Set on the border between Kansas and Missouri and right at the junction of the Kansas River and Missouri River, Kansas City is often called the “double city” of Midwest America. It is popular for its rich jazz history, which you can explore in the historic jazz district. If you want to learn more about the local culture and heritage of the place, there are plenty of museums you can check out. Some of these museums include Arabia Steamboat Museum, National WWI Museum and Memorial, and The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. However, if you need to take a breather and marvel at natural wonders, you might want to travel beyond the city. Check out the best waterfalls near Kansas City, Missouri.
1. Winterset Park Nature Area
Set right next to Charles David Hartman Memorial Park, Winterset Park Nature Area is only a 25-minute drive from Kansas City. A 4.1-ha (10.2-ac) park, it is abundant with trees and wildflowers. This park also features a couple of waterfalls and wood bridges.
Meandering through the place is a 1.5-km (1-mi) wood chip trail. No matter what time of the year you visit, you will see different wildlife and some of the best examples of the state’s native flowers.
You can bring a car when you visit and park at Charles David Hartman Memorial Park’s parking lot.
Winterset Park Nature Area
Address: 700 SW Pryor Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081, United States
Opening hours: 5am - 11pm (daily)
2. Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Parkville Nature Sanctuary is located in Parkville, only about a 20-minute drive from Kansas City. A wildlife preserve and educational site maintained by the local government and volunteers, it is one of the leading outdoor recreation destinations in Missouri.
This site has 115 ac (46.5 ha) of natural outdoor area, which you can access through roughly 4.8 km (3 mi) of hiking trails. One of the most popular loop trails here is the 1.5-km (0.9-mi) Old Kate Trail. This trail leads to Riss Lake Dam, Girl Scout Cabin pavilion, boardwalk, and stunning waterfalls.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Address: 100-198 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, United States
Website: Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 8:pm; Sun: 7am - 9:30pm
3. Tryst Falls
Only about a 30-minute drive from Kansas City, Tryst Falls offers an unrivaled change of scenery away from the urban setting. It is arguably one of the most scenic, natural waterfalls in the state. The natural park surrounding this waterfall is perfect for family getaways since it features a playground, picnic tables, and shelter houses. Conveniently, you may rent shelter facilities for a hassle-free visit.
There is also a 0.3-km (0.2-mi) loop trail suitable for all skill levels. Even dogs may walk along this trail, provided that they are on a leash at all times.
Tryst Falls
Address: Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 8:30pm (daily)
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Take a breather outside Kansas City
If you are seeking a break from the urban jungle that is Kansas City, you can visit nearby towns and cities that boast spectacular sceneries and discover the best waterfalls close by.
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