Fall Foliage in Kansas City, MO-KS 2025

Fall is perhaps the best time of the year to visit Kansas City. The temperature cools down a bit and becomes perfect for spending time outdoors. The city center is lined by picturesque trees, dressed in yellow and red colors. The Country Club Plaza, the City Market, the National WWI Museum, and the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art are among the best places in KC for a leisurely fall-time stroll. Also, there are over 400 parks in the Kansas City metro area. Fall foliage season is a great occasion to visit some of them.

Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Kansas City

Some trees start changing colors in the Kansas City area already in mid-September. Still, the true abundance of fall foliage arrives in the city on the border between Kansas and Missouri in mid-October. Peak fall colors can be viewed from late October to early November. After that, colors start to fade away, and by Thanksgiving, most trees drop their leaves on the ground.

Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the Greater Kansas City Area

Loose Park

Loose Park is situated in the heart of Kansas City, just a short distance from the UMKC campus and the bustling Country Club Plaza, the city's main shopping and dining hub. This park is an ideal spot for a fall picnic by the pond, a leisurely walk, or various other outdoor activities. Additionally, you can explore nearby Brookside Boulevard, which extends from the Country Club Plaza to Brookside Park. Loose Park is open daily from 5 am to midnight, with the parking lot gate closing at 10 pm.

Weston Bend State Park

Weston Bend State Park, located just a 40-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, is considered one of the best spots for fall foliage in the greater KC area. The park's scenic overlook offers stunning panoramic views, and its trails wind through the vibrant autumn forest and along the river, providing excellent hiking opportunities. Cyclists can enjoy a paved bike trail, and pumpkin patches throughout the park add to the seasonal charm. The park is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm.

Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens, located 30 miles (48 km) east of Kansas City, is a fantastic spot for leaf-peeping. This expansive garden covers 970 acres (372 ha) and features over 6,000 plant varieties. Along with seasonal displays and beautifully themed gardens, Powell Gardens offers numerous hiking trails, including the Chapel Walk and Byron Shutz Nature Trail. From September 4 to November 3, the garden is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. In October, visitors can also experience the Dark Forest event, an eerie, immersive multimedia hike through Powell Gardens' woods featuring light shows, performers, and music along a 1-mile unpaved natural path.

The Overland Park Arboretum

Located south of central Kansas City, the Overland Park Arboretum spans 300 acres (120 ha) of stunning landscapes, including prairies, limestone bluffs, and wooded trails perfect for a fall walk. Visitors can explore gardens showcasing over 1,700 plant species. The arboretum features a 6-mile (9.7-km) hiking trail with two bridges over Wolf Creek and various gardens. It operates Sunday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Thursdays from 9 am to 8 pm. Admission is free for kids ages five and under, $2 for children ages 6 to 17, and $5 for adults (18+). Additionally, the arboretum offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.

Scenic Drives

Cliff Drive Scenic Byway

Cliff Drive Scenic Byway is situated in George E. Kessler Park in Northeast Kansas City. This 4-mile (6-kilometer) route begins at The Paseo & Independence Avenue and stretches through Indian Mound, following Gladstone Boulevard and Belmont Boulevard. Please note that Cliff Drive is currently closed to vehicles and is open only to walkers and bikers.

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge's Scenic Loop

If you love nature and have some free time, drive out to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge's Scenic Loop. Located just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Kansas City, this hidden gem in northwest Missouri serves as a sanctuary and breeding ground for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. In the fall, it's especially vibrant, with colorful foliage and incredible wildlife sightings. It's a perfect destination for the whole family, offering a range of activities. You can visit the visitor center to explore exhibits, take a 10-mile auto tour to observe and photograph wildlife, or enjoy a hike through the scenic loess hills.