Waterfalls in the Midwest

There is something magical and dreamy about exploring nature, hiking trails and discovering waterfalls. This is your guide to waterfalls in the Midwest.

#1: Rock and Waterfall Garden at Powell Gardens

• Where: Powell Gardens, 1609 NW US Hwy. 50, Kingsville, MO, 816.697.2600
• About: One of the loveliest spots at Powell Gardens, the Rock and Waterfall Garden is a photographer's dream! With a vibrant display of blooming flowers and the pleasant melody of rolling water, this is one of the most peaceful places at the garden.
• Nearby: Cockrell's Mercantile

#2: Waterfall Park in Merriam

• Where: 5191 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS
• About: The 15-acre park features an access point to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, a scenic walking path, and practice fields.
• Nearby: Shawnee Town 1929

#3: Waterfall Park in Independence

• Where: 4501 S. Bass Dr., Independence, MO, 816.325.7375
• About:  The 18-acre park, near Bass Pro Shops in Independence, is nestled in a wooded area overlooking a lake and waterfalls. It features a fantastic playground, small rock wall, small lake, walking trails, picnic tables, restrooms and the scenic backdrop of a waterfall. Playing at Waterfall Park is an escape to the woods right in the midst of the city.
• Nearby: Main Event Independence

#4: Waterfall in the Westin Crown Center

• Where: The lobby of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.474.4400
• About: As our only indoor waterfall on this list, the Westin's waterfall is perhaps one of the most famous in the Metro. The limestone bluff with a rock garden and 60‑foot waterfall is the centerpiece begging to be photographed. Walk the Link to Union Station or Crown Center for a day of fun!
• Nearby: Crown Center, Legoland Discovery Center, Sea Life Kansas City, Kaleidoscope, Science City at Union Station

#5: Waterfall at Watkins Mill State Park

• Where: Watkins Mill State Park, 26600 Park Rd. N., Lawson, MO, 816.580.3387. You may see the seasonal waterfall from an accessible scenic overlook deck, approximately 2,000 feet north of the swim beach.
• About: Frequently confused for Watt's Mill (below), Watkins Mill State Park is a must-see destination in the area. "Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins spent half a century building—including an elegant home and a three-story woolen mill—have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s. The mill is the only 19th-century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. The site's visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures." –source:  http://www.mostateparks.com/park/watkins-woolen-mill-state-historic-site
• Nearby: Tour Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site and visit the many amenities at the state park while you're there.

#6: Waterfall at Watt's Mill

• Where: 103rd & State Line, Kansas City, MO
• About: Frequently confused for Watkins Mill (above), a grist mill called Fitzhugh’s Mill was built in 1832 and run by George and Jonathan Fitzhugh. The family operation ground corn and wheat using energy from the waterfalls near the Santa Fe Trail. In 1852, Anthony Watts purchased the business, which was taken over by his son Stubbins in 1865 and, later, his son Edgar. The water-driven mill eventually fell into decay. It stood at what is now the Watts Mill Shopping Center. You may see the waterfalls from Jasper's and Marco Polo's Italian Market.
• Nearby: Charleston's Restaurant & Smitty's Garage

#7: Cedar Creek Falls

• Where: Lake Olathe, 625 Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS, is also home to Cedar Creek Falls, 143rd St./Dennis Ave.). 
• About: An overflow dam on Cedar Creek just above Lake Olathe, the waterfall flows year round, but, like most waterfalls, is prettiest after a heavy rain. Fishing, boating, hiking and playgrounds are available for fun.
• Nearby: Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm and Ernie Miller Nature Center

#8: Waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary

• Where: MO Hwy. 9 & 12th St., Parkville, MO
• About: The hiking trails are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity, just 15 minutes from the city!
• Nearby: Parkville Mini Golf

#9: Tryst Falls Park

• Where: Route 92, Kearney, MO, 816.407.3400
• About: The natural falls make a beautiful place for a picnic at the park! The park offers a playground, shelter houses and picnic tables.
• Nearby: Jesse James Farm & Museum and Mount Gilead Church and School

#10: Grand Falls

• Where: This is a day trip or weekend getaway from Kansas City. Grand Falls is located in Joplin, MO. Directions: From the intersection of I-44 & Hwy. 86, go south 1 mile, cross Shoal Creek and turn right immediately after crossing the bridge. Follow the south bank of Shoal Creek for 3 more miles. You will spot the falls on the right.
• About: Missouri’s largest natural, continually flowing waterfall is beautifully situated in the Missouri Ozarks
• Nearby: Country Caboose Train Museum (1100 N. Prosperity Rd., Joplin, MO, 417.624.3861)

#11: Waterfall at Hodgson Mill

• Where: This is a weekend getaway from Kansas City. You will find Hodgson Mill 17 miles north of Gainesville on Hwy. 181 in Ozark County, Missouri.
• About: Hodgson Mill is one of the most beautiful mills in Missouri and site of a lovely waterfall. The mill dates back to 1861 when it was built as a grist mill, using the power of the nearby spring to grind grain.
• Nearby: Rockbridge State Park (www.MOStateParks.com) is a beautiful site for trout fishing and hiking and home to Rockbridge Restaurant, serving delicious and famous local trout.