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.
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Kansas City
Some trees start changing colors in the Kansas City area already in mid-September, but 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.
Where to see fall foliage in the greater Kansas City area
Downtown KC
Loose Park is located in the center of Kansas City, just minutes from the UMKC campus and the Country Club Plaza, the main shopping and dining area in the city. It's a perfect location for a fall picnic near the pond or just a casual stroll and or other outdoor activities. Alternatively, you can take a stroll along nearby Brookside Boulevard, stretching from Country Club Plaza to Brookside Park.
Weston, MO
Weston Bend State Park, located within a 40-minute drive from downtown, is arguably the best fall foliage spot in the greater KC area. The scenic overlook in the park provides beautiful panoramic views. The park also boasts excellent trails through the autumnal forest and along the river, as well as a paved bike trail for cyclists. Pumpkin patches add to the seasonal atmosphere in the park.
Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is another excellent leaf-peeping destination, located 30 miles (48 km) east of Kansas City. The garden occupies 970 acres (372 ha), featuring over 6,000 plant varieties. In addition to seasonal displays and beautifully designed themed gardens, it boasts many hiking trails, like Chapel walk and Byron Shutz Nature Trail.
The Overland Park Arboretum
Located south of central KC, the Overland Park Arboretum spans 300 acres (120 ha) of beautiful landscapes. Prairies, limestone bluffs, and wooded trails perfectly suitable for a fall walk. Take a 6-mile (9.7-km) hiking trail through the arboretum that features two bridges across Wolf Creek and various gardens.
Scenic Drives
Cliff Drive Scenic Byway is located in George E. Kessler Park in Northeast Kansas City. The 4-mi (6-km) road starts from The Paseo & Independence Avenue and runs through Indian Mound on Gladstone Boulevard and Belmont Boulevard. The road gets closed on weekends, so it can be used by bikers, runners, and walkers.
If you are a fan of nature and have a little bit of time, take a drive to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge’s Scenic Loop. Located 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Kansas City, this sanctuary is a treasure for northwest Missouri. Loess Bluffs is a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and various animals. In the fall, it boasts lots of colors and amazing wildlife.
Practical info
What makes fall foliage season special in Kansas City?
Kansas City has some unique features during the autumn season that make it special. The fall foliage season in the city is characterized by beautiful red, gold, and yellow colors spread across various public and private spaces. To experience this, individuals can visit different sites such as the country's Plaza, The City Market, or the national WWI Museum. Kansas City also has many parks, with over 400 available in the metropolitan area, providing many options for viewing the fall foliage. Show more
When is the best time to visit Weston Bend State Park for fall foliage?
If interested in viewing fall foliage in the greater KC area, Weston Bend State Park is a great option. The ideal time for a visit would be in late October or early November to take advantage of the panoramic views and the various hiking trails that cut through the forest. Visitors can reach the park easily as it is only a short 40-minutes drive from downtown KC. Show more
What's the distance between Kansas City and Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, a prime location for a scenic fall foliage drive, is situated roughly 80-minutes away from the city of Kansas by car. Show more
Where can I find beautiful seasonal plant varieties while foliage viewing in Kansas City?
For those seeking to experience fall foliage while viewing a variety of seasonal plants in Kansas City, Powell Gardens is the place to be. It is situated approximately 30-miles east of Kansas's city, encompassing an expansive area of 970 acres. The gardens showcase over 6000 plant varieties, beautiful seasonal displays, and several hiking trails such as Chapel walk and Byron Shutz Nature Trail. Show more
Which scenic drive is worth taking if I'm interested in fall foliage viewing?
The Cliff Drive Scenic Byway is an excellent option for anyone interested in experiencing scenic drives while admiring the fall foliage in Kansas City. The 4-miles road is located on Indian Mound on Gladstone Boulevard and Belmont Boulevard and presents a beautiful, colorful view. The road is also periodically closed on weekends to allow bikers, walkers, or runners to enjoy the scenery without worry or interruption. Show more
