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.

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.

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.

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.

We drove all the way in to the creek. We didn't have time to wonder down any of the trails, but…read moretook a little time to view what looked like a natural spring that ran into the river. Large tree (and i mean large) is shading the rock wall area where picnic tables sit below in the shade. Great little place to stop for a little get away off the beaten path.

This is a lovely facility to visit. Very educational and informative! The walking trails are great!…read moreYou may bring your dog on a leash. Be sure to bring your little poopie bags for any waste. I definitely think you should visit there!

Bartlesville treasure for younger kids. You can't beat the little rides they have for kids. Cheap…read moretoo. I think it's .50 a ride. Most of the rides do have height limits and I think my son was about 7 or 8 the last time we went. By far the best ride in my opinion is the airplanes where the kids actually make them go up and down as they spin around the carousel.

Kiddie park is a fantastic place to go for young children. I'd say the best ages are 3 to 5 or 6…read morethough we just returned from a trip with my eight-year-old twins. They still had several rides that they work too big for. To make a day of it, visit the Sooner waterpark splash pad until kiddie park opens at 6 PM. Grab a custard at Jareds after!

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.

Very large open space or grass fields and lots of sports fields. Small parking lot attached. Dogs…read morehave to be on leash. There's a paved walking trail as well.

Enjoyed a quick stop at this state park near Bartlesville and on the way to Pawhuska. A short…read moreunpaved trail leads you to a great waterfall area. You can walk from rock to rock out to some picturesque areas around the water. The trail is pretty easy to navigate except for a few slick rocks here and there. There is an overlook we drove up to but it was just an okay view due to some tall trees blocking much of the view. Camping areas look well kept and the ranger we spoke with was very nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend this to out of town visitors like myself to get out and enjoy nature and the beautiful landscape of NE Oklahoma.

At first, Osage Hills State Park doesn't seem like something too special, but if you begin hiking…read morethe trails, you'll find some real gems. First, there are some rocky canyon-type cliffs the hand Sand Creek winding through them. It's really pretty and there are some waterfalls and big rocks to wade onto in the middle of a creek that gets really wide in some parts. Seconds, there is sand all around (hence the name Sand Creek), enough in some spots to feel like you're sand bathing at a beach... no joke! Wish I snapped better pictures of the sandy parts. It was a fun experience!