A short drive into the suburbs of Kansas City brings you to open farm fields and acres of protected natural space - a welcome breath of fresh air for the city dweller and only a few minutes down the highway. Living in an active urban place like Kansas City can make you forget that Kansas contains some of the largest reserves of open space in all of the US. Though not a giant national park, one such open space is located in Overland Park right next door to the city.
Japanese Garden. Photo by Erin Connelly.
The arboretum contains about 500 acres of nature including Japanese gardens, rose gardens, and a large pond filled with multicolored koi. As you cross the pond bridge, the koi swim to greet you in hope of some bread crumbs.
The gardens are full of natural and man-made waterfalls and deeper into the reserve is a sacred rock wheel created by local Native American tribes.
Koi Pond. Photo by Erin Connelly.
Photo by Erin Connelly.
There are around 5 miles of hiking trails in the woods including a riverside walk and a walk through a contemporary art display in the middle of the forest.
Photo by Erin Connelly.
The Overland Park Arboretum and Gardens is only a short drive from the city and provides a great day out for the whole family.
