Five hikes for a free-spirited Fourth
Mill Creek Streamway Trail, Johnson County, Kansas
Make the most of holiday downtime with these serene Kansas City trails.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
It’s always a relief when a summer holiday hits. Finally, a little time to unwind. But after the relief sets in, what do you do? And if you love the outdoors, where do you go?
There are more options around Kansas City than we can list here. And you probably have some personal faves. But if you don’t – or if you’re looking for new ideas – we offer five of our faves for the Fourth of July weekend.
Northland
Excelsior Springs Downtown/Park Loop
The Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System, including Siloam Mountain Trail, winds through five city parks. In addition, the route takes you past the historic Elms hotel and downtown area.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
Watkins Mill is a state park, National Historic Landmark, and natural area. Visitors can hike through a preserved 19th century estate and walk a longer forested lake loop.
Central
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center and Kauffman Legacy Park
In the heart of Kansas City lies the Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, just east of the Country Club Plaza. It borders Kauffman Legacy Park and a trail that loops Legacy Lake before continuing to The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden.
Johnson County
Mill Creek Streamway Park
The 17-mile Mill Creek Streamway Park traverses nearly the entire north-south length of Johnson County. It begins at Nelson Island on the Kansas River and follows Mill Creek South to northern Olathe, traversing wooded and open areas, busy suburban centers and places of solitude.
Lawrence Rotary Arboretum
This arboretum features about 100 species of trees in a serene 30-acre environment on the city’s southwest side. It can be explored on looping trails that are paved, gravel and mowed. Two lakes and a stream are the centerpiece of the area, which also features a pergola, garden and gazebo.
