Where to See Fall Foliage in Overland Park: 8 Beautiful Spots for Autumn Colors
Fall is my favorite season to explore Overland Park. There are always beautiful parks, trails, and drives in Overland Park, but they really show off in the fall, changing into an array of oranges, yellows, and reds making some of the best fall foliage you'll find in the Kansas City metro area.
As a local adventure mom, I spend a lot of time looking for the best spots.
I am excited to share that I found beautiful botanical gardens, wooded trails, neighborhood parks, and tree-lined streets in Overland Park.
Here are some of the best places to see fall foliage in Overland Park.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
If I had to choose just one place to go leaf-peeping in Overland Park, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens would probably be my top pick.
The 300-acre property has nearly six miles of trails winding through gardens and natural areas, which means there are plenty of opportunities to surround yourself with autumn colors.
I loved seeing the way the fall trees reflected off of the water in the pond. It was stunning.
One of the things I love most about the Arboretum is the variety. You can wander through manicured gardens, walk beside the water, look for sculptures tucked among the trees or venture onto trails that feel surprisingly removed from the city.
This is one of my favorite places to see fall colors with my kids, because I get to enjoy the changing trees and they love the Children's Garden and Train Garden. Sometimes my kids don't feel like hiking, but they always feel like playing in this beautiful playscape.
Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail
One of my favorite ways to see fall foliage is to ride my bike, and the 17-mile Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail is the perfect spot for a scenic bike ride.
The trail winds through wooded areas, parks and alongside creeks and streams, giving you plenty of opportunities to see changing leaves while walking, running or biking.
Overland Park's portion of the trail stretches for miles through the city, and there are multiple access points, so you can make your fall outing as short or as ambitious as you'd like.
One of my favorite places to access the trail is Corporate Woods Founders' Park. The combination of the creek, trail and mature trees makes this area especially pretty when the leaves begin to change. Corporate Woods is also a convenient place to park before heading onto the trail.
For even more fall colors, follow the trail toward parks like Roe Park. My kids love this playground, which has some great natural elements and features for little kids and bigger kids. We love to pack a picnic and eat lunch at one of the shelters.
This is one of my favorite options if you're looking for fall hiking or biking in Overland Park without having to leave the city.
Kingston Lake Park
There's just something about fall colors reflected across the water that makes them even prettier.
Kingston Lake Park is a quieter option for enjoying fall leaves in Overland Park, with a lake, walking paths and plenty of trees surrounding the area.
Take a leisurely walk around the water and watch for colorful reflections on the lake. It's an easy place to slow down and enjoy a beautiful fall day without needing a packed itinerary.
If you're searching for a peaceful place to see autumn colors in Overland Park, add this one to your list.
Summercrest Park
Even though Summercrest Park is near the hustle of College Boulevard, it felt like a peaceful oasis to me.
This neighborhood park with a small lake is one of those places that becomes especially photogenic in the fall. There is a bridge spanning the lake that reflects in the water with all of the colorful trees.
Mature trees surround the green space, and once the leaves start changing, you get those classic Kansas fall scenes filled with gold, orange and red.
It's a great option when you want a simple fall outing without making an entire day of it. There is a cute playground for the kids and paved walking trails you can stroll.
Thompson Park and Downtown Overland Park
If you like your fall foliage with a side of coffee, shopping or lunch, head to Downtown Overland Park.
Start at Thompson Park, a beautiful green space right in the heart of downtown. My kids love playing here, and I love that I can grab a coffee nearby. The park's trees add plenty of autumn color, but I also love continuing the walk through Downtown Overland Park afterward.
Santa Fe Drive is lined with mature trees, and in the fall, those changing leaves make the already-charming downtown area even prettier.
This is a great place to turn leaf-peeping into an entire fall date or family outing. I love that this is both an urban and outdoor adventure. We always stop to play at Thompson Park, then wander on to one of Downtown Overland Park's local restaurants, coffee shops or stores.
South Lake Park
South Lake Park is another beautiful option if your ideal fall outing involves water, walking paths and colorful trees.
The lake creates a scenic backdrop for the changing leaves, while the walking path makes it easy to enjoy the crisp fall weather. This is the kind of place where I'd bring a warm drink and simply go for a walk.
It's also a reminder that you don't have to venture deep into the wilderness to enjoy Kansas fall foliage. Sometimes a neighborhood park on a sunny October afternoon is exactly what you need.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
For families, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is one of the easiest places to combine fall foliage with classic fall fun. My kids love any reason to go to Deanna Rose.
The Farmstead has plenty of trees and natural areas, so you can enjoy the changing leaves while visiting the animals and exploring the property. My kids especially love feeding the animals and playing at all of the play areas.
October gives families another reason to visit: Pumpkin Hollow. Pumpkin Hollow runs on select dates during the fall and includes a horse-drawn hayride, old-fashioned games and activities, and a pumpkin to take home.
Between the animals, pumpkins, hayride and autumn scenery, this might be one of the most quintessentially "fall" experiences in Overland Park, especially if you're exploring with younger or elementary aged kids.
Take a Scenic Fall Drive Through Southern Overland Park
You don't even have to get out of the car to see some of Overland Park's fall colors.
If you're driving through southern Overland Park in October, keep an eye on the stretch around US-69 from approximately 135th Street to 179th Street. The trees surrounding this part of the city can put on an impressive display when fall colors are near their peak.
Better yet, turn the drive into a fall foliage tour. Head south on US-69, then make your way toward the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for a walk among the leaves.
It's an easy way to experience how quickly Overland Park changes as you travel from its busier commercial areas into the rolling, tree-filled landscapes farther south.
When Do Fall Colors Peak in Overland Park?
Of course, Mother Nature doesn't follow a strict foliage calendar and the timing and intensity of fall foliage can change from year to year depending on temperatures, rainfall and other weather conditions.
That being said, I find that the third week of October the trees are usually near peak colors, with the last week of October and beginning of November typically being the most vibrant. If seeing peak fall colors is important to you, I recommend checking current foliage reports before heading out.
The good news is that part of the fun of fall in Overland Park is watching the season change. Early autumn brings the first pops of yellow and red, while later in the season you might find trails covered in crunchy leaves.
Whether you're biking the Indian Creek Trail, wandering through the Overland Park Arboretum, taking the kids to Pumpkin Hollow or simply driving through town, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fall foliage in Overland Park.
So grab a warm drink, head outside and enjoy one of the prettiest times of year to explore OP.
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