Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
A 300-acre oasis of natural beauty with stunning gardens, captivating train displays, and immersive seasonal events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak peony & poppy bloom
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Peak peony & poppy bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 300-acre oasis of natural beauty with stunning gardens, captivating train displays, and immersive seasonal events.
"Absolutely loved this place! For just $7, it offers a peaceful natural escape with beautiful trails, ponds, and lush greenery."
📸 Photography Hotspots
Spring through fall is ideal for photos. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
🎟️ Reciprocal Membership
Check if your existing garden membership offers free entry via reciprocal program.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Train Gardens
Near the Visitor Center
Magnificent model train displays with intricate tracks, some above and some at ground level. A delightful surprise for all ages!
Seasonal Flower Displays
Various Gardens
From vibrant peonies and poppies in spring to stunning fall foliage, the gardens offer a breathtaking floral spectacle year-round.
Terra Luna Immersive Experience
Throughout the Arboretum
A magical nighttime event featuring light displays, live music, and enchanting performances under the stars.
Nature Play Area
Children's Area
A safe, clean, and fun space for kids to explore and play amidst nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Blooms
Membership Perks & Reciprocal Programs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Hotspots
Spring through fall is ideal for photos. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
🎟️ Reciprocal Membership
Check if your existing garden membership offers free entry via reciprocal program.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so wear comfy shoes!
✨ Special Event Tickets
Book tickets in advance for popular events like Terra Luna; they sell out fast!
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Hotspots
Spring through fall is ideal for photos. Early morning or late afternoon light is best.
🎟️ Reciprocal Membership
Check if your existing garden membership offers free entry via reciprocal program.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so wear comfy shoes!
✨ Special Event Tickets
Book tickets in advance for popular events like Terra Luna; they sell out fast!
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can fill up quickly during peak times and special events. Arrive early.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens for its stunning beauty, diverse floral displays, and peaceful atmosphere. Many highlight the enchanting train gardens and the well-maintained trails as major draws. While some feel there's potential for more exhibits, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"What a gorgeous place to visit.
They have lots of different types of flowers and greenery. The staff is friendly and helpful.
Our two favorite things of the Arboretum were:
1) The train gardens. What an absolute magnificent display of model trains with unique design of tracks near the ground level and also above your head. Keep your eyes peeled because there are two train displays. If you find the one train ticket booth turn around 180° and you’ll find the other one.
2) The views on a sunny day. The stone display leading up to the visitor center with the water flowing, and the sun lining off. It is a site to behold.
Also a walk around the lake when the sun is out will instantly relax you
And here’s a cheat code for people that like visiting arboretums… This one is part of the Arboretum reciprocal program. This means if you’ve bought a membership to another Arboretum inside the reciprocal program, you automatically get admission to Overland Park Arboretum as well."
Don Sevcik
"Absolutely loved this place! For just $7, it offers a peaceful natural escape with beautiful trails, ponds, and lush greenery. The kids’ play area is fantastic — safe, clean, and fun. Great for family outings or solo nature walks. We especially enjoyed the scenic bridge, the miniature village with train tracks, and the relaxing benches by the water. Everything is well-maintained and photo-worthy. Definitely a hidden gem — will be visiting again!!"
Anurag Kumar
"Wasn't to bad. Nice place overall. I feel like they ought to charge more for entry and be more aggressive with expansion or growing exhibits. Sems like there is a lot of wasted space.
Lots of "dead ends" that look like they lead to something but didn't follow through. I won't mention other places by name we've been to, but they have filled a lot of their spaces with beautiful arrangements and a bit more purposeful exhibits. I'm NOT a flowery type guy but my wife is and she kept mentioning the same thing. We'll be back but would love to see "more" growth!!"
Terry “Tmar” Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is located at 8909 W 179th St, Bucyrus, KS 66013. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Consider using GPS for the most direct route.
Public transportation options to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens are limited due to its location. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the gardens.
From Kansas City, take US-69 S to 175th St, then turn right. The arboretum will be on your left. Always double-check your GPS for the most up-to-date routes.
Yes, there is parking available at the Overland Park Arboretum. It can get busy during peak seasons and special events, so arriving early is recommended.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be used to reach the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Ensure your driver is familiar with the address.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically $5 per person, with a reduced rate of $2 for children aged 6-17. Children 5 and under are free.
Yes, the arboretum is often free on Tuesdays, making it a great budget-friendly option. Always check their official website for the most current information on free admission days.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. For special events like Terra Luna, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance as they can sell out.
The general operating hours are typically 9 AM to 5 PM. However, hours can vary for special events and seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most accurate hours.
For regular visits, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check the website, especially during peak seasons or if you're visiting on a weekend.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the enchanting train gardens, the beautiful seasonal flower displays, and the nature play area for kids. The scenic views and walking trails around the lake are also highly recommended.
Yes, the arboretum features numerous walking trails that wind through its 300 acres, offering diverse landscapes and scenic views.
Absolutely! The nature play area is a big hit with kids, and the train gardens are captivating. The open spaces and trails are great for exploration.
The arboretum hosts various events, including the popular Luminary Walk during the holidays and the immersive Terra Luna experience in the fall. +1 They also offer educational programs.
Yes, the arboretum is a fantastic spot for photography, especially during spring and fall. The best times for photos are typically early morning or late afternoon.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, there are no extensive dining facilities within the Overland Park Arboretum itself. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks or dine at nearby restaurants.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in designated areas or on the trails.
While specific picnic tables might be limited, the arboretum offers many scenic spots where you can relax and enjoy a packed meal.
The arboretum is located in a suburban area, so there are various restaurants in Overland Park and nearby Olathe. You'll find a range of casual and sit-down dining options.
As of recent information, there isn't a dedicated cafe or snack bar on-site. It's advisable to plan your food and beverage needs accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, early morning and late afternoon, offer the most beautiful light for photography.
The train gardens, the stone display with water features, and the various floral displays are highly photogenic. Shaded areas are also available during hotter days.
Generally, personal photography equipment is welcome. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check the arboretum's policy or contact them directly.
Spring through fall provides the most diverse and colorful subjects for photography, from blooming flowers to autumn foliage.
While generally welcoming to photographers, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and respect the natural environment. Check their website for any specific guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The spring and fall seasons offer the most vibrant backdrops, with blooming flowers and colorful foliage. Key spots for stunning shots include the train gardens, the water features near the visitor center, and the diverse floral displays throughout the grounds. 💰 Budget Travelers
Even better, Tuesdays often feature free admission, making it a perfect opportunity for a cost-free outing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Seasonal Spectacles: Blooms and Lights
+1Beyond the natural beauty, the arboretum hosts captivating special events. The Luminary Walk during the holiday season transforms the grounds into a magical wonderland of lights and festive cheer.
These events often require separate tickets and have limited dates, so planning ahead is crucial. Exploring the Grounds: Trails and Features
A particular highlight for many is the train gardens, featuring intricate model train setups that delight both children and adults. For families, the nature play area is a significant attraction, offering a safe and engaging environment for children to connect with nature.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit