Have you ever gone on an adventure around the city without a set direction in mind? Just turning when you felt like it, and never looking back? Sometimes an adventure like that just leads you to old warehouses, but other times, it leads you to somewhere awesome. These hidden gems in Kansas City are all about that “just discovered” feeling we’re talking about. Let’s take a look!

8. Brush Creek Park - Kansas City

Brush Creek Boulevard, Brush Creek Blvd, Kansas City, MO, USA
kcparks.org
This awesome trail in town is perfect for those of us who don't want to travel too far for a good walk through nature. Sometimes the best parks are right in your backyard! Learn more about Brush Creek State Park on the Kansas City Parks website.

7. Roanoke Park - Kansas City

Roanoke Park, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
Sean O/Yelp
This park has plenty of awesome scenery for a good walk, while at the same time having great equipment for the kids. During the fall, it's one of the best spots to watch the leaves. Check out the Roanoke Park website to learn more about what makes this one of the best Kansas City hidden gems.

6. Jacob Loose Park - Kansas City

Jacob L. Loose Park, 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA
Caitlin C/Yelp
The gardens here at Jacob Loose Park are amazing, and the trees that turn in the fall make this a one-of-a-kind view. There are plenty of areas to have a picnic or just enjoy an afternoon under the trees.

5. Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve

Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve, 4730 N Green Hills Rd, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
Here on the Green Hills, there sits a cabin built way back when settlers lived in this area in the mid-1800s. There's an abundance of amazing scenery to enjoy, and plenty of wildlife to go with it. Learn more about one of the best hidden gems near Kansas City when you visit the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve website.

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4. Eddy-Ballentine Trail - Blue River Parkway - Kansas City

Eddy-Ballentine Trail, 7762-8428 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132, USA
Mike Bailey/Alltrails
The scenery here is amazing! You'll love everything from the rock formations to the wildflowers. There are trails accessible by foot or bike, and you can bring your canine as long as they're on a leash. It's good for a short hike, especially since it's only 1.6 miles long. Learn more about what makes this one of the best hidden gems near Kansas City when you explore the Eddy-Ballentine Trail.

3. Esther O’Connor Wildflower Prairie - Blue Springs

Esther O'Connor Wildflower Prairie, Blue Springs, MO 64015, USA
liz west/Flickr
The amount of beauty you can find here at this prairie location is amazing. There are quite a few plants that you won't see elsewhere in the city, which makes it a special location for a walk. Maybe you should take a loved one here for a romantic picnic? Visit the Esther O’Connor Wildflower Prairie website to learn more about this Kansas City hidden gem.

2. Cave Spring Park - Raytown

Cave Spring Park, 8701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133, USA
Tatiana Smith/Alltrails
This beautiful area just like the Ozarks actually has a surprise waiting inside. There are ruins of a cabin, and even a cave to explore right on the path. Cave Spring Park is very fun, especially if you have kids who love discovering hidden gems in Kansas City like you do!

1. Parkville Nature Sanctuary - Parkville

Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Kieu N/Yelp
Last but not least, we have our gorgeous Parkville Nature Sanctuary. The path is pretty well maintained, and you won't have much trouble finding butterflies — or this gorgeous waterfall. It's truly the best hidden gem around Kansas City!

Have you been to any of these Kansas City hidden gems? Or, are there other hidden gems in Kansas City that you prefer? Tell us about your experience or thoughts in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

Sometimes things like this spoil you, but here’s a list of other reasons why Kansas City ruins you for life. We sure do love Kansas City, and there’s always somewhere to explore or something to do. You can even become a tourist in your own city when you plan your next adventure through Viator!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Missouri

Katie Feldkamp | December 10, 2023

Where are some of the best hidden gems near Kansas City?

While you may think of prairies and wide open spaces when you think of Missouri, some absolutely beautiful waterfalls are hidden gems near Kansas City. Sure, some may be manmade, but the cascading falls are peaceful and enjoyable all the same. A few of these waterfalls include:

  • Powell Gardens in Kansas City’s Botanical Garden
  • The Barney Allis Plaza Fountain in downtown Kansas City
  • Tryst Falls in Excelsior Springs

Learn more about these and several more when you check out this article on hidden waterfalls near Kansas City.

Are there any towns that are hidden gems near Kansas City?

The next time you want to step outside city limits and explore a small town, check out these lesser-known hidden gems near Kansas City:

  • Parkville
  • Braymer
  • Kearney
  • Smithville

Find out more about these hidden gems in Missouri when you take a read through this article on underrated towns near Kansas City.

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