you cant go up 29 past rockport due to flooding or that would be the way to go. keep in mind the airport in kc is north of I70 a little ways. I would go to St joe and head west on 36 to highway 75 north (sabetha ks) take 75 to Nebraska city and then take highway 2 to Lincoln
^ This
I live in Springfield, MO and drive up to every home game (as well as various family events in Lincoln). It saves me about an hour going this way instead of taking 70 to 77.
Also, the best BBQ in the KC area is in this town on the outskirts of the city called Excelsior Springs. The restaurant is called Wabash BBQ. It's possibly the best I've ever had.
