtown culture to family-friendly attractions and major community festivals, Salina has plenty for visitors to explore.

It was Missouri’s first state capital and is often associated with the Lewis and Clark expedition, which launched nearby in 1804.  St. Charles, Missouri is a historic city on the Missouri River just northwest of St. Louis, known for its preserved 1800s architecture and walkable Main Street district.  

St. Charles sits in St. Charles County, one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, with a mix of long-established neighborhoods and newer developments. The riverfront area connects to the Katy Trail and local trail networks, making it popular for biking and hiking along the Missouri River.

Today it blends riverfront parks, festivals, shops and restaurants with a fast-growing suburban community.

From big-time tradition to ragtime roots and the roar of the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia is a town where the history music and community spirit come together in a way that feels uniquely Missouri. 

Tucked away in Garden City, Missouri, YaYa’s Alpaca Farm offers visitors a chance to slow down and connect with one of the gentlest animals in agriculture.

The farm has grown into a popular destination, welcoming thousands of guests each year for tours, seasonal events, and special experiences. 

Visitors can learn about alpacas, feed and photograph them, and even explore how their fleece is turned into fiber products. With offerings that range from family tours to weddings and classes, YaYa’s has created a warm, memorable experience built around curiosity, connection, and the charm of alpacas.

A lease to a nearly 7,000 square foot building for a dollar a year for 50 years sounds like a great deal.

A deal that does exist in Jackson County, Missouri.

At 200 South Main, history sits on hold. Hiding behind the trees, a yellow brick building with white pillars. But look up close, and you can see it: cracked walls and sidewalks, boarded-up windows, and an entryway in disrepair.

Built in 1910, 200 S. Main was Independence’s city hall for decades.

KCTV5's Samantha Boring sits down with Taylor Johnson on her KCTV5 Investigates reporting.

It is home to Fort Hays State University and has strong roots in frontier history and Volga German heritage. The city offers museums, local dining, shopping, seasonal events, and outdoor recreation, making it a popular stop for both visitors and residents.

The “9D” refers to nine distinct layers of engineered audio — including binaural beats, solfeggio frequencies, isochronic tones, multi-directional sound, neuro-linguistic programming, and subliminal messaging — combined with sustained conscious breathing for 45 minutes to an hour.

KCTV5's Lauren Magarino explores the experience known as 9D Breathwork.

It’s known as the “Czech Capital of Kansas” and a mecca of water sports in the state.  Wilson, Kansas, sits just 3 hours west of the Kansas City Metro and it’s this week’s Destination Heartland.

KCTV's Sharon Chen shares more on her story of new research at the Stowers Institute regarding a chromosome variant that may contribute to pregnancy loss.

In this edition of Destination Heartland, we take a virtual visit to Hannibal, Missouri!

A Brazilian asylum seeker shares his personal journey and experience navigating the U.S. immigration system in this extended interview. He says he fled Brazil to escape threats from organized crime and has been in the legal asylum process for nearly two and a half years while residing in the Kansas City area.