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The Incredible Reservoir In Missouri That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published Apr 1, 2024

Written by 

Beth Price-Williams

Exploring the city holds so much promise, doesn’t it? We never know what little gems we’re going to uncover or what secrets of the past we’re going to stumble upon – like the ruins of this abandoned reservoir in Kansas City, Missouri. If you’ve never been to this popular city park, and even if you have, you might not realize these ruins exist.

Kessler Park in Kansas City is known for a few things – a tumbling waterfall, a scenic route that beckons walkers and bikers, and a disc golf course.

A quiet, tree-lined road with a stone wall on one side, surrounded by lush greenery.
Google Maps

Stretching a smidge over 302 acres, Kessler Park is also home to the ruins of a former reservoir; its story began more than a century ago.

Aerial view of an overgrown, abandoned oval-shaped track surrounded by trees and grass.
Google/River Gabbert

Back in 1918, the Northeast and East Bottoms neighborhoods, both rapidly growing and thriving areas of Kansas City, had their water pumped in from a station in Turkey Creek, across the city in West Bottoms.

A barren landscape with a gray sky and a line of leafless trees on a hill.
Flickr/Vincent Parsons

Pumping the water across the city proved quite expensive and inconvenient. The city’s answer was to build a new reservoir, which would hold around 17 million gallons, in what is today known as Kessler Park, formerly North Terrace Park.

A vibrant, overgrown area covered in colorful graffiti, surrounded by lush greenery and a blue sky with clouds.
Google/River Gabbert

The reservoir, built in 1920, was tucked at the top of a hill, where it went unseen by those who visited the park. Construction meant two things: A new reservoir for this side of Kansas City and the dirt from the hole dug for the reservoir would fill in the park’s lake – known as Suicide Lake.

Overgrown concrete area with a rusted tower and a distant highway, under a cloudy sky.
Flickr/River Gabbert

Unfortunately, the future of the reservoir proved quite dim. Due to leaks or springs, expert opinions differed on the exact cause, water consistently poured down the hillside, causing flooding issues.

A weathered walkway with graffiti, surrounded by overgrown greenery and trees under a cloudy sky.
Google/River Gabbert

By the dawn of the next decade, the reservoir was in its final months, closing in 1931 when another reservoir opened in the area.

An abandoned watchtower covered in greenery and graffiti against a clear blue sky.
Google/Darrell Powers

Today, the reservoir ruins have become overrun by graffiti and are regularly explored by curiosity seekers. Plans have been discussed about how to revitalize the area.

A view of a graffiti-covered area with greenery, framed by a rusted metal structure under a clear blue sky.
Google/Darrell Powers

Have you been to this abandoned reservoir in Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! While you’re in the city, visit another iconic landmark – the Mill Creek Fountain. Did you know this fountain in Missouri was imported from France? Don’t limit your time in such a vibrant city. Book a stay at a Kansas City Vrbo for an epic overnight or weekend getaway.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/iconic-landmark-origin-mo/

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