Wonderful Waterfalls of the Midwest
There is something magical and dreamy about exploring nature, hiking trails and discovering waterfalls. This is your guide to beautiful waterfalls in the Midwest.
Waterfall Park in Merriam
5191 Merriam Dr., Merriam, KS
The 15-acre park features an access point to the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, a scenic walking path, and practice fields.
Nearby: KC Strings and Shawnee Town 1929
Waterfall Park in Independence
4501 S. Bass Dr., Independence, MO, 816.325.7375
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, Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
Waterfall in the Westin Crown Center
The lobby of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.474.4400
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
Waterfall at Watkins Mill State Park
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.
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.
Cedar Creek Falls
Lake Olathe, 625 Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS, is also home to Cedar Creek Falls, 143rd St./Dennis Ave.).
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
Waterfall at Parkville Nature Sanctuary
MO Hwy. 9 & 12th St., Parkville, MO
The hiking trails are beautiful and scenic with waterfalls, a stream, wildlife and serenity, just 15 minutes from the city!
Nearby: Parkville Mini Golf, Historic Downtown Parkville