Central Overland Park
If you're looking for energy, make your way to the middle.
Central Overland Park is where big experiences live.
From the largest mall in Kansas and nationally recognized art, to miles of outdoor trails and high-adrenaline entertainment, this part of the city gives you room to play.
Central Overland Park may be the smallest section of the city on the map, but it packs in some of the biggest experiences.
This is where you can shop to you drop.
Where conference attendees stay steps away from great hotels.
Where you can spend the afternoon on the trail, the evening at one of the most recognized country music venues in the nation, and squeeze in a little high-speed competition in between.
Attractions in Central Overland Park
Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
If you love discovering something unexpected, put the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at the top of your list.
Located on the campus of Johnson County Community College, the Nerman is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works, plus rotating exhibitions that bring in nationally and internationally recognized artists.
Bonus? Admission is free.
If the weather is nice, take yourself on a walk around campus to view one of the largest contemporary sculpture collections at a community college in the U.S.
Indian Creek Trail
Want to get away from it all without going far? Indian Creek Trail delivers.
17 miles of scenic, paved trail winds through Central Overland Park, offering plenty of space for walking, running, or biking. You’ll pass parks, open green space, and get some peaceful creek views along the way.
It’s an easy way to balance out a day of shopping and fast paced fun.
Overland Park Convention Center
The Overland Park Convention Center brings people together in a big way.
From regional conferences and trade shows to sporting events, it’s one of the area’s premier meeting spaces.
If you’re in town for an event, you’re already in the middle of everything Central OP has to offer.
Step outside and you’re a short drive from restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, making it easy to add some fun to a work trip.
Restaurants in Central Overland Park
In Central OP, you're never far away from your next meal.
Around here, local Kansas City barbecue and chef-drive international kitchens share the same neighborhoods.
Start with Q39 for nationally recognized championship barbecue. This is the kind of place people plan entire trips around, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
Craving something a little different? KC Craft Ramen is a must-visit for handcrafted noodles, dumplings, and to experience the spirit of Japanese Omotenashi hospitality.
In the middle of a shopping day? Nordstrom Café inside Oak Park Mall is an under-the-radar favorite for a relaxed lunch that's a step above your typical food court fare.
Close to Oak Park Mall, you’ll find familiar casual spots and chains you know and love, making it easy to grab a quick bite between shops.
Shopping in Central Overland Park
If shopping is your favorite vacation activity, you're in the right part of town.
Down on 95th Street you'll find Oak Park Mall, the largest mall in Kansas, along with big name stores nearby like DSW, TJ Maxx, ULTA Beauty, and more.
For outdoor malls with pedestrian-friendly walkways and a mix of local and national retailers, head to Town Center Plaza and Crossing. Their polished storefronts are side by side with restaurants and salons, making it easy to shop, eat, and keep moving.
Just across the way, Hawthorne Plaza adds even more options in a convenient, walkable setting.
Entertainment in Central Overland Park
In Central Overland Park, entertainment isn’t just something to watch. It’s something to jump into.
Start at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, for high-speed electric karts, arcade games, and immersive VR experiences. It’s fast and loud, and there's an on-site restaurant and bar for pit stops.
Keep the high tech sports fun going at Topgolf, where every swing can move you up the leaderboard.
For high thrills, there's lots of options. At Activate, you can step inside the game with interactive rooms that challenge your speed, memory, and teamwork.
Prefer to take your fun sky-high? iFLY Indoor Skydiving lets you experience the rush of freefall without ever boarding a plane.
When the sun goes down, Guitars & Cadillacs takes over. This country music venue has live bands and a packed dance floor. Never two-stepped? No worries. Stop by early for a dance lesson.
Events in Central Overland Park
In Central Overland Park, events pop up in all the right places.
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art regularly hosts new exhibitions, artist talks, and special programming. Their annual Cultura Fest is a standout, celebrating culture and creativity through live performances, art, and interactive experiences.
The Overland Park Convention Center keeps the calendar full with conferences, trade shows, expos, and more that draw visitors from across the region.
During the holiday season, Oak Park Mall becomes a destination of its own, with festive décor and meet and greets with holiday VIPs that bring families back year after year.
Want to see what’s happening while you’re here?
Explore our full events calendar and start planning your trip around something special.