Powell Gardens
A Day in the Garden
Powell Gardens
1609 NW US Hwy 50
Kingsville, MO
816.697.2600
Since April showers bring May flowers, what better time of year than May could there be to head to Powell Gardens? Located just outside Kansas City in Kingsville, MO, it’s the perfect destination to spend a day outdoors with your family!
Powell Gardens’ history begins back in 1948 when George E. Powell, a prominent KC businessman, acquired the tract of land that is today known as Powell Gardens. In 1969 Mr. Powell donated the land to the Boy Scouts who used it as a camp until 1984. At that time, The Powell Family Foundation partnered with the University of Missouri’s School of Agriculture to develop a horticultural and natural resource. In 1988, ties with the University ended and Powell Gardens, Inc, a non-for-profit, was established.
A visit to the garden is not only fun, but educational as well. Last year, Powell Gardens introduced the Heartland Harvest Garden. The garden, laid out like a patchwork quilt, includes a silo at the end of the trail where you and your family can go up an elevator to the top. Once at the top, you’ll see the whole garden below and the beautiful quilt design. The Harvest Garden features a variety of apples, peaches, grapes, lettuce, herbs, berries and more. The exhibit includes information on how the plants are grown, how they are harvested and the foods we use to eat them. The foods that are harvested are served at Powell Garden’s own Café Thyme and some samples are available for tasting on weekends. Be sure to check out the edible flowers throughout the garden- very intriguing to kids.
In addition to the Harvest Garden, be on the lookout for bugs! The Big Bugs exhibit invades this summer, beginning Memorial Day Weekend. Also, you won’t want to miss the annual butterfly festival in August. Check their website for a complete schedule of other classes and demonstrations available to both kids and families.
We found that all the plants are well labeled throughout so you know what you're seeing and appreciating. In addition, gardeners are always on hand busy at work and available for questions. It’s a wonderful place to visit to enjoy family time together in a beautiful setting.