Just south of Kansas City, Missouri, the city of Overland Park, Kansas is small but has lots to see and do—from history to outdoorsy pursuits and everything in between. Start with this list of attractions.
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
Whether or not you consider yourself a flower fan, this is a must-visit to get into the spring spirit. While there’s something to see any time of year, it’s the best time to visit this beautiful expanse of flowers and plants, when everything is in full bloom.
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
As the name suggests, this farmstead is fun for the whole family. There are more than 250 animals, including goats, cows, and ponies. Plus, there are tons of other attractions like hayrides, a butterfly garden, and gardens. There’s even an on-site ice cream parlor for those with a sweet tooth.
Museum at Prairiefire
Opened in 2014, the Museum at Prairiefire is a 42,000 square-foot space dedicated to unique science, art, and history exhibits. Little ones will love The Discovery Room, an interactive children’s exhibit. And adventurers of all ages can appreciate the upcoming Savage Ancient Seas, which focuses real-life sea monsters.
Overland Park Farmers Market
Open on Wednesdays and Sundays, this community gathering spot—which has been around for 35 years—has everything from fruits and veggies to specialty items like local honey, flowers, and pie.
Johnson County Museum
As part of the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, the Johnson County Museum is all about the area’s history, with both rotating exhibits and permanent fixtures, including an electric model house from the 1950s.
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
The Nerman Museum is located on the campus of the Johnson County Community College and houses 11 unique galleries with both rotating and permanent exhibits. There’s also a small cafe and auditorium.
Korean War Veterans Museum
This memorial is small, yet compelling, and certainly worth a stop if you are at all interested in history. It features 30 granite panels, eight of which are inscribed with the names of the more than 400 soldiers from Kansas who died in the war.
