WOW ~ What a hidden gem this park is! We were at the Love's Travel Stop contemplating spending…read more$42.50 for the night. Did some checking in the area and found Wallace State Park. Decided to try it and are SO GLAD we did! It was only an over night stop, but we made notes to come back. Camp Hosts - Dan & Linda were great and extremely polite & helpful. Thank you!

Wonderful park we just happened upon. We arrived on a rainy day and it was so peaceful in the…read morepark. We only had 1 night to stay and would have enjoyed more time there. But we will return when we are back traveling through that section of the country. The staff was VERY helpful and friendly.

To Everyone reading - This location should definitely receive more love and appreciation for its…read morebeautiful views! After living for 8 years in Kansas City, this was the year I actually got to know about it and I had to immediately visit. Loess Bluff National Wildlife Refuge has a 10-mile one-way auto route to see the stunning views from different angles, which is absolutely breathtaking. There are also sections for viewing eagles, then snow geese, and many more spots along the way. The refuge area is well kept and very peaceful. The auto loop is really useful because hiking the whole area would honestly take a very long time, so the loop sections make it easy and educational to explore. The stops are clearly marked and there are many pit stops where people can take photos or simply enjoy the wildlife. I was very lucky to see thousands of snow geese along with one bald eagle. I also saw white swans, ducks, and our regular city geese just chilling out there haha. March is the main time to see migratory snow geese. I have also heard that from December to January there is a bald eagle season where people can see thousands in a day only if you are lucky and I honestly can't wait to revisit... Overall, I loved how calm the drive felt with the open land and skies, and so many different types of birds. Whether you are a birdwatcher or not, you will definitely enjoy this place. Amazing spot to just relax and unwind. Note: Bring food and water since the loop takes some time to complete if you stop at each section to enjoy the views. Also bring binoculars or a zoom lens camera if you want to see the birds up close.

I'm going to be real and say my review for this is quite incomplete, but I still want to put…read moresomething out there. I was taking work calls as I cruised down the highway and decided to venture over here to see what it was all about, and hopefully see an eagle or two. So the reason I say it's incomplete is I was on that work call and didn't really stop, get out, get the lay of the land, or even know what I was looking at. I sort of just started driving where the road led me and did a big loop around the lake. I saw swans, and some massive gaggle of smaller white birds, but can't say what they were. It was nice, although sometimes I got stuck behind someone going 1 mph. Next time I will be a bit more intentional and read up on it, hike a bit, and be more single-minded. It's definitely a cool spot and I know the migratory birds often set up here late in the winter, so that would be a fun time to get out and see it.

Please note, this review is ONLY for the Watkins Mill State Park Lake and the loop bike trail…read morearound the lake. This lake is great for beginner kayakers! 5 Stars! We took an inflatable, tandem kayak, and we felt very comfortable despite our lack of experience. Our tracking fin only caught on the very edges of the lake where we expected the fin to touch the bottom. There didn't seem to be any issues with boat wakes. The boat ramp was easy to use, and you don't need a permit for your kayak if you go. We enjoyed seeing some wildlife, including a small snake, a raccoon, birds, and several types of fish. The bike trail was a good beginner trail. Parts of it were paved, parts of it were gravel, and parts of it were over wooden plank bridges. The trail was wide enough for walkers and bikers to pass each other safely. There were small inclines and declines, but they were very manageable. For reference, I am not someone that exercises often, and I'm also currently in physical therapy for a hurt knee. If I can do it, you can too! The only reason I didn't give this trail 5 stars was because it was poorly marked. It seemed like some of it was being repaired because there were signs to mark the detour route. However, my friend and I did have to guess at one point which way to go, and we thankfully guessed correctly. If you're nervous, make sure to study the trail map, take a picture of it, or ask for help at the Visitor Center. I do not recommend this trail for individuals in wheelchairs, as the inclines and declines may be too tough. Finally, I want to comment on the restrooms. There are several spots around the lake that have restrooms, but they are primitive. It's the kind where you don't flush (just a deep hole), though there is a physical enclosure (not just a port-a-pottie). You may have to "shop around" because the restrooms at the boat ramp were so HORRID, I couldn't even walk in after opening the door. The second restrooms I went to at a different spot around the lake were cleaner, but there were WASPS flying in and around the restroom. Thankfully, there were no issues with lack of toilet paper. If you're like me, plan accordingly and just use the restrooms at the Visitor Center. They're MUCH nicer. If you want to risk the ones near the lake, bring some wasp spray!

I had friends from out of town camping at Watkins Mill, State Park, and the camping experience is…read morevery nice. All camping sites allow for one vehicle. The swimming beach is very clean and large. The only setback is the awful signage. I recommend if you do stay at Watkins Mill State Park for camping to disregard your map apps, and take 69 highway to 92 to the state park entrance. Otherwise you'll be driving around for 45 minutes without a clue of where you're going.

My husband and I Roeland Park, this nature sanctuary the day before Mother's Day. We had a heck of…read morea time finding it because the address was listed incorrectly. The nature sanctuary is on 12th St. and the connecting street is East St. Once we figured out where it was, we took our time on one of the trails I believe there are four trail options and the longest is 1.6 mile loop and the second is a 1 mile loop and the other ones are less than that. But it is a beautiful nature sanctuary with lots of greenery, woods, streams, water falls, and benches to enjoy the scenery. No pets are allowed since it is a nature sanctuary. There is a covered area off of one of the hikes that we went to that leads to some picnic tables. There's also several picnic tables by the parking lot. There are also bathrooms near the parking lot. The parking lot is next to the track and field belonging to the college. We really enjoyed our slow, meandering walk/hike and will definitely go back.

Hidden right by the bustle of downtown parkville, the parkville nature sanctuary has become one of…read moremy favorite places to do an easy hike. The trails are well maintained, and while there are some inclines at certain points, the trail is easy to follow and not strenuous. I love the various view points where you can stop and really appreciate natural beauty, like the waterfall or the butterfly pass. It feels like this is in its own little world despite being so close to the city. Be aware that the parking lot is pretty small so at peak times it may be hard to park.

This area was called "Monkey Mountains," because early settlers deemed the river bluffs too steep…read morefor even monkeys to climb. This place is as close to being out in the wild as you can get in the KC area. A little bit of a drive but worth it if you want a rugged terrain. It's perfect. Reaching the open meadow at the top is wonderful. Use bug spray and check for ticks.

Monkey Mountain is an 855 acre nature preserve in Eastern Jackson County, halfway in-between Grain…read moreValley and Oak Grove. The address I listed is the approximate address of the south entrance to the park, there is another entrance a little over a mile north off Old US 40 Hwy next to a softball field. The park is mostly undeveloped, which is what I love about it. You get to experience nature instead of a sanitized version of nature. There are two primary loop trails, one measuring 3.5 miles and one measuring between 2-3 miles depending on the route taken. Numerous smaller trails criss-cross between these main trails and branch out forming various side loops. You can spend hours hiking here and not see everything. The park caters to hikers and equestrians. I usually encounter a few other people at the park but only between long stretches of complete isolation. The elevation ranges from about 780 feet on the banks of Sni-a-Bar Creek to about 950 feet at the summit. There is a wide variety of terrain in the park: marshy lowlands in the north and northwest, thick woods and steep terrain covering most of the western half, limestone outcroppings along the ridge and at the south end of the park, a huge roiling meadow in the center, and farmed land along the eastern edges. Several ponds dot the landscape, and numerous tiny streams feed into Sni-a-Bar Creek along the western edge. There is even a waterfall in the park, but I will not reveal the location since it is both a fragile and a dangerous feature (especially in winter). Finding it can be part of your adventure. In the spring and early summer the park's meadows are filled with a wide variety of wildflowers, and wildlife can be spotted year-round. I've seen deer, foxes, turkeys, tortoises and turtles, all sorts of birds, and even evidence of some sort of wildcat. In the first half of the 20th century, much of what is now Monkey Mountain Park was part of a show farm called Sni-a-Bar Farms, owned by William Rockhill Nelson. The hillside and meadow were used for grazing sheep. Evidence of that can still be seen today in the form of farm remnants such as an old boundary fence running east-west through the middle of the park. If you hike the park, don't do it alone until you are familiar. Even though there are trails they are not always easy to see, and some portions of the trails can be treacherous. If your hike takes you through the northwest portion of the park you can expect to encounter mud pretty much year round so wear appropriate shoes. You will also need to carry your own water, there are no facilities at the park except at the softball field and an outhouse at the south entrance.

There are a lot of reasons to adore this park, but for me, it's access to what I think are the best…read morehiking trails in eastern Kansas, and use them I do, frequently. Yesterday it was the entire length of the White Trail, 12 miles of rolling soft path dirt and rock among the trees, coves and inlets on the Northwest side of the lake. The Blue trail is another favorite, 8 miles of mostly flat trail that hugs the lakefront making for lots of good shade and scenery usually running a few yards below the more snaking White trail. There's a third shorter trail I've not set foot on but only because it's shorter than I wish. Unlike the Eastern back side of the lake at Woodridge Park which is one of the nicest 4.5 hikes to be found anywhere, the North Shore trails can be safely hiked during tick season in shorts but I'd still recommend you take precaution and check yourself frequently in the spring and summer. The trail is wide enough and well maintained so no grass to walk through. Just don't get off the trail because they're definitely lurking, this from experience. The two main trails are accessed from Overlook Park on the Northeast side, just minutes from west Lawrence. Very well travelled, very well maintained. Lots of shade. Both the White and Blue have multiple access points to the lake and camping areas and access roads so if you had to bail, there are plenty of places. However, private enough you can almost imagine you're miles from everything, but you aren't. Lots of wildlife. Expect to see deer (see my photo from yesterday). No access for drinking water so as with any hike, bring your own and bring plenty. And don't attempt the entire White trail unless you're in very good shape and know what you're doing because it'll kick your rear end otherwise. For those hiking round trip of one-way, there's a convenient parking area at the east end of both the Blue and White trails. Expect to see plenty of runners and hikers on weekends. IMPORTANT NOTE: the east trailheads for the Blue and White trails can be accessed for free and have a nice parking lot with picnic tables, etc. If you're having someone drop you off on the far west end to hike back east you'll need to pay a park access fee. I have someone drop me off that has a season pass but I believe it's a daily $7.00 fee to access the west end.

All you can ask for in a scenic, public park! Bring your fishing rod.read more

Weston Bend State Park is a peaceful and beautiful spot located near the town of Weston, MO. The…read morepark is famous for its picturesque beauty, walking trails that winds through forests overlooking the Missouri River. I visited the park in winter last yr and fell in love with it. Primarily I just hiked around but I saw many people bird watching, and enjoying the quiet nature as well. The best part is the scenic overlook that gives a beautiful view of the river valley, especially at sunset. When I visited the park, it felt calm and less crowded. That definitely makes it a nice place for families or anyone who wants a break from busy life. My suggestion to everyone one is to hike at this park and then head to the town of Weston to enjoy some hot wine at Pritle Wineries followed by amazing food at the O'malleys pub.

Small park that nestles along the Missouri River…read more Trails for hiking and biking exist on the eastern side. You can also camp and picnic. If you hike along the West Ridge you will climb up to the ridge and come up to some overlooks that look into Kansas. The park was unmanned on Indigenous Peoples Day, but folks were able to access the park. If you have pets, the park has a small dog park at the front end. Plenty of benches can be found along the lower trails to take a load off. Right now the leaves are turning into their fall shades and the birds that come in the fall are arriving for the birders that are on the hunt. Plenty of information can be found at the trail head. There are clean bathrooms. The water fountains don't work, but the taps do. The weather today was awesome. I will return.

Great people that run the place! Be prepared to get nice and muddy as the trails can get super…read moredeep. It's a good idea to have a buddy with you because if you go through any mud holes your probably going to get stuck!!! Camping and showers are available. There is also a nice place to wash off the toys too. Food truck is there on most weekends.

The WORST experience we've ever received at a business establishment. We were being targeted by the…read moreowner since the moment we paid. He kept coming back to us (total of 4 different times) YELLING IN OUR FACES on how you aren't supposed to ride on the grass or gravel (which we respected). But as you can see in pictures it's clear that was not his issue. He would stand there and stare us down trying to intimidate us, threatening to kick us out. My family and I are very respectful humans, so I can only assume it was our ethnicity he was bothered by. What can you expect from trump supporter.

Great and beautiful lake. Just be careful here, there are loss of life incidents each year. Be…read morecareful of the mud, it can suck you down and end your fun. Always stay with a buddy, always no exceptions.

I was debating on 2 or 3 stars. The campsite was very nice. The shower house and restrooms were…read morenice and clean. My issue was the price. We usually stay at state parks that are half the price as this place and just as nice. They charge 40 dollars a night. Also, the thing that I really was unhappy with was that you are allowed 2 tents on the campsite. They charged my son 7 dollars to park and camp with us. Then they had some friends come by and just visit, they did not stay the night and they charged them 7 dollars. I probably will never go back to this place again and stick to Missouri DNR sites because of the price and not because it wasn't a nice campground.