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Leaf Peeping in Kansas City

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Ah, fall is upon us! It’s a time for breaking out the woolly sweaters from the back of the closet, picking apples and pumpkins, sipping cups of hot, steamy cider and, perhaps most importantly, slowing down to take in nature’s beauty as the landscape performs its annual act of colorful artistry. Throughout October, brilliant hues of burnt orange, vibrant yellow, crimson and aubergine emerge as once-green leaves transform into a colorful cloak that adorns their earthen foundations. Fall foliage tends to be at the height of its beauty toward the end of the month, a perfect setting for family photos, nature walks and picnics. Check out these local landscapes, perfect for leaf peeping throughout the Kansas City area.

The Scout at Penn Valley Park. Kansas City’s most iconic piece of art, The Scout ironically wasn’t even supposed to be here. The statue of a Sioux scout atop his trusty steed was passing through as part of a temporary exhibition in 1922. Local residents fell in love, and they raised $15,000 to claim him for keeps. For more than a century, the famous Native American and his horse have rested atop a steep hill in Penn Valley Park, overlooking the city’s downtown skyline. A visit to see The Scout provides the added bonus of a fabulous view, made even more spectacular by native foliage.

Swope Park. Kansas City’s metropolitan area ranks 27th largest in the nation and yet, to its credit, boasts one of the country’s largest urban parks. At 1,805 acres, Swope Park more than doubles New York City’s Central Park (a mere 843 acres) and attracts a staggering two million visitors annually. Its namesake, philanthropist Thomas Hunton Swope, had the largest individual landholdings in the Kansas City area during the mid-1800s. In 1896, he donated the land to the city to be used as a public park. Swope Park teems with natural beauty, as well as a bustle of activity as it is home to the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theatre, the Kansas City Community Gardens and Lakeside Nature Center (plus standard park amenities like disc golf, soccer fields, a baseball diamond and numerous trails). Despite all that it houses, only a small portion of the park is developed. Much is heavily wooded, providing the perfect environment to explore this fall!

Loose Park. The third largest park in Kansas City, Loose Park is equally beautiful and historical. The 75-acre plot had a docile start as pastureland but later proved pivotal as a major site in the Battle of Westport, where an estimated 29,000 Confederate and Union soldiers advanced its along borders. It has since provided visitors a peaceful respite, initially as Kansas City Country Club’s first golf course and, from 1927 to the present day, as a city park. Loose Park may receive fanfare throughout the warmer seasons for its impressive rose garden and delightful sprayground, but it also is home to a diverse array of trees and soft meandering trails that curve with the landscape, making it an equally pleasing attraction during the autumn months.

Weston Bend State Park. No fall is complete without visiting KC’s darling bed and breakfast community, Weston. And no trip to Weston is complete without visiting its state park! Weston Bend State Park offers secluded picnic shelters, a 3-mile paved trail, a campground, as well as a lookout point with unparalleled views of the Missouri River. Marvel at the colorful combinations achieved by more than 20 varieties of trees, along with more than 169 varieties of birds that call them home.

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Garden. Sprawling out over 300 acres of southern Johnson County, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens leads the way as an educational, cultural and recreational resource for the greater Kansas City area. The arboretum dedicates more than 85 percent of its property to preserve and restore eight different ecosystems, providing unique and delightful sights in any season. Be on the lookout not only for vibrantly hued trees, but also fiery red persimmon and sumac. From sculpture gardens to hiking trails, a bird blind and children’s garden, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has something for everyone this fall...and beyond!

Indian Creek Trail. This 26-mile hiking and biking trail connects two states, two counties and four communities, making it one of Kansas City’s longest trails! Paralleling a creek bed and several woodland areas, the Indian Creek Trail has plenty of shade due to large canopies of trees that shelter its paths. Multiple parks and playgrounds grace the trail, sweetening the deal for the little ones in your crew.

Powell Gardens.  From hosting the nation’s largest edible garden, the 12.5-acre Heartland Harvest Garden, to claiming the largest “living” wall within its Island Garden, Powell Gardens has made quite a name for itself both regionally and beyond! Once a regional Boy Scout campground, this 640-acre oasis now touts multiple gardens and trails, as well as a pristine glass chapel set amongst the hills and a quaint trolley service that, for a mere dollar, will shuttle visitors throughout the grounds. A spectacularly breathtaking view is in store with every turn.

 

Get your craft on—naturally!

 

Lauren Greenlee claims fall as her favorite season and pumpkin pie spice her seasonal flavor of choice. She rakes leaves (and writes) from her Olathe home.

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