Get out of town
13 nearby parks, towns and places to explore, ordered by straight-line distance.
17 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (21 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Historic home in Kansas City, Missouri.
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17 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (20 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Art museum in Kansas City, Missouri.
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18 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (25 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Zoo in Kansas City, Missouri.
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19 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (22 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Memorial in Kansas City to World War I dead.
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21 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 25 min by car (24 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
City in Kansas, United States.
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23 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (30 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
City in and county seat of Douglas County, Kansas, United States.
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23 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (30 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Museum in Lawrence, Kansas, United States.
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26 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 40 min by car (34 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
City in Jackson and Clay counties in Missouri, United States, that is one of two county seats in Jackson County.
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30 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (37 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
City in Kansas, United States.
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30 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (36 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
State park in Kansas, United States of America.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature educationAgency site ↗
Confirm the visitor entrance, hours, reservations, access and seasonal conditions. Islands or water destinations may require different transport.
36 miles north · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (46 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
State park in Missouri, United States.
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48 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 55 min by car (57 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
Capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and seat of Shawnee County.
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133 miles south · straight-line distanceAbout 2 hr 30 min by car (158 road miles, typical traffic, checked October 2026)
National monument in the United States.
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Driving times are typical estimates from the city center without live traffic, Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distances are straight-line measurements from the city, not driving distance. Saved road estimates have no consistently recorded source date and are not current traffic; estimates to park centers, water locations or inconsistent routes are omitted. Named-destination route links are not verified entrances. Place descriptions come from Wikidata; photo credits below include recorded capture dates when available. A photograph does not show current conditions.
40 recreation areas and campgrounds within 117 miles, from Recreation.gov. Filter by what you want to do.
16 miles south · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Managed by the Kansas State Park System, Hillsdale offers camping, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, equestrian trails, and relaxation within 40 minutes of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHorseback ridingNature educationPicnickingWater sports
19 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located in Kansas City, Grandview and Lee's Summit, Missouri. Longview, a 930 acre lake provides recreational facilities including camping, 14 picnic shelters, swimming beach, 27 hole golf course, softball fields, 6 miles of paved bicycle…
Wildlife viewing
20 miles east · straight-line distanceAbout 30 min by car (26 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
This recreation area is part of Blue Springs Lake
Camping
28 miles east · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Blue Springs is a 720 acre lake located in Blue Springs and Lee's Summit Missouri. There are 6 picinic shelters, swimming beach, primitive bicking/hicking trails and marina. Blue Springs is operated Jackson County Parks and Recreation.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
28 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located close to beautiful and historic Lawrence and the University of Kansas, the lake offers camping, boating, fishing, hunting, over 50 miles of hiking, equestrian and mountain bike trails, 18-hole golf course, model airplane airport…
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature educationPicnickingWater sports
28 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 35 min by car (34 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering.
BikingBirdingCampingHikingMountain BikingPhotographyPicnickingRanger Station
30 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (45 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters.
AmphitheaterBikingBirdingCampingCanoeingDisc GolfFishingHiking
30 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (39 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Rockhaven Park is located on the south side of Clinton Lake, west of the Dam on the Rock Creek Arm of the lake.
BirdingCampingHikingHorse CampingHorseback ridingPhotographyPicnicking
31 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (45 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Woodridge Park has 450 acres for hiking and primitive, walk-in camping. Tent camping is allowed throughout the park and along the 4.5 mile George Latham hiking trail. Campfires are allowed at designated locations only.
BoatingCampingCanoeingFishingPhotographyPicnickingSoftball FieldsStar Gazing
36 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 50 min by car (50 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Perry Park is a recreational day use area, situated near the dam on the south end of Perry Lake.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingSwimming
36 miles northwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located conveniently near the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City, Perry Lake boasts a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature education
37 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (55 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Slough Creek Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest. As the largest and most popular recreation area at the lake, Slough Creek is an ideal destination for family camping trips.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
38 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (52 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Rock Creek Campground is situated on the south end of Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest. CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am Friday/Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
39 miles north · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Within 30 minutes of downtown Kansas City, this 7,190-acre lake offers city and county operated water-related recreation facilities including a regional visitor center and an 36-hole golf course.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnicking
40 miles northeast · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (59 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
This recreation area is part of Smithville Lake
Camping
40 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (59 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Longview Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest, offering peaceful, family-oriented camping. Longview offers families the chance to camp together in a group camp setting overlooking the lake.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
41 miles northwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr by car (59 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
***WATER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE DURING THE NON-PEAK SEASON. WATER AT ALL CAMPSITES, SHOWER BUILDINGS AND DUMPSTATIONS WILL BE TURNED OFF.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHiking
42 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (53 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Michigan Valley Campground is located in eastern Kansas on the shores of Pomona Lake. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts.
BoatingCampingSwimming
43 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (52 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Outlet Campground is located along 110 Mile Creek in eastern Kansas at Pomona Lake. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts.
Camping
43 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located near the Santa Fe Trail, this 4,000-acre lake features scenic beauty as well as an abundance of wildlife. From Topeka, 24 miles South on US 75, 7 miles East on KS 268.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnickingWater sports
43 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 10 min by car (54 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Wolf Creek Campground is located a few miles west of Pomona Dam Road on the north side of the Pomona Lake in eastern Kansas. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts.
CampingDisc Golf
44 miles south · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1992 primarily for the preservation and restoration of bottomland hardwood forest.
BirdingBoatingFishingHikingHuntingNon-Motorized BoatingPaddlingPhotography
48 miles west · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (61 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Carbolyn Park is located in eastern Kansas along Dragoon Creek, just east of Pomona Lake. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts.
CampingPicnicking
54 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Melvern Lake is situated on the eastern edge of Kansas' Flinthills Region. It draws outdoor enthusiasts from a wide range of disciplines. Melvern Lake covers approximately 7,000 acres of water and 18,000 acres of land open for public use.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately Owned
54 miles southwest · straight-line distanceAbout 1 hr 5 min by car (70 road miles, checked October 2026)US Army Corps of Engineers
Outlet Campground is situated below the Melvern Lake Dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting.
BikingBirdingBoatingCampingFishingHikingKayakingMountain Biking
67 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Sightseers will enjoy the Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy wandering old Indian grounds.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingOff-highway vehiclesPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
72 miles south · straight-line distanceNational Park Service
Promises made and broken! Who deserves to be free? The fight for freedom! Soldiers fighting settlers! Each of these stories is a link in the chain of events that encircled Fort Scott from 1842-1873.
History
73 miles southwest · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Established in 1966 as an “overlay project” on an U.S. Corps of Engineers flood control reservoir, Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge's 18,463 acres incorporate a diverse variety of habitat including wetlands, bottomland hardwood…
BirdingBoatingFishingHuntingNature educationPhotographyRanger programsWildlife viewing
85 miles north · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwest Missouri, near Mound City.
BikingBirdingFishingHikingHuntingPhotographyPicnickingRanger programs
88 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Located adjacent to the Lake of the Ozarks, Truman features excellent fishing, a regional visitor center and powerplant exhibit area. Rugged hills, scenic bluffs, hardwood forest and prairie offer some of the best scenery in the State.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedOff-highway vehicles
92 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
The lake was named for the nearby town of Council Grove, the birthplace of the Santa Fe Trail and a National Historic District.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingOff-highway vehiclesPicnickingWater sportsWildlife viewing
98 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Situated in the scenic Flint Hills, Tuttle Creek Lake provides 12,500 surface acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline, making it the second largest lake in Kansas.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature education
99 miles northeast · straight-line distanceFish and Wildlife Service
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is managed as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
BirdingBoatingEducational ProgramsFishingHikingHuntingMotor BoatNon-Motorized Boating
99 miles west · straight-line distanceNational Park Service
Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but within a generation most of it had been transformed into farms, cities, and towns. Today less than 4% remains intact, mostly in the Kansas Flint Hills.
FishingHikingHistoryWildlife viewing
99 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Kansas' only granite outcrop is located here, at the scene of a short-lived gold rush in 1887.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature educationPicnicking
100 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
A popular lake in the scenic Missouri Ozarks.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedPicnickingWater sports
106 miles southeast · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Cool, clear spring waters make this lake the "Gem of the Ozarks."
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature educationPicnickingWater sports
109 miles southwest · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
Flowers, birds and game enhance this project in rolling prairie country. The 10,900-acre Fall River Game Management Area is located here.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature educationPicnicking
112 miles west · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
The Milford Education Center and Fish Hatchery are located below the dam. From Topeka, 65 mi W on I-70, 5 mi N on US77, 2 mi W on K-57 hwy.
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHorseback ridingHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedNature education
117 miles south · straight-line distanceUS Army Corps of Engineers
to Kansas' "Little Ozarks"! Located 5 miles east of Cherryvale, Kansas. Five beautiful park areas are offered by the Corps of Engineers for camping, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.
BoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoryHorseback ridingPicnickingWater sports
From the National Park Service; closures, dangers and cautions only. Check the park's page before you go.
Recreation areas and campgrounds from Recreation.gov's directory, checked October 17, 2026. Listings are not live availability: check Recreation.gov or the managing agency for open dates, fees, reservations and conditions. Directions go to the listed coordinates, which may not be the entrance. Campground driving times: Powered by Geoapify · © OpenStreetMap contributors.
This guide includes Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City Zoo, National World War I Memorial, Paola. Places are ordered by straight-line distance. Confirm visitor access, opening hours and current travel conditions before choosing a trip.
Approximately 17 miles northeast in a straight line; driving takes about 25 min over 21 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.
Approximately 17 miles northeast in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 20 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.
Approximately 18 miles northeast in a straight line; driving takes about 30 min over 25 road miles in typical traffic (Geoapify, checked October 2026). This is not current traffic or a route to a verified visitor entrance. Use the named destination and confirm the appropriate entrance or transport.
Recreation.gov lists 16 campgrounds within 54 miles, including Longview Campground (20 miles east), Overlook Park (28 miles west), Bloomington East (30 miles west). Check Recreation.gov for current availability, seasons and reservations.