Best places to go in the Northland

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Did you play with toy trucks when you were a kid? If so, check out the American Truck Historical Society. They aren't a toy museum, but an organization dedicated to preserving the history of trucks and trucking.

The truck models are just part of what you can see at their headquarters near KCI. They also have one of the country's largest libraries of truck-related materials ranging from old truck magazines to vintage photos and newspapers. They are especially proud to hold the complete archives of the White Motor Company, a large American truck maker that was bought in 1980.

Many visitors to the Society's headquarters are researchers, who often spend days going through sales materials, maintenance guides and other historical publications.

Another place that works to keep old crafts alive is the United Federation of Doll Clubs, which is also based near KCI. Their headquarters features a museum of dolls over the years.

Their displays include an 1850 china doll from Germany, pop culture dolls such as Jimmy Osmond and Donnie and Marie and, of course, Barbie.

You can see dolls of all sizes and materials, some for play and others for display. Shelf after shelf of dolls from all over the world show they've been part of life for ages.

If you've had enough climate control, don't miss the Springs Aquatic Center. You can splash around in their large zero-entry kids area, zip down two water slides or meander down the lazy river. Kids enjoy doing laps in their rapidly rotating whirlpool. When that gets too crazy, hop over to their 50-meter pool for swimming lessons or a jump off the diving board.

Visit the websites for these places for their addresses, hours and more information:
- American Truck Historical Society: www.aths.org
- United Federation of Doll Clubs: www.ufdc.org
- Springs Aquatic Center: www.thespringskc.com