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    Powell Gardens

    3.7 (75 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Powell Gardens Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chapel
    Felicia W.

    We just discovered this lovely place. The gardens are beautiful and well planned. We particularly enjoyed the serenity of the chapel as well as the extra hiking area in the back (which was well groomed).

    Lindsey L.

    If you're reading reviews on Powell Gardens, I question whether you have had a proper visit because the property truly speaks for itself. Powell Gardens is one of those spots where you fall in love with the place. When my husband & I toured the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, I felt chills just walking the path TO the chapel - let alone being inside the chapel itself. Once guests saw the property and chapel themselves, there wasn't a single question as to why we decided to get married 40 minutes outside of downtown Kansas City. To me, the drive is always worth it. The staff is kind & as knowledgeable as they are passionate about the gardens. We had only our wedding ceremony at Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel & our wedding reception in downtown KC - out of a concern for guests drinking as well as proximity to more hotels. Due to limited October availability, we landed on a Friday evening. Powell allowed us access to the study (getting ready building) from 2-6pm and the chapel from 4-6pm. We decided to have our ceremony at 4:30pm, giving us 30 minutes for sound check and guest arrival. We did not do any additional decor because (1) we didn't want to deal with the set-up and clean-up and (2) the chapel doesn't need it! The chapel fits 90 guests comfortably, and 110 with chairs set-up in the back. We were very nervous about the amount of guests who would show up and, therefore, did not invite all of our reception guests out to Powell for the ceremony. On the day-of, the chapel felt full but no one was left standing outside. We had a handful of ushers (friends) place reserve signs on the front pews, hand payment to the musicians, assist people from the bus and their cars to the chapel, direct them to the restrooms and hand out programs. One challenge we had was when guests arrived, they saw the restroom sign for the study and infiltrated our (private) getting ready suite. We suggest having an usher (friend) stationed near the study at least 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time to direct guests to the restroom at the rear of the chapel if needed. Unfortunately, due to the drive out to Powell, guests will likely need to use the restroom upon arrival. As ethereal as the chapel is, we highly recommend hiring live music to really elevate your ceremony. We hired a string duo, Forte Quartet, who set-up and played in the rear corner of the chapel. The sound of both the musicians and officiant was incredible, crystal clear, no guests' complaints. We hired a Showtime Transportation limo for the wedding party and an executive bus for guests who traveled (and didn't have a car). The bus went from the hotel to Powell to our downtown reception venue. After the reception, guests were on their own and it worked out fine. All in all, Powell Gardens is well worth it and truly made our wedding day the most magical day of our lives.

    Chelsey V.

    Went for the Dark Forest they had for October and it was magical. We were able to venture into the gardens a couple hours before it started and the lily pond fountains are so adorable and love the different agaves they all have to display, never knew there was so many! The inside area that's meant to be a tranquil warm area with a small pond is gorgeous and felt so peaceful! The Dark Forest was well organized, amazing effects and makeup, the artists really outdid themselves. The bar halfway through was pretty cool but my favorite was the fire dancers! Will definitely be back to see the gardens in the spring as this was my first time attending. All the workers were so sweet and courteous and everything was so clean. The silo you can go up into was so cool and had a great view. Loved the s'mores kits, and the fire pits were a nice touch.

    Jolene M.

    Attended an event here and it was my first visit. It is absolutely breathtaking. So much beauty to see and explore. The way it made me feel like I escaped to another destination...seriously magical!

    Neeca B.

    Pretty amazing having the run of the place but my guess is this was due to it being a hot and humid summer afternoon. Despite this our group was treated to a visual feast for the eyes and basically chauffeured around to wherever we wanted. Saw a beautiful wedding, and loved the fairy homes hidden, felt like a bit of magic finding them. The gardens and landscaping makes me want to try my hand at it but so far I can only keep wild flowers alive. Staff had some helpful tips and insights that really felt like VIP treatment. Worth the drive, drink lots of water, plenty of restrooms along the way. Staff helpful and encourage questions. Planning to return for unique events, butterfly festival and Mother's Day will return for!

    Thi G.

    Beautiful place that I can't believe I've never been to before! I went when the flowers were just starting to bloom and everything was so fragrant! There was an art festival going which had some really cool crafts to purchased, and I wished I had bought some jewelry there! There was also a strawberry festival, but I didn't see it anywhere. This place is a bit of a drive from JoCo, but it's definitely worth it to come here. So beautiful that a wedding was about to take place there right after I left. KC is lucky to have a beautiful garden like this!

    Melinda O.

    I visited in Aug 2020 and it was absolutely beautiful. I didn't exactly wear the best shoes. It had rained a couple days prior so the ground was soft and wet. Wear comfy shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. (Once they open again) If you love Mother Nature and like to get nice photos, visit this place. Gift shop even sold homegrown peppers.

    Leggo sculptures everywhere
    Monica E.

    Bucket list item crossed off. I'll be honest, I was disappointed that the flowers were gone by the time I finally visited in June. I thought with all the rain it would be a perfect time. Besides that, it is a beautiful space perfect for everyone. There's walking paths varying in different directions which really help if it gets to be crowded. They currently have leggo artwork through the gardens. Some of the sculptures are incredible and so detailed, picture perfect. There's also benches along the paths in case you get tired. They also have trails and I wish I would have enjoyed them but I spent most of my time in the quilt gardens. There is a lovely cafe that offers fresh food made daily and some to order everyday. The fruits and vegetables come from the gardens or local farmers markets. I am really looking forward to going back, I just wish it wasn't so far away and that flowers would bloom all year long.

    Beautiful gardens

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Beautiful lights, but all signs of God removed. Even the chapel contained nothing religious. Disappointing.

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    3 years ago

    Very beautiful! Accommodating and definitely worth the one hour drive . Definitely coming back!

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    3 years ago

    Cool plant, I enjoy watching flower and fireworks. Nice lights in da wintertime. Good date place

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Powell Gardens

    Review Highlights - Powell Gardens

    As ethereal as the chapel is, we highly recommend hiring live music to really elevate your ceremony.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

    Read more highlights

    The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden - The Buddha's Hand, a curious citrus fruit.

    The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

    4.6(80 reviews)
    31.2 mi

    Kauffman Gardens is such a peaceful gem in the city. I visited just after a heavy rainstorm the…read morenight before, and the whole place felt fresh, calm, and extra lush. The fountains were flowing beautifully, adding to the already relaxed vibe. I took my time walking through the gardens, viewing everything from different angles. There's something grounding about being surrounded by flowers, greenery, and the soft sound of water. It is the perfect stop to slow down and unwind after a busy morning and/or afternoon. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quiet, beautiful spot to clear your head, or just sit and be still.

    If you were looking for a place that can express the persona of Kansas City, then Kauffman Gardens…read moremight just be that place. The Gardens are relaxing, beautiful, exquisitely maintained, and open to all. Tucked in between the front lawn of the Nelson and the grounds of UMKC, this is a botanist's dream. Annuals and perennials alike are meticulously planted and cared for and the grounds are kept immaculate. Relax on a wooden bench near the reflecting pool and listen to the gurgle of the fountain or the splash of the jetted water. Enjoy the birds and the scents of spring or summer, tour the paths, and maybe take a photo or two. It is simply spectacular. Mr. and Mrs. Kauffman were as close to Kansas City royalty as any couple in my lifetime. But they would *never* accept a title like that as their legacy of philanthropy lives on in our fair city. Both are interred here and maybe this is as beautiful of an eternal resting spot as they could have chosen. The Gardens, along with dozens of their other civic donations, live on in their memory. Parking is easy and access is open to all. Just know that pets are not allowed and photo shoots/ops are discouraged as well. You want a few snaps of the foliage or your loved ones? Sure, that can happen, but please don't bring a tripod and changes of clothing thinking this will be the backdrop. The Gardens are special and quiet and meant to be the serene enclave that encapsulates our city.

    Photos
    The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden
    The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden - Loving the beautiful fall leaves

    Loving the beautiful fall leaves

    The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden - Fountain looking back towards entrance

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    Fountain looking back towards entrance

    Baker Wetlands - Nice trails

    Baker Wetlands

    5.0(2 reviews)
    64.8 mi

    Just south of Lawrence abutting the new bypass is 927 acres of outdoors like little else in Kansas…read more The Baker Wetlands may be one of the best kept secrets in Douglas County and the surrounding Lawrence area because its become a mecca of wildlife preservation that doubles nicely as an area rich with hiking, biking, running, or information at the visitor center, or the picnic tables, surely a sight from which to dine outdoors. Known properly as The Baker University Wetlands Research and Natural Area, it abuts the south side of the city in the Wakarusa River floodplain. The area contains 45 acres of native wetland prairie and acres of restored meadows, marshes, open water, shrubby and secondary growth and mature riparian woodlands. Why I love this area: it's outdoor Kansas as it might be unspoiled with some nice gravel paths for hiking and biking, and if you follow some of the access trails which are much rougher you can really get off the grid and deep into park and all its beauty. I counted three massive beaver dams along one creek on an extended walk today. There are literally hundreds of small birdhouses placed all over the park and one walk through will confirm that it's a haven for critters of all kinds. Most folks in town will know it from the view on the south side of the bypass where a mile long paved bike path runs next to the highway behind a sound barrier. And that's a beautiful view, but getting down into the middle of it is terrific. Access from the East where there's a parking area, the far Southwest (gravel lot), or the visitor center on the far West side (paved). This has become my go-to spot for long hikes and I've yet to not see a few others enjoying the same. Well worth the visit. Bring the kids. It's the anti-movie/mall/theme park experience which a little education and a lot of peace and quiet to boot. Pack a sack lunch and stop in one of the covered picnic areas out in the middle. It's a great place to have a gathering, or catch one of the quiet houses where you can enter and look out over a lake so the animals can't see you (mostly on the West side). No admission for anything that I'm aware of. Get there. If you're the outdoors type even only occasionally, this place is a breath of fresh air, literally, in more ways than one. From their web site: 487 Unique Plant Species 376 Vertebrate Species 75% of electricity is produced by a 10 KWH solar array.

    What a beautiful hidden landscape in the heart of Lawrence! I never knew this existed and it's…read morereally not so hidden (right off the highway). I took my bike and wasn't disappointed. The views were stunning.

    Photos
    Baker Wetlands - The new elevated walkway goes maybe 600 yards. Quite nice!

    The new elevated walkway goes maybe 600 yards. Quite nice!

    Baker Wetlands - So thankful this place is preserved.

    So thankful this place is preserved.

    Baker Wetlands - New above the wetlands boardwalk

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    New above the wetlands boardwalk

    Powell Gardens - gardens - Updated May 2026

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