Subtropolis

Some people in the world are less inclined to stop off and look at the “normal” touristy spots when they’re out there on vacation.  The sheer number of bizarre roadside attractions is proof of this.  While surfing about on the Internet, I came across one of these strange and unusual locations that might entice a few readers to take a few minutes out of their standard across-the-U.S. tour.  It’s called Subtropolis and it is, at 55-million square feet, the world’s largest underground business complex.

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Subtropolis began as a limestone mine in the 40s.  In order to get some use out of all that cleared-out space, the owners decided to rent it out as storage to businesses in the 60s.  Since the complex is built underground, many of the problems associated with changing weather and temperatures do not exist, leading to major savings where energy costs are concerned.  Thus did Subtropolis grow and thrive.

Within the vast underground complex are more than 55 businesses utilizing Subtropolis space as warehouses and offices.  The entire cave structure is connected via more than two miles of underground rail lines and seven miles of roads. It is a veritable city beneath the Earth.

Unfortunately, the owners of Subtropolis, whether for the privacy of their businesses or because they don’t see the point of it, do not offer public tours.  I have been told, however, that it’s no problem to go cruising through the complex on your own, either walking or in your car, as long as you don’t get in the way of business.  Or if you don’t feel like taking the trip, check out the virtual tour.

So it may not be the top of the line when it comes to vacation destinations, but if you really need to collect another location on your list of “The World’s Biggest…”, then you’ll end up here at some point.  And since it doesn't take too long to take a peek, you can also spend the majority of the day doing something more entertaining, such as visiting the Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun amusement parks, which happen to be just outside Subtropolis.

Subtropolis photo courtesy EgoSum88 via Wikicommons