I lived in Kansas City for several years, and this was my favorite weekend trip. It's a great…read moreplace to appreciate the beauty of the dwindling natural prairie, and the roaming buffalo are a treat this far east. It's not a huge park, you could hike the entire thing in one day. The "campground" is a tiny two sites & vault toilet, but this often means you have the place to yourself. If you don't want to rough it and/or prefer to sample some great fried chicken, Pittsburg, KS, is a short drive away.

Off the beaten path definitely describes this State Park located not far from the Kansas border. I…read morestumbled across Prairie State Park while storm chasing and loved the solitude it provided. There is nothing quite like standing in the middle of a tall grass prairie with supercell thunderstorms all around you and you can see the gusts of wind move the grass in giant waves. While many of you will not visit in the middle of a storm chase, it's definitely a beautiful place. The small but info packed visitors center has limited days of operation, check the website before heading out there if you want to go inside it. And yes they have a herd of buffalo that sometimes you can see. Sometimes it seems the prairie swallows them up. But if you get to see them it just seems like an ideal setting for the experience. They have trails that are worth a walk. Bring your own water, don't assume you will find any at the visitors center. Naturally, 4 Stars.

A natural mineral spring park hidden along S C Hwy. Now known as Fair Haven Spring or Fairhaven…read moreSprings, but was also formerly known as Connelly Spring. Historically, this was once a Mineral Spring Spa location with hotel accommodation and baths that took advantage of the springs in the early 1900s when Mineral Springs gained popularity as resort destinations. Now it is a small Community park, maintained just lightly enough that you can walk through it and still partake of the natural mineral springs that have been carved out with bathing steps. A little piece of history to be found in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Bring your own cup to try the mineral springs, or just cup your hands for a sip and face splash.

Very nice state historical site with picnic area, restroom, and groomed half-mile courage trail…read moreloop through the field. Open sunrise to sunset, with plenty of reading material about the Battle of Island Mound and Toothman Property.

This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

FYI: Might be a bit verbose and more a review for the 15 mile point to point hiking trail…read more I knew what I was up against, and went anyway. Read on a trails app that it was technical--yes, yes it was. And also read a review in that same app left on Oct 12 ish, that water might be scarce due to drought--that said, my friend and I left a water stash at a gravel road drive, off the trail about 3 miles from the east trailhead. My Subaru and I were NOT ready for the roughness of the terrain--first time "Off road." Got in and out unscathed! Yay! We started the trek later than we thought we would--which is fine, because the scenery was great! Such a beautiful area! Worth the 2-hour ish drive. Made it through the "Squeeze" downhill. Packed in about 1.25 before we decided to pitch our tents. Had dinner on one of the scenic bluffs during sunset and as you can imagine, a wee bit chilly but a stunning view, so it was worth it! Next day, had breakfast on the bluff during sunrise--what a treat! Then headed out to our water stash. We decided we were achy enough to not go back the way we came. Went to our water stash and refueled. Used that (Subaru terrain) rocky road to go back to the main road and follow it back to the car park. *What I learned: as a newbie backpacker it was challenging, but probably would be even if I wasn't? I carried about a 30 pound backpack--probably packed some fears in there--but now I know. Would I go again and do things differently?? Heck yes!!

Great hiking trail. The whole things is like 15 miles so pack in water with a bladder or something…read moreand don't attempt when 107. Ask me how I know, lol. Great views, but watch for spider webs, poison ivy, and check afterwards for ticks in the summer.

The Prairie Spirit Rail Trail is a 51 mile former railroad line that has been converted for use as…read morea multi-purpose improved trail. The trail runs from the Marais Des Cygne River in Ottawa to the City of Iola. As the trail makes extensive use of the railroad right of way grades are minimal, and the crushed limestone surface allows for higher bicycle speeds to make covering that 51 miles go faster, if you want to. There are restrooms and water resupply points strategically located along the route, and if you want to take a break one can find places to eat or you can go antique shopping in Garnett. Once you escape Ottawa and Garnett you can expect to enjoy solitude and a surprisingly beautiful Kansas landscape as you roll along. I've rode for miles on some sections and the only company I had was an occasional deer or a raccoon cross the trail, in other sections familes were out riding to enjoy the day. The trail is not open at night. As with any trail when you park lock your vehicle and hide valuables. Not that you'll have any issues, but you don't want to be one of the first to experience problems. I consider this one of the relatively unknown recreation options in Kansas. It's about an hour from Kansas City down I-35 to get to, and it's made for several very enjoyable day trips to get away.

A pretty weak offering for a running and biking trail. Just a long straight line that cuts straight…read morethrough Ottawa from the public pool on the North End, to Walmart on the South End. I guess in this case something is better than nothing as there are few if any other options in Ottawa, but this trail could use some serious resurfacing.

These gardens and walking paths are beautiful and well attended. We enjoyed a walk everyday we…read morewere visiting Topeka. Just amazing! I cannot wait to come back.

Great use of outdoors, strolling in peace. Plenty of sidewalk and paths, great open space with…read moreareas to stop and reflect, meditate or picnic.

Been coming here for about 10 years. Water and 30 amp electric. No sewer but has a dump station. As…read moreof this date, 1st 48 hours are free then $10 a night thereafter. What a deal.

Rv park nice, great for appointments with Kansas RV Center. Some 50 amp spots and all have water…read more Adjacent to 2 City softball diamonds.

Pictures were a bit deceiving. As soon as entering the lobby, we noticed a bad oder!!! Room was…read moreadequate until we noticed the bathroom. Dirty shower/tub, shower curtain and sink. Towels were very very old and scratchy! Red ants in the bathroom! Complimentary breakfast was subpar! However, staff were pleasant and nice.

Nicely maintained park for walking and exploring local history. There's a small parking lot, a…read morepicnic table, nicely groomed grass, gravel trail, and historic info at the trail head and in a paper brochure to take along the walk. The interpretive information also references several other historically significant parks and sites nearby in case you'd like to make a day of visiting the local state parks.