Discover the best of city trails on the Urban Nature and Art Walk
The Urban Art and Nature Walk includes a stop at Kauffman Memorial Garden.
Four scenic destinations are connected by this unofficial trail.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
While we’re drawn to the wilderness, sometimes an enticing walk through nature in urban settings can yield surprises.
That’s the case with the unofficial Urban Nature and Art Walk I’ve charted out between UMKC and the Country Club Plaza. There is no official trail that links these points of interest, but a series of easy-to-find walkways connects them all.
Where to start
Begin your walk at the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center. This is an outdoor and indoor venue. Outside, native plants are cultivated in a stunning natural area. There are also nature-based play areas for children. Inside, you’ll find educational exhibits oriented toward children, but adults can enjoy them too. Also, during regular hours, you’ll find restrooms.
The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center
Kauffman Legacy Park
There is no border or fence, so the Discovery Center blends seamlessly into Kauffman Legacy Park. It’s centered around a lake with two artificial waterfalls. Next door, there is also a community garden that’s worth walking through in season.
Kauffman Legacy Park
Kauffman Memorial Garden
This elaborate and fastidiously-manicured garden is free to all. It’s a gift to the community, featuring numerous varieties of flowering plants and even some exotic species.
Theis Park
If you’ve ever seen a phots of the Nelson-Atkins Museum that features runway-length green lawn in front of it, that shot was probably taken from Theis Park. It is a grassy, open area between Brush Creek and the gallery. It features asphalt trails, or you can walk through the grass. Shady benches and nooks bring shelter from the sun.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
You don’t need a ticket for this final stop at Nelson-Atkins, because you don’t step inside. There are several paved trails that loop this large gallery. They lead through the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, of which giant shuttlecocks are most well known. This trail will delight children because of its nooks, crannies and unique sculptures.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Mo.
Finishing up
Once you’ve rounded the Nelson, you can walk the sidewalk back to the Gorman Center or return through Theis Park. All of these stops are 100% free. All told, you’ll walk at least two miles on this scenic urban journey.
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker.