George Owens Nature Park

Address
1601 S. Speck Rd.
Independence,Missouri64057United States Get Directions
Phone 816.325.7115
Website https://www.ci.independence.mo.us/ParksAndRec/Owens

George Owens Nature Park has given families the opportunity to reconnect with their natural environment since 1977. The park is open year round and provides 86 acres of beautiful forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife. Explore the DeWitt Center and experience rotating exhibits, a pond display and 4 large aquariums.

  • Three miles of Hiking Trails (One Paved)

  • Two Fishing Lakes

  • Organized Group Campground

  • ADA Accessible Dock

  • Family Picnic Area

  • DeWitt Center

  • Rain Gardens

  • Bio Swales Pavilion

  • Butterfly Garden

  • Outdoor and Nature Programs for the Entire Family


Accessibility Notes: The Center is accessible, but not all trails are accessible.

Categories: Accessible:yes, Eastern Jackson County, FREE, Going Places, Nature Centers & Gardens, Park'

Events at this venue

Today

  • Build-A-Boat

    George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, Missouri, United States

    Anchors aweigh! We're setting sail on Lake Lorraine with our first Build a Boat event! In this program you will use a variety of building materials to create your own boat, but that's not all! We'll be putting these watercrafts to the test! Whoever's boat can hold the most weight wins the bragging rights! We […]

  • Glow in the Dark UV Night Hike

    George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, Missouri, United States

    Experience George Owens Nature Park in a whole new light at our Glow in the Dark UV Night Hike! We will explore the paved Butterfly Trail after sunset searching for what naturally glows as the sun goes down. Here are some of the things we hope to spot: Millipedes and lichens Scorpions and click beetles […]

  • Classification Game: Making Sense of the Wild

    George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, Missouri, United States

    Crack the code of the animal kingdom! Ever wonder how scientists sort millions of living things into neat categories? Jump into the world of taxonomy and discover how animals are grouped. Then put your new skills to the test by inventing, naming, and classifying your very own creature. It’s hands-on, imagination-fueled, and perfect for curious […]

  • Chess Club

    George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, Missouri, United States

    Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:00am George Owens DeWitt Hall1601 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057 Parks, Recreation and Tourism City-Wide, Entertainment, Family Activity, Parks and Recreation Come learn and challenge others to the strategic game of chess! All ages and all abilities welcome. Instructional help is available for beginners. This club takes place on Thursdays […]

  • Hummingbird Festival

    George Owens Nature Park 1601 S. Speck Rd., Independence, Missouri, United States

    Celebrate the Ruby Throated Hummingbird as they prepare to migrate. Presentations and activities scheduled throughout the weekend that will intrigue any bird lover. Thursday, September 4: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - Noon: Make a hummingbird perch from the DeWitt Center (registration required here: www.webtrac.indepmo.org ) 1 p.m.. - 1:45 p.m.: Learn about the hummingbird […]