Apples, pumpkins, vibrant leaves, hayrides, fall festivals, homemade pies and pressed apple cider… everything wonderful and iconic about autumn is part of our favorite day trips!
Weston, MO: Autumn Splendor!
Weston, MO, was at one time the westernmost town in the United States. It was the second largest port on the mighty Missouri River, second only to St. Louis, with more than 300 steamboats a year docking at her port in the 1850s. After fires, floods and the Civil War, the bustling town dwindled and was soon surpassed by Kansas City.
Today, local farms offer fall fun! Don’t miss Weston’s Apple Fest on the first weekend in October, where you’ll enjoy small town charm with a traditional parade, booths and homemade apple treats.
Weston Red Barn Farm: 16300 Wilkerson Dr., 816.386.5437.
The barn sits atop a picturesque hill overlooking farmland and forest. In September, you can pick apples in their orchards (call ahead for details). The Red Barn Farm is also home to many farm animals: ponies, goats, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, geese and sheep. And, you’ll discover an overwhelming selection of pumpkins in every shape, size and variety at the pumpkin market. On weekends, enjoy a tractor or horse-drawn hayride, the corn maze or a pony ride.
Weston Bend State Park: 16600 Hwy. 45 N., 816.640.5443.
Weston Bend State Park features paved, chipped and wood trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and campgrounds. You’ll also discover information on Lewis and Clark’s expedition and an old tobacco barn (the native crop for the area) that is currently being renovated and features an exhibit on the history of tobacco farming.
The highlight though, is the scenic overlook. Follow the signs, park your car, grab the camera, then take a short walk on a paved trail to the overlook for a magnificent view of autumn color over the Missouri River.
Green Dirt Farm: The farm is open for tours Wednesday-Sunday. Tours are $8/ea., for those 2 and up. Call 816.386.2156 for a reservation.
Green Dirt Farm offers an educational tour unlike any other. Guests learn why grass is the best food for the 150 ewes on the farm, how important healthy soil is to the environment and what makes the cheese so good. Visitors also learn about pasture rotation while watching the dairy sheep graze on the hills. Watch as the sheep are milked and the cheese is made in the kitchen—then taste samples!
Weston Historical Museum: 601 Main Street, 816.386.2977.
The Weston Historical Museum tells the story of Weston through exhibits including Native American artifacts, local citizens’ memorabilia from the Civil War period all the way through World War II and more. End with a stop at the Nostalgia Store for souvenirs, games, books and old-fashioned candy.
O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub: 500 Welt St., 816.640.5235.
O’Malley’s serves authentic Irish fare in an authentic Irish-American pub complete with Irish music. You can choose indoor or patio dining (where you see the world’s largest ball of string).
Louisburg, KS: Apple Cider, Star Gazing, Pumpkins and Fall Fun!
Louisburg, KS, about 20 minutes south of Kansas City, features several unique offerings for fall family fun.
Louisburg Cider Mill: 14730 Hwy. 68, 913.837.5202.
This is an autumn tradition for our family. Children enjoy watching as apples are freshly pressed into 100 percent pure apple cider — from initial washing to the actual pressing. Our favorite treats, though, are the made-from-scratch-right-before-your-eyes cider donuts! You may also enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn maze, fishing hole, farm animals, play area, picnic tables and hayrides.
On the last weekend in September and the first weekend in October, enjoy Ciderfest! Experience live music, kettle corn, arts and crafts, hay wagon rides, farm animals and children’s activities.
Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory: 3783 K-68 Hwy., 913.837.5515.
Cedar Cove is an animal refuge for a variety of big cats. At the conservatory, you will see leopards, cougars, wolves, bobcats, a white tiger, black leopards, wolves and caracals (Remember the cats in Egyptian artwork at the Nelson? They were probably caracals). See pg. ?? for tips on a great visit to Cedar Cove.
Powell Pumpkin Patch: 25695 Spring Valley Rd., 913.837.2212.
This Pumpkin patch is fun for the family. Kids love trekking through the field to select the perfect pumpkin and the entire family can get lost in the corn maze. The prices are affordable and the staff is friendly!
Powell Observatory: in Lewis-Young Park, 913.438.3825. Open sunset-midnight on Saturdays May-October. Donations requested at $5/adult, $3/child. Public programs on Saturday evenings at 7:00.
Louisburg is just far enough from the bright lights of the city to facilitate a fantastic stargazing opportunity. The Powell Observatory is home to a 30-inch telescope, one of the largest available for public viewing in the United States. The observatory's volunteers present programs every Saturday evening through the end of October, and visitors get a glimpse of the night sky.
Overland Park Arboretum: 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park, KS, 913.685.3604.
The Arboretum is "almost in Louisburg" and this free outing is a must-see! The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. The Monet Garden is exquisite and children love exploring the maze in the Children's Garden. Hike through the woods on paved, chipped or wooded trails. Enjoy bird-watching, rose sniffing and fish feeding. Best of all, something is always in bloom!
4-D Acres Emu Farm: 13096 W. 287th St., Louisburg, KS, 877.837.4119. Open to the public on the third weekend of October, or call to schedule a tour.
4D Acres is a family-run emu farm, where emus are raised without medication or growth hormones. The family manufactures emu oil, skin care products, low-fat emu meat and free range chickens. Visitors tour the farm to meet the emus and learn about the farm.
Autumn is Kristina Light’s favorite season… the crisp air, the beautiful colors and the family memories made on our favorite day trips!
More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!
Fall is our favorite season for Day Trips! Many of our favorite destinations are under 2 hours away and feature apple picking, pumpkin patches, historic sites, and hiking trails!
Bonus: The Little House Project: MoKan Day Trips for Little House on the Prairie Fans
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Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
- 20-30 Min. East: Downtown Lee's Summit: The Great American Main Street
- 45 Min. Northeast: Sibley: Lewis & Clark Country
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Parkville: Tea Parties & Shopping
- 45-60 Min. North: Liberty: Jesse James & the Historic Square
- 45-60 Min. North: Weston: Autumn Splendor
- 1 Hour North: St. Joseph: Wild West in our Backyard
- 1 Hour Northeast: Lexington: Civil War in Missouri
- 1-2 Hours North: Jamesport: Amish Country
- 2- 3 Hours South: Carthage: Classic Rt. 66 Road Trip
- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West Kansas
- 10-20 Min. West: Overland Park: Historic Downtown Overland Park
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-60 Min. South: Louisburg: Apple Cider, Star Gazing, and Pumpkins
- 30-45 Min. West: Lawrence: Eclectic College Town & Family Fun
- 30-45 Min. Northwest: Leavenworth: First City of Kansas.... Carousels, Trolleys, and History!
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space