Pack a picnic, take a hike, and enjoy the fall foliage at one of these local sites.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Center (1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs): In addition to a beautiful nature center with hands-on exhibits, the area is home to miles of beautiful trails for walking or bicycling.
Cave Spring Nature Center (8701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, Mo.): This small nature center has historical exhibits and beautiful scenic walking trails.
Ernie Miller Nature Center (909 North, KS-7, Olathe): This center offers children’s activities and programs, live animal displays, and the chance to participate in hands-on activities and explore nature trails.
F.L. Schlagle Nature Library (4051 West Dr, Kansas City, Kan.): This year-round interactive library, nature center, and nature trail offer scientific, educational, cultural, informational, and recreational opportunities.
George Owens Nature Park (1601 Speck Rd, Independence): Enjoy a small nature center, programs for children, a fishing dock, and trails.
Kill Creek Park (11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe): The 897-acre park features a lake, over 12 miles of hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trails, and also includes 1.5 miles of paved trails. The highlight of the park is the Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower offering beautiful views of the park and prairie.
Lakeside Nature Center (4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, Mo.): See falcons, owls, eagles, toads and exhibits. The nature center also features a gravel trail for walking and exploring.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (8909 W 179th St, Overland Park): The gardens offer nearly six miles of paved and wood chip hiking trails offering a scenic and peaceful autumn escape for city-dwellers.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary (100 E 12 St, Parkville): Wildlife preserve and education site featuring hiking trails.
Powell Gardens (1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, Mo.): The beautiful botanical gardens are always magnificent, but the woodland trails are especially beautiful in the fall. Mark your calendar for Dark Forest, offered October 18–19, 24–26, 31; and November 1–2. Presented in partnership with Quixotic, Powell Gardens ushers in fall with Dark Forest, an immersive multimedia walk-through experience in the woods.
Shawnee Mission Park (7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee Mission, Kan.): John Barkley Plaza offers parking and a shaded meet-up spot at the entrance. In the park, you’ll find a fishing dock and extensive trails.