Experience Kansas City’s natural wonders year-round.
By Randy Mason
It’s true — you won’t find mountains or an ocean here.
But through four distinct seasons, this area teems with natural beauty and countless ways to enjoy it.
Kansas City sits at the confluence of two rivers. While the mighty Missouri is more rowdy than most of us care to tackle, the Riverfront Heritage Trail isn’t.
This pedestrian and bike-friendly route starts at Berkley Riverfront Park, runs along the banks where steamboats once docked, and into Kansas City, Kansas, at historic Kaw Point.
The Kansas River is considerably more user-friendly. These days, it’s not unusual to see kayaks and canoes gliding along it, passing farms and forests on their way into the urban heart of town.
Lovely lakes for swimming, fishing and boating dot the map in every direction. Smithville Lake, just twenty minutes north of downtown, is the metro’s largest.
The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area in Lee’s Summit harbors a dozen small lakes, linked by trails that wind through woods and wetlands.
Across the state line, Wyandotte County Lake boasts the kind of hilly terrain that mountain bikers can’t resist. Its rocky bluffs offer great views even in winter.
Shawnee Mission Park makes it easy to get into the water. The marina rents pedal boats, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes. And the 53-acre dog park abutting the lake is one of the best your hound will ever explore.
Streamway trails are another great way to catch a glipse of wildlife while getting a workout. The Mill Creek Streamway Park runs 17 miles from the Kansas River to Olathe.
Of course, if you just need some green space and picnic tables, the metro has hundreds of parks. Most notably, KC’s Swope Park. With 1,800 acres, it’s large enough to contain both the Lakeside Nature Center and the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
Antioch, Meadowbrook and Sar-Ko-Par offer vast acres of scenery and whimsical playgrounds for little ones.
Finally, let’s talk about fall.
The foliage is fabulous and temperatures are mild. For hayrides, pumpkin picking and plenty of other autumnal festivities, check out Faulkner’s Ranch, Louisburg Cider Mill and Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch, to name a few.