Overland Park

Tourist places in Overland Park, Overland Park Travel Info

City Overview

Overland Park is the second-most populous city in Kansas and a premier suburb of Kansas City. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S., known for its family-friendly atmosphere, botanical gardens, and shopping.

Where the City is Located

Overland Park is located in Johnson County, Kansas, in the southern part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It shares a border with Missouri to the east.

Why This City is Famous

It is famous for the Overland Park Arboretum, its world-class soccer fields, and as a major corporate headquarters hub. It offers a high-end suburban experience with big-city access.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are delightful. The Arboretum is beautiful year-round, but blooms in spring are special. Summers can be hot.

Top Tourist Attractions

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens: A 300-acre oasis featuring themed gardens, hiking trails, and sculptures.

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead: A beloved attraction recreating a turn-of-the-century farm with animals, fishing, and pony rides (open seasonally).

Museum at Prairiefire: A stunning architectural marvel featuring natural history exhibitions from the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Overland Park Farmers' Market: One of the best in the nation, located downtown, offering fresh produce, live music, and local goods (seasonal).

Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex: A nationally recognized facility hosting major tournaments, often drawing huge crowds.

Best Things to Do in the City

Explore the gardens at the Arboretum, shop and dine at Prairiefire, visit the petting zoo at Deanna Rose, and enjoy the upscale amenities of the city.

Best Local Food to Try

Kansas City barbecue is a must—try Q39 or Jack Stack. The city also has a vibrant international food scene, including great Indian and Asian cuisine.

Shopping in the City

Oak Park Mall is the largest mall in the the state. Hawthorne Plaza and Prairiefire offer upscale boutique shopping. Downtown Overland Park has charming local stores.

Best Areas to Stay

Convention Center Area: Near I-435, offering many modern hotels and easy highway access.

Prairiefire District: A walkable entertainment district with a hotel, museum, cinema, and dining.

Corporate Woods: A quiet, wooded business park area with several quality hotels.

How to Reach the City

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is about 30-40 minutes north. The city is crisscrossed by major interstates I-435, I-35, and US-69.

Transportation & Getting Around

A car is highly recommended. The city is spread out. Uber/Lyft are readily available. There is limited bus service via RideKC.

Nearby Places & Day Trips

Downtown Kansas City, MO, is just 20 minutes away for the WW1 Museum and Union Station. Lawrence, KS, a college town, is about 40 minutes west.

Hidden Gems

The Monet Garden at the Arboretum captures the essence of the artist's famous paintings. The "Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art" at JCCC is a free, hidden cultural jewel.

Travel Tips

The Deanna Rose Farmstead is free after 2 PM on weekdays (check current policy). Traffic can be heavy on I-435 during rush hour. Winters can be icy.

Conclusion

Overland Park offers a polished, welcoming environment perfect for families and leisure travelers. It’s the ideal mix of Kansas charm and modern sophistication.