Get Back to Nature: Explore All State Parks Near Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, Missouri, is often regarded as a major metropolitan area with a fantastic stadium. Additionally, it is recognized for its association with jazz music, numerous fountains, and traditional barbecue cuisine. What we often fail to realize is that people can also embrace the natural beauty of the land just minutes outside the city. 

Whether you enjoy camping or other outdoor recreational activities, adventures are waiting for you. All you need to do is explore all that the state parks near Kansas City, MO, have to offer. 

Best State Park for Exploring Trails

People who enjoy biking or hiking but prefer to avoid getting lost along the way may find Weston Bend State Park ideal. It is one of the favorite state parks in Kansas City, MO, for a variety of reasons, only one of which is its location: just 31 miles away. It is located just minutes from the city's hustle and bustle of the city's center. There is a paved bike trail that allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature at their leisure. The trail is just three miles long and allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the majestic Missouri River. Along with biking or hiking, there is also a place to set up camp, enjoy picnics, or simply sit back and watch nature. 

State Parks to Enjoy a Little History and a Lot of Nature

When exploring the state parks near Kansas City, MO, it is important to remember that there is history in Missouri as well. Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and the adjoining Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site are a pleasant reminder of this. Watkins Mill, situated only 31 miles from Kansas City, was constructed between 1859 and 1860. It was intended to provide housing for mill workers at Bethany Plantation.  While here, visitors can step back in time to explore what life was like in the mid-1800s as well as swim in a massive 100-acre lake, strolling paved bike trails, and much more. Visitors can also camp out for a weekend or have picnics on the beach of Watkins Mill Lake while watching deer and wild turkey roam. 

Best State Park to Find Rugged Beauty and Solitude

When searching for a site that offers camping near Kansas City, MO, Wallace State Park should not be overlooked. It is a place that feels secluded but remains close to home for residents of Kansas City at just 47 miles away. There are trails, creeks, and a long list of things to see and do while here. Guests at the park can also fish from the bank of Lake Allaman or take their small boat out onto the lake for a bit more solitude. As a bonus for many who visit and wish to enjoy camping in Kansas City, MO, there are public restrooms, showers, and a variety of other amenities. This means no one must feel like they are truly out in the wild. 

The Best State Park for Swimming and Natural Beauty

On a warm summer day, swimming is high on many people's list of things to do. Although it does require more of a drive from the city, 300 miles, there is one place that should never be ignored: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. It is here that visitors can explore the effects of time to the fullest, whether they stay for a day or want to spend a little time camping. It is an area made of lava beds and water, where, rather than a single swimming area, visitors will find a variety of pools carved out by time and Mother Nature. There are trails to explore, waterfalls to view, and more beauty than most people will ever see, all surrounded by the beauty of the St. Francois Mountains. 

The Most Relaxing State Parks in Kansas City, MO

Residents and visitors can also stay in Kansas City, MO, and enjoy a little natural wonder. There are several options for parks that are within city limits, but Parkville Nature Sanctuary is one of the best. It is just 10 and a half miles from downtown Kansas City. It combines wildlife with education to ensure everyone can find something to enjoy while visiting. It is here that visitors will find a variety of nature trails or paths, waterfalls, and seclusion. Not only that, but it is perfect for morning strolls, bird watching, or just relaxing. 

Best National Park for Exploring Untouched Nature

If interested in seeing nature in all its beauty, visitors should consider Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Of all the parks near Kansas City, this is the only one dedicated to the tall grass prairies that the Midwest are known for. This allows visitors to see bison roaming free, as well as a long list of other prairie animals and over 500 different plant species. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is just 135 miles from the heart of Kansas City. 

Find Your Home Oasis in Kansas City

There are many state parks near Kansas City, MO. They allow residents and visitors to step out of the city and into nature. There is a little something for everyone. If this sounds like the place you want to be, or if you are considering a move to Kansas City, you should check out the apartments in Northland, Kansas City. NoRi Apartments are located just north of Kansas City, and offer easy access to all major highways, a feature that will make getting to state parks or the city easy. 

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