Buying a ticket for their special events is easy. Even though there's currently construction, it doesn't seem too bad to get around it. I went to the #DarkForest with #Quixotic performances around the woods--if you haven't been, you need to go! Not the scare-you-jumpy type of venue, but some of the masks and makeup, paired with the [amazing!!] soundtrack, could be scary to some and they say it's PG-13, so there's the warning to parents. I'm definitely NOT the haunted house goer--this was not that at all--I LOVED IT!! The lighting, set(s) design and the music was freaking awesome and whoever does makeup and wardrobe are brilliant!! If you're a member you don't have to pay for parking and had I known I could maybe wait to the last minute (ish) I could maybe have gotten a deal on tickets too. Oh well. It's about an hour walk (a mile maybe?), but I kept stopping to take photos and videos. The performers really notice if you're taking photos/videos and play up to it, so that was cool!! While they would have offered a ticket for another time, had they cancelled due to weather, just know all sales are final. However, even if those new dates didn't work, you're kinda screwed which doesn't make a patron happy. read more

It's simply a beautiful, peaceful place to be in nature, surrounded by colorful blooming things. It's fabulous in the spring fall winter and summer. read more

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I'm sad to say I wouldn't recommend visiting Powell Gardens, at least in the fall. I visited on September 20, 2025 as part of a Midwest-wide road trip to see major gardens and historic sites. Powell was my final stop, and while I had high hopes based on photos, I left disappointed. The main issue is seasonal planting. Much of the garden felt designed for spring interest, but very little was happening in late September. Beds looked empty or filled with plants that had already passed their peak. By contrast, the Missouri Botanical Garden (which I saw the day before) still had extensive displays that looked vibrant and well curated for fall. At Powell, there was no real sense of horticultural planning to carry visitors through multiple seasons. The structures themselves are beautiful, especially the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, but even here the lack of foresight shows. The view towards the chapel across the lake is marred by visible air conditioning units with no attempt at screening. It is the kind of small but important detail that detracts from the experience and could easily be fixed. The prairie meadow is another example. I support native plant landscapes, but what is planted here did not feel distinct or curated. It looked nearly identical to the wildflowers I saw for free along Highway 50 on my way in. For a $22 entry fee, I expected something more intentional and inspiring. Overall, Powell Gardens feels like it has strong bones, with stunning architecture and a thoughtful layout, but it is let down by a lack of horticultural oversight and seasonal design. Unless you are visiting in spring when I assume more is in bloom, I would suggest prioritizing other Midwest gardens. I've included photos showing what I mean, along with one from Missouri Botanical Garden and one from Highway 50 with more visual interest than many of the garden beds I saw in Powell for comparison. read more

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Christmas lights. Extremely overpriced for what you get, then they have the nerve to charge parking fees. Save your money and go to area free lights. read more

Huge disappointment, it felt eerily creepy as almost the entire place flowers, trees etc. were either dead or sick looking (for the exception of at the very front), ponds were overgrown with green algae hence no fish, turtles or anything that would represent a healthy ecosystem.. no signs of wildlife.. didn't even see or hear any birds. I highly recommend heading to Overland Park Aboretum & Botanicals it's absolutely gorgeous there and well kept & feels light & has a lot for young families to do there. Sad I had to l had to leave this review I'm in hope all the construction I saw going on outside pays off for you in the future because we need more beautiful parks! read more

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). read more

Powell Gardens - Chapel - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

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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. read more

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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. read more

Powell Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

I've heard of Powell Gardens for so long yet never visited until this past Memorial Day weekend. It's a haul to get out this way to be sure, but I think it's a worthwhile venture for nature lovers. We were drawn in by a special performance from the KC Ballet which my aspiring little ballerina loved as much as we'd hoped. For being a ways outside of the actual city, they seem to have great partnerships with KC area groups and businesses. I should mention tickets were $10 per adult and $4 for our five year old. The gardens are nice and the grounds sprawling. Lots of flowers, some water features, native plants, hummingbirds buzzing around. Keep rolling and there are wood chip covered nature hikes for bird watching, and in this case a special 'Fortopia' exhibit with various forts designed with input from kids. It was all very leisurely, not chock full of entertainment, but more just a time to mosey about. The food situation was bad. Apparently there used to be a pretty good restaurant here, but all we found this time was a $14 box lunch and a little burger grill outside with some grouchy customer service and overpriced hockey puck burgers. Definitely plan to bring your own picnic here. With the two kids, we ventured out a ways into the grounds. We didn't quite make it to their iconic chapel, but across the ponds and through the grounds, but then realized we still need to get back. We saw some signage about a trolley "coming in 2022!" but it was nowhere to be found. We ended up walking back along a service road in a slow, beaten down march only to have the trolley show up right as we re-approached the visitor's center. Bummer of timing, and I only share to let you know there IS a trolley, and I have NO IDEA how it is supposed to operate. All in all, I like what it's about and think it's worth checking out. We're lucky to have places like this, the Kauffman Gardens, various parks, and even the KC zoo which allows for lots of walking and nature. I just think I'll likely lean more towards those closest to me in the future. read more

I have wanted to try out this place before but the fact that it is the opposite way that I am going when I am in KC and honestly the pics that represent this place, have kept me away. By that I mean - the pics that have been shared her show it to be more of a wedding venue and don't really do a good job representing the actual gardens. My stars for this place are only at a 3 - the parking lot is too far from the entrance - kind of a pain and the frustrating thing is that they could easily convert the path that is rocks and noted for staff only to be for people to get from the parking lot without having to go the long way. Second area that left me leaving a lower score is the cost - $15 for a single person day pass is a lot for a botanical garden. Worth it if you have kids, I think. I mean if I had kids - the amount of time they would want to spend at that splash pad would be worth it. The map was a little confusing to me - I wish that there were more clear signs of where you were or where you were going. I am sure it's not a problem if you have been there before, but I was probably a little cautious as to how far to walk - some of the gardens I have been to are way to spread out and built for people who are looking to walk and get some exercise in. When I go to a botanical garden - I am looking for flowers, butterflies and other wildlife options - I saw the most actively just right out the front door - but honestly it was pretty amazing and really I ended up with about 1000 pics for the day. I will go back another day - now that I know a little more, but probably not more than once a year read more

Paid $250 for the Dark Forest event, waited over two hours with almost no communication, and never got to attend. Was told no refunds. Very disappointed in the handling and messaging read more

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! read more

Powell Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

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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! read more

Powell Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

Nice place to visit. I wish they had more family events like Easter and craft shows. The restaurant has potential and could be way better with a little effort. read more

Sadly underwhelmed after a span of twenty years since my last visit. Not sure of their funding situation, but the lack of effort in even initiating such things as a Japanese garden or rose garden, projects that take decades to realize and as for the roses, could be four times larger than Loose Park, seems unforgivably neglectful of the wards of this magnificent property. read more

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

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! read more

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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. read more

Powell Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

We had a fantastic time. I appreciate the timed tickets to avoid overcrowding. The flowers were all in bloom and everything was well kept and tidy. The exhibit on display was also a really cool way to showcase some art amidst the plants. I love seeing the displays with everything from wild flowers to fruit and veggies growing. We brought a picnic and enjoyed it after walking through one trail to keep our energy up and make it through the second trail. My kids enjoyed the splash pad as a little break from the heat, too. read more

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. read more

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When I came here to tour the chapel for my wedding, I knew immediately it was where I wanted to exchange vows with my husband. I came here as a child, with my mother and grandmother. On the day we visited, there was a wedding that had just ended at the chapel. I admired the bride in her dress, and my grandmother and I walked down the aisle together. She told me, 'Maybe someday, you could get married here.' So it was also a sentimental reason that led me to get married here, since she passed away when I was 13 years old. It was a great way to feel connected with her, since she could only be there for my wedding in spirit. The chapel itself has a 'wow' factor. You have to stop and take a picture, because it just grips you. The chapel itself is small, and only fits about 120-125 people. It is an intimate setting. Our chapel was completely full, and the room had such a feeling of energy and love. It was an incredible experience. The chapel feels inviting, and the architecture is impressive. The lines and windows are just outstanding. We had a harpist play at our wedding, and the acoustics were great. I absolutely loved it! Everyone was easy to work with. They set up the space for me exactly the way I wanted for my wedding day. The chapel is air conditioned, which is great. They will take you to the chapel in a golf cart if you don't want to walk the whole way (great when you're in a heavy dress with heels in the hot summer!). They also have a space for you to do some last minute touch ups before you walk up to the chapel. I completely recommend Powell Gardens Chapel! read more

Beautiful gardens to walk thu. This isn't something to rush thu , you can spend a few hours here. They have a shuttle that takes you around to some of the gardens . A beautiful chapel where they have weddings. Gift shop also on the grounds. read more

Powell Gardens - Beautiful gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

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the DARK FOREST Halloween event 28 per person was absolutely the best thing we have been to i will not give anything away so you can enjoy it without knowing what to expect and no pictures just go it is worth it!!!! read more

I only visited the Chapel at Powell Gardens - not any other part of the Gardens - because my friends got married there, but it is stunningly beautiful. It's a small venue, but well worth booking if you're wanting to hold a small service of some sort in the Kansas City area. It's right by a lake, as well as a walking path in a nearby garden, which makes for picturesque photographs. And the chapel itself is just well-built - inside and out - with high ceilings and plenty of windows for natural light to come in. Even if you're not holding an event - it's still worth seeing if you're going to visit Powell Gardens! read more

The grounds are just ok, they have a few cool things to see. It's definitely not on the same level of botanical gardens I've been to in other major cities, such as Dallas, San Diego and Portland. I don't know why Powell Gardens is labeled Kansas City's botanical garden, it's nowhere near KC... Do not purchase plants at the annual plant sale. They are a big ripoff, mislabeled and did not grow as advertised. I have a green thumb, so it wasn't anything I did wrong. I contacted Powell Gardens to ask why half of the flowers I purchased we're not growing as well as the others I bought (same plants, same location in my garden) to which they replied that it's so hot that they may not be flowering. Makes no sense since the others are doing just fine. If I ever do go back it won't be anytime soon. read more

Powell Gardens - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

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A great place for anyone looking to kill some time on a lovely day. We enjoyed strolling around admiring nature and taking it all in. Plenty of benches to relax on in shade or sun. There were a few kids' play areas as well. The chapel was stunning and so were the flowers. Lots of trails, terraces, and water falls. A true botanist will appreciate how everything is labeled. *Shout out!* To the nice man at Cafe Thyme: thank you for spreading kindness today! The free tea was appreciated. We will pay it forward. read more

Powell Gardens - Garden cat - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Kingsville, Missouri

This is another hidden treasure. So beautiful and peace. It's a good little drive but worth it. Very nice for the entire family. Next time I will sit and enjoy a glass of wine and take in the beauty of nature. read more

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

So, part of the consolation of moving back to Kansas City and leaving the just 5-minutes away Missouri Botanical Garden is finding out what a hidden treasure Powell Gardens. Now, don't get me wrong. Powell Gardens is in all likelihood the same size as the Missouri Botanical Garden in terms of property but in terms of the size of the groomed area you can visit, it's probably 1/3 of the size. It's a modest property, with a great learning center that has a cafe and gift shop. That being said, there are over 900 acres of walking trails that the Missouri Botanical Garden does not have (take that, Lou braggers :-) It was $9.50 for the entrance (per person) and I don't really think picnicking is encouraged, but I don't think they'll mind if you have some small things to eat while you're on a bench. Just don't expect to spread out some blankets with your Grey Poupon. There are some great butterfly sanctuaries where you are going to see caterpillars and butterflies in force. It's just as magical to see the children laugh, comment, and smile at these graceful little creatures as it is to watch them yourself. The different gardens all have their own magic, especially the "island garden" with a whole bunch of waterfalls. In an effort to stay relevant/attract kids there are "Jurassic" exhibits dotting the entire property, with model dinosaurs to boot! Good fun for the kids - not cheap - but definitely off the beaten track and worth your time and the drive. read more

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

Powell Gardens is a great family day excursion on 50 highway. I love botanical gardens and am very proud of our community for having and supporting one. PG is definitely working hard to bring new events and themes and I'm looking forward to how they grown in the years to come. I would definitely suggest checking out one of their festivals and supporting! read more

Powell Gardens is an absolute must for everyone to visit. It's also the most scenic location for a family outing, date, proposal, or a wedding. Its 915 acres of land is downright breath-taking, gorgeously landscaped, and is sectioned into distinct areas which I will attempt to describe. Heartland Harvest: According to their website, this is the nation's largest "edible landscape" that serves to teach you about the seed-to-plate process. This vegetarian felt like she was a kid in a candy store exploring the 12 acres of various varieties of vegetables and fruit. I have never seen so many varieties of lettuce, artichokes, strawberries, apples, and other edible plants in my life. The rows and rows of ripe strawberries begged for me to pluck them directly from their vines but I refrained (mostly because of reprimands from my fiance). Do not fear if you get hungry like I did. In front of the silo, you can sample freshly-picked items from the garden! Quilt Gardens: This is located inside of the Heartland Harvest area but can best be viewed from on top the 45 foot silo. The plants are arranged in traditional "Old Missouri" and "Kansas Star" quilt patterns with focus on fruits, berries, corn, herbs, and more. This lends a nod to the Powell Gardens humble beginnings as a farm. Byron Shutz Nature Trail: The replicas of dinosaurs for the special Jurassic exhibit can be found along this wooded 3.25 mile hike that winds along a creek. August 14 will be the last day for this so make sure to bring your family along for the prehistoric events found on their online calendar. Fountain Garden: Different patterns of water shoot up from the ground, making it a fun way to cool off during the hot summer months. I was more than half tempted to join the kids in running through the water. Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel: This non-denominational chapel is adorned with wood and glass, allowing natural light to filter in from its massive floor-to-ceiling windows. It is absolutely stunning. Iris Hill: The best time to see hundreds of blooms is about mid-May which coincidentally was when my fiance and I went. We enjoyed the hill of spectacular, colorful blooms while wandering through the rows and rows of irises. It's easy to miss this part of the garden as it's located away from the main areas, but if you're an iris-lover like I am, make sure to visit this area. Cafe Thyme: This sit-down eatery offers table service and a strange ambiance of a nice restaurant combined with a cafeteria-style atmosphere. Unfortunately, the food was hit-or-miss. The menu on the website is a bit misleading as the description of the veggie burger made it appear that the patty was house-made when in actuality it was most likely from Morningstar Farms. However, the baked sweet potato fries I chose as my side was divine. My fiance opted for the baked tortilla chips topped with chili-cumin chickpeas and guacamole. Their healthy version of nachos was quite delicious but the Israeli couscous vegetable salad was bland. Exploring every nook and cranny of Powell Gardens can be a full day event so plan accordingly. There's a free trolley service that runs throughout the park, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated stops in case you do not want to walk. Be sure to check the weather, calendar of events, and what's in bloom links to determine the optimal time to go. Most of all, enjoy this spectacular sanctuary that is less than an hour drive from Kansas City! read more

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Definitely a must see while visiting the Kansas City's (either one). We went in August and it was beautiful. You can almost see how they transition from one ecosystem to another (prairie to wetlands) in various areas of the park. Bring your walking shoes, there are well over 3 miles to walk just on one side. There is also a tram that will take you from area to area as well as benches literally everywhere if you want to take a break. I was visiting from Florida and was amazed to see my magnolias and hibiscus from home, oranges, strawberries, even a banana tree very well represented here. It was also nice to see a squirrel munching a walnut from a tree as well as multiple flowers I had not seen before. The lilies were probably my favorite flower. The Staff was SUPER FRIENDLY. There is a cafe on site in the fruit and vegetable gardens at the barn with snacks /sweets/sandwich/wrap/chips/pickles. Looks like they rotate the gardens all the time. I will defintely be back in the Fall and Winter if possible. read more

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Beautiful place to visit. We went for the Bloomfest but I am sure this place is great anytime. We visited the garden area first and then ended with the kids area. read more

It's a bit of a drive to get to Powell Gardens from the Northland but definitely worth the trip. I've now been in spring, fall, and summer and can say that each season is a delight. The grounds are large enough that you could spend all day meandering from one place to the next but I like that, if longer treks aren't your thing you can come across shaded areas and that beautiful island of flowers with only the shortest of a walk. Also, they do have a tram with stops around the perimeter of the park. On a weekday, you can wait awhile for one to show up but, if need be, it's nice to know they are there. The chapel is absolutely breathtaking with all the symmetry of the glass and that idyllic view looking out over a lake and the green fields. We happened to catch a wedding rehearsal in progress but were able to sneak past the wedding party for some time in the midst of all that wood and glass. Another favorite area for me is the little covered pergola by the other side of the lake. In the spring, wisteria hangs down from the overhead lattice creating a rather magical sight. I like to just sit there in the quiet, looking back over the lack and toward the island. Climbing the silo over in the Missouri garden section gives an outstanding view of the gardens below, as well as the surrounding countryside. If you're not up to all those flights of stairs, just cheat and take the elevator up. You get that amazing view, either way. Be advised that the railings are fairly low and it's a very long drop to the ground so if you're taking small children up you might want to keep a close watch and firm hand on them. We came to a fall festival on the grounds a few years ago and really enjoyed all the vendors and scarecrow displays. I know Powell Gardens works hard at doing lots of community involvement programs such as farm to table special dinner nights and education classes. Definitely worth checking out a yearly membership. Also, don't worry about starving while you're on the premise. There's an excellent cafe right as you come into the main entrance building. If you want more casual, head over to the Missouri barn for snack bar type offerings. This is a small thing but I love when I don't have to guess what I"m looking at or look all over to find something that might give information on the flora and fauna. Signage in this park is excellent, with a nice little placard telling all us horticulturally challenged folks exactly what we are seeing. While there can be a lot of walking to take in each beautiful area of the gardens, there are benches and natural stones to sit on, all along the routes. When you get too exhausted to go on another step, you can park yourself somewhere and pretend that you just want to do a more in-depth observation and study on the plants that are all around you. read more

This is a great beautiful outdoor area. Where you can just walk on the paths and enjoy the pretty gardens. With plenty of little hidden areas along the way to set down and rest. They also have events here like today was there annual letting the dogs into the gardens which is why I went. But after today I'll defiantly come back probably with a picnic. read more

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Really enjoyed visiting and walking around the area. Beautiful chapel and other out buildings. Trees starting to turn so lots of color. Nice gift shop and visitors' center. About 30 miles east of Kansas City in a beautiful rural setting. Well worth the stopover. read more

This place is so big it really needs ratings for different parts of it as some are great and others sub average. I'm giving it 4 Stars overall and a bucket list place to visit at least once and go with special friends and or family. The entrance is off the highway and comes semi suddenly so be prepared to slow to turn as there is often traffic coming the other way (if you are coming from Kansas City) and the traffic and entrance is a little chaotic. Once in you drive a little ways on the road with out and painted sides so if leaving after sun down be careful as some signs are very close to the road and if cars are coming the other way as you are leaving you need to pay attention. There's a gate entrance to get in where you pay to get in and parking costs if it's a special event day. I've been in summer and winter and it is far more a summer place to visit. I went for the holiday lights they have started doing in winter and it was neat to visit once, but not spectacular enough I'd go back for it. The Overland Park Arboretum lighted candle walk is far more spectacular and also not such a far drive from Kansas City. I was hoping this would have lights on a scale of Silver Dollar City, but it's maybe 1/10 of the lights. The café is a neat idea and was nice to get soup and drinks, but the portions were very small and the price extremely high. We had hoped to get hot chocolate while walking around at the booth tent on the other side of the lake they had set up, but were surprised they were charging $5 for Swiss Miss hot chocolate. The price of $10 to get in was fair, but the prices for things inside seemed a bit unreasonable. The gift shop was kind of neat with unique things I had not seen before and the prices seemed well I wouldn't have expected, so no complaints there. Much of the place it was also closed, but it is not a surprise because it's more of a summer place. If you are reading this and it is now summer time this is actually a really neat place in the summer, I just wasn't impressed for winter. In the summer the island in the middle of the lake is really cool. Also the wooded area to the South east is really cool although it was closed in the winter. The tall tower to the north west area was also closed for the winter but in the summer it is pretty neat to visit as well. The all faiths chapel was open but we didn't make it over this winter, I did visit in the summer and it was a neat addition. It is a neat place to visit in the summer at least once, for winter time if you're nearby or driving by it it's kind of cool to visit. However if you're coming from a couple hours, it's really not that impressive for a special trip in the winter. We visited at the beginning of December when we expected there would be big crowds, but there was maybe 100 people there total. In the summer it is much more crowded, but the crowds didn't take away from it rather I think they added to the excitement of the place. read more

We trekked out to Powell Gardens on a Friday afternoon to check out their exhibits and enjoy some time outside on a nice day. Right now they're doing timed tickets, purchased online in advance ($12 per person). Also, during late July & early August, they have a price increase/special exhibit for the butterfly house, reflected above. When we arrived, we parked (they charged $5 online but enforcement was...lacking). We were warmly greeted and ushered into a slow moving line for the small butterfly conservatory. After waiting 10-15 minutes, we abandoned ship and just looked at the butterflies from the glass outside. Then we strolled the gardens, starting with the area around the Missouri barn, which is more about edible plants and kid focused, and ending at the water gardens near the pond, perennial garden and forest garden. For adults, I'd recommend the other order - we were much more impressed with the latter half, and it was less crowded. Overall, it was a perfectly OK botanical garden that seemed to be undergoing higher than average maintenance and turnover. You should also note, as others have, that this is pretty far outside of KC, to the southeast. It's a half day trip at a minimum. They encourage picnicking, so I also recommend packing some snacks to enjoy throughout the garden, though they have concessions on site at the Missouri Barn area. read more

This review is in relation to special festivals conducted at the gardens as well as the general state of the greenery. Maybe my expectations were different but please hear me out on this one - My wife and I found a facebook event created for Powell Gardens called the "Fungi and Fermentation Festival." This sounded really interesting so we decided to go. The day was lovely, mid 70's - and spirits were high. On facebook the event was advertised as $12.00 entry per person, which is fair enough for a special event. Once we arrive we first find out that this day they charge a $5.00 parking fee. This is odd but ok - it is a special event so why not. How do they expect people to arrive at the gardens? It is in the middle of nowhere and unless you're getting a ride with someone you will need a car. Also, they do have an almost unlimited amount of parking available due to the fields and the width of the roads. Afterwards I realized this is just a concealed charge to get people to pay more for an event that was advertised as more affordable. The hidden fees don't stop here. All the special events advertised in the schedule on facebook all had an extra $10.00 cover charge. Why did the organizers think it was ok to advertise just the entry fee and not all the other hidden extras? They advertised each event along with the festival schedule and fee. Basically the $12.00 was just to get in to the garden and did not cover anything besides that. This is false advertising and borderline fraud. Why do I say it is fraud? Well, because the booths and exhibitions consisted of one vendor selling fungi logs and salt, and another vendor selling hot dogs from Hereford House. The music schedule was there - but they did only play a handful of songs after which they piped out music from a local country radio station. There was also a store selling all sorts of seed related books, and a snack bar. I felt like a walking ATM with the sole purpose of just handing out money left and right for very little in return. Now to the garden itself. The space is very nice and very ideal for a garden. However, having visited many gardens around the world and being very interested in both agriculture and horticulture I found this garden very unkept. It is mid-May and the gardens - even the flower beds by the main buildings have weeds growing freely. There were very little to no information about the plants or what I looked at. It would have been interesting if there were information boards telling the visitors about plant life in the Midwest - or maybe there is an extra charge for that too? I should have looked in the bookstore. It just felt like I was walking around someone's dysfunctional hobby garden, which was very sad. Overall they should be ashamed marketing the events the way they do. Furthermore they should also be ashamed about not taking care of this wonderful setting in a honorable way. As someone enjoying gardens, gardening, plant life, and local flora and fauna of the Midwest I found this place sad. In all seriousness - if you're interesting in plants and viewing a masterfully cultivated set of flowers - take a trip to your local greenery or garden store instead. At least the labels will tell you what you're looking at. read more