Posted in Kansas City January 26, 2022 by

7 Amazing State Parks Around Kansas City That Will Blow You Away

Looking for a break in your routine? Why not take a trip out to one of the nearby State Parks you know you’ve been missing out on? You can soak up some sun when the days are warmer, or enjoy a brisk hike when the air is cooler. Some of these state parks even offer horse trails for you and your equine companion. Let’s get out there! In no particular order, here are the best state parks near Kansas City.

1. Hillsdale State Park
Hillsdale State Park campground Trail, Richland, KS 66071, USA
Hillsdale State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism/Facebook
This Paola, Kansas park isn't anything to shake a stick at, especially during a sunset. This park also has plenty of hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as a lake for all your water-related activities. Learn more by visiting the official KS Outdoors website.
2. Watkins Mill State Park
Watkins Mill State Park school house, Watkins Rd, Lawson, MO 64062, USA
Auntie G/Flickr
This State Historic Site and surrounding park holds the only 19th century textile mill in the United States that still has it's original machinery. The mill and home have been preserved well, and give visitors a look into life in the 1870s. While you're there, try out this easy trail!
3. Weston Bend State Park
Weston Bend State Park, 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, USA
T toes/Flickr
Catch gorgeous views of the Missouri River or take the three mile loop through the woods and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the city. Everyone needs a break at some point, right? Learn more on Missouri State Parks.
4. Perry State Park
Perry State Park, 5441 W Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA
Perry State Park - Kansas Wildlife, Parks, & Tourism/Facebook
This park in Ozawkie, Kansas features thousands of acres of wildlife area to hike through and enjoy the views overlooking the reservoir. There are 25 miles of horse trails and 20 miles of biking/hiking trails for you to enjoy, so make sure you plan to spend all day here! Camping here is a special treat, as the wooded area makes you feel like you're much farther away from the city than you really are. Visit KS Outdoors for more information.
5. Lewis and Clark State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park, 801 Lakecrest Blvd, Rushville, MO 64484, USA
Missouri State Parks/Facebook
What is today Lewis and Clark lake, was once described by the pair in 1804 as a lake full of geese. Now there are plenty of picnic areas, and birdwatchers from all over come to see the geese, herons, and eagles flock to this spot. Click here to learn more.
6. Knob Noster State Park
Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336, USA
Missouri State Parks/Facebook
Though it has a funny name, this Missouri park has some awesome trees that sometimes make it seem like you're in a fairy forest. It also features both hiking and horseback trails, so don't leave your horse at the door! Learn more on the official Missouri State Parks website.
7. Jerry Smith Park
Jerry Smith Park, Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO 64146, USA
Scott Laurent/AllTrails
Okay, so you've caught us. This one isn't a state park, but it's gorgeous and it definitely fits the bill for a gorgeous park near Kansas City. There's no reason why it shouldn't be on this list! Click here to learn more on KCParks.org.

Make sure you’re all fueled up for a hike by trying one of these awesome dishes you can only get here in Kansas City. They’re so tasty! What’s your favorite park in or near Kansas City? Tell us your picks in the comments.

Address: Hillsdale State Park campground Trail, Richland, KS 66071, USA
Address: Jerry Smith Park, Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO 64146, USA
Address: Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336, USA
Address: Lewis and Clark State Park, 801 Lakecrest Blvd, Rushville, MO 64484, USA
Address: Watkins Mill State Park school house, Watkins Rd, Lawson, MO 64062, USA
Address: Weston Bend State Park, 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, USA
Address: Perry State Park, 5441 W Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

State Parks to Visit in Kansas City

January 31, 2022
Tori Jane

What are the best parks in Kansas City for families with kids?  

Kansas City is a great place for so much more than just (the best ever) barbecue! It’s also a great place to raise a family; part of the reason for this is that it’s filled to the brim with fun things to do, see, and experience for the entire family – even those with very young children! For example, there are plenty of awesome state and city parks in and around Kansas City (on both the Kansas and Missouri sides) that kids absolutely love. Some of those include Antioch Park, which is technically in Merriam, Kansas, which has a fun wild-western theme to it that will awaken kids’ imaginations. Penguin Park, in Vivion Road in Kansas City MO is another absolutely great one. It’s been the most beloved playground paradise for more than half a century now; kids have loved it for generations, and yours will, too! You can’t miss the gigantic (25-foot-tall) penguin statue, either. Then, there’s Roanoke Park, Concourse Park, Dagg Park, and more. Trust us, Kansas City is a great place for the whole family.  

What are some of the best hiking trails in Kansas City?  

Who says you can’t go hiking in the city? We sure don’t! Hiking in Kansas City is a blast, and believe it or not, there are more than 50 awesome trails in and nearby the city to choose from. According to our friends at AllTrails.com, the most popular trail in the area is the White Tail Trail, located inside the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. It’s a 2.6-mile, easy trek through a beautiful urban forest you won’t soon forget. Next is the Blue River Parkway and Minor Park Trail, within Minor Park. That one is longer, at 5.6 miles long, but it’s still easy and quite enjoyable for most folks of all ages. There’s also the Hidden Valley Natural Area Loop, a 3.2-mile easy hike in Hidden Valley Park, and the Swope Park Mountain Biking Trail is great for – you guessed it – mountain biking. If you like these ideas, you might also want to check out this list of ten of the best hiking trails in Kansas you ought to add to your hiking bucket list.  

Address: Hillsdale State Park campground Trail, Richland, KS 66071, USA
Address: Jerry Smith Park, Prospect Ave, Kansas City, MO 64146, USA
Address: Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336, USA
Address: Lewis and Clark State Park, 801 Lakecrest Blvd, Rushville, MO 64484, USA
Address: Watkins Mill State Park school house, Watkins Rd, Lawson, MO 64062, USA
Address: Weston Bend State Park, 16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, USA
Address: Perry State Park, 5441 W Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA