Even in a city as large and industrialized as Kansas City, beautiful nature can be found and enjoyed. Parks and nature preserves are located all over the city. Sometimes, it can be hard to find them unless you know where to begin looking. A good place to start is the Parks Department Web site. On it, you will find the locations of these and other great parks. For the nature lover, hiking trails are very important. Trails can be smooth sidewalks through manicured parks or rough dirt tracks through wilderness areas. Kansas City has both and everything in between. Whether you are a young, avid hiker or a senior citizen looking for a leisurely stroll, you will find something.
Shawnee Mission Park is one of Kansas City’s most popular parks. This 1,250 acre park is one of the most visited parks in the state. It has beautiful hiking trails for people of all ages and abilities. Native wildlife is everywhere! Also, Shawnee Mission Park has a sparkling lake and camp grounds. For the dog lovers, Shawnee Mission Park has one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the city!
A short drive outside of Kansas City will take you to Fleming Park, the largest park in the area. Fleming Park is a popular destination for bird watchers and is the home of the Burroughs Audubon Library. The park also contains two lakes, campgrounds, and hundreds of miles of trails. Don’t forget your bathing suit and your wildlife guide!
In the city, it is easy to forget that we are animals and that we live with nature. Get out to one of these great parks to remember those facts. If you do not have access to a car, check the Parks Department Web site and look for something in your area or just off of the public transportation routes. It is worth your time.
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