Powell Gardens: A botanical utopia near Kansas City
Powell Gardens, Kingsville, Mo.
Explore 175 acres of gardens and cultivated plants, plus a 3-mile nature trail.
Trail Powell Gardens
Overview
Even though it’s technically not in Jackson County (just a little over the east line), there’s no question that Powell Gardens is a natural jewel in Greater Kansas City. It’s 25 minutes east of Lee’s Summit on U.S. 50, but worth the drive. The 1,000-acre site has 175 acres dedicated to gardens and cultivated plants. These can all be explored on an extensive network of paved trails. In addition, the Byron Shutz Nature Trail explores the more rustic parts of the park. Please note: Powell Gardens is a private organization, sets its own hours and charges an admission fee.
Length The Byron Shutz Nature Trail is a 3.25-mile loop. But you can get a good walk in simply exploring the gardens.
Address and location 1609 US-50, Kingsville, MO 64061
Conditions The gardens section of Powell Gardens is highly accessible and mostly paved. The Byron Shultz Nature Trail, which is separate from the gardens “offers slight inclines and some rocky terrain, but is easily traversed by hikers with moderate experience. Novice hikers should review their fitness level and the trail length before beginning a hike (description from Powell Gardens).”
Kid friendly? Powell Gardens is designed for maximum access, so strollers and children fit right in. The Byron Shultz Nature Trail, which is separate, is best for children who can walk it.
How busy? Traffic ebbs and flows and is partly based on special activities at Powell Gardens. The gardens can be busy on holidays and in peak season.
Pets Prohibited except on designated special days.
Bikes Check with Powell Gardens before planning on biking there.
