Mill Creek Streamway Park (Gary L. Haller Trail)
Mill Creek Streamway Park/Gary L. Haller Trail, Johnson County, Kansas
Traverse Johnson County from Olathe to the Kansas River
Trail Mill Creek Streamway Park/Gary L. Haller Trail
Overview
Mill Creek Streamway Park traverses nearly the entire north-south length of Johnson County. The 17-mile trail begins at Nelson Island on the Kansas River and follows Mill Creek South to northern Olathe. The route traverses wooded and open areas, dense urban centers and places of solitude. Mill Creek is a constant presence and is an unexpectedly beautiful urban stream. It’s clear, runs year round and is home to numerous small waterfalls and ripples. There’s no need to walk (or ride) all 17 miles of the trail. Numerous trail heads allow you to hop on or off whenever you like.A favorite section of ours is Nelson Island, the northernmost trailhead. Usually it’s a peninsula, but if the water level is high enough, it reverts to its island name. A bridge makes the connection in either case. The area has a rich history. According to Friends of the Kaw, a bootlegger named Cleggie Nelson operated his illegal hooch operation on the island during the 1920s, then lived alone on the island as a hermit until his death. Since the Prohibition days, the island has been eroded to half its original size. The island, although its near highways and industry, retains a feeling of solitude and isolation. It's an excellent vantage point to view gulls and other waterfowl, including bald eagles.
Address and location. This trail runs through multiple cities, beginning in Shawnee and ending in Olathe. There are seven access points:
19425 Wilder Drive, Shawnee (north trailhead at Nelson Island), Kan.
5946 Barker Road (north of Shawnee Mission Parkway), Shawnee, Kan.
19405 Midland Drive (west of I-435), at Shawnee Mission Parkway & Midland Drive, Shawnee, Kan.
Shawnee Mission Park (near Shelter 8 and north end of dam), Lenexa, Kan.
19803 W 87th Lane, Lenexa, Kan.
18459 Prairie Star Parkway, Lenexa, Kan.
11344 S Millview Road (west of Ridgeview Road), Olathe, Kan.
1700 Northgate Street (east of Woodland Avenue), Olathe, Kan. (south trailhead)
Length 17 miles one way, north-south, from Nelson Island (Shawnee) on the Kansas River to Olathe.
Conditions Easy walk with minimal elevation changes. Paved.
Kid friendly? This trail is paved and well maintained so it’s suitable for strollers and children on bicycles. The Mill Creek Streamway Trail is busy, so caregivers will need to be attentive to children’s safety.
How busy? This is a popular and busy trail.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated). Read Johnson County Park rules here.
Bikes Non-motorized bicycles are permitted.
