The second-most populated city in the American state of Kansas is Overland Park. One of the four main cities in the Kansas City metropolitan region and the most populated suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, it is situated in Johnson County, Kansas. 197,238 people were living in the city as of the 2020 Census. With the arrival of its founder, William B. Strang, in 1905, Overland Park began to plan subdivisions along an ancient military route, which later developed into the city’s main street.

More than 1,800 acres of parkland and open space may be found at Overland Park. Sand volleyball, hiking and bicycling trails, public golf, playgrounds, tennis facilities, basketball courts, and resolvable shelters are among the amenities offered by the city’s 72 parks.

Located in the transitional region between the humid subtropical climate of North America and the humid continental climate, Overland Park normally experiences hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. When you come here, you can engage in a variety of outdoor memorial activities including hiking trails, swimming pools, and botanical gardens, but there are also plenty of equally amazing indoor attractions.

You would not consider Kansas to be a leader in the arts, yet Overland Park is home to a variety of museums and galleries, some of which have nationally renowned collections.

List of things to do in Overland Park

Given below is the list of Things to do in Overland Park during the visit to Indian Creek, the American royal museum, the American jazz museum, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the Nerman museum, and many more.

1. Explore Indian Creek

The Indian Creek is well-equipped and ready to provide you with the best trail experiences. Within Overland Park, there is a cycling and hiking track that runs from Foxhill South Park to the University of Missouri Kansas City.

Up to 17 miles of the Indian Creek biking and hiking trails are in Overland Park, and 10 miles of that total length. When you start on this well-maintained path, you have a lot of alternatives for where to trek.

Depending on how you like to spend your time, the path is a great place to go biking or hiking. Additionally, given its closeness to Overland Park, Kansas, you won’t be able to see the green areas there, but it’s a great place to explore and soak them in. All ages and ability levels may get great exercise at this wonderful community resource.

2. American Museum of Natural History Exhibits

Visit the Museum at Prairiefire to discover everything there is to know about this great region of the United States. It is dedicated to exhibiting the best of the Prairiefire District.

The museum is divided into parts, some of which are meant to be interactive for kids, such as the Discovery Room, and there is also a Great Hall layout where you can discover how science and technology are applied.

The building itself is a work of art and is constructed to resemble a fire on the Kansas prairie in addition to the spectacular exhibitions within. NASA alone is responsible for the installation’s use of dichroic glass.

3. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, one of the best locations to take your kids, takes you back in time to experience what life was like for settlers during the “Frontier Settlements” era of American history.

This one-of-a-kind destination has it all. Children can ride gorgeous horses and play inside while being escorted by skilled farmhands. More than 250 animals will be available for them to see up close while they’re there.

 Additionally, students can learn about local agriculture in the one-room schoolhouse at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. They can also visit the Kanza Indian Encampment, where they can participate in numerous activities, and membership is free.

4. Overland Park Convention Center

The Overland Park Convention Center was open for visitors in November 2002. It is situated on a 26-acre property in the center of Overland Park, the second-largest city in Kansas and the biggest suburban community in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

More than sixty original works of art and cutting-edge communication systems decorate the Overland Park Convention Center.

The Edwin C. Eilert Ballroom and the 15,000 square feet of conference space are connected by a 60,000 square foot exhibit hall in the 254,000 square foot Convention Center.

Visitors can visit the Overland Park Convention Center every Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Overland Park Convention Center is a fantastic venue for holiday events and artisan fairs.

5. American Royal Museum and Visitors Center

You may learn everything there is to know about Kansas’s agricultural and farming heritage at the American Royal Museum and Visitors Center.

To that purpose, there is a variety of odd and interactive exhibits to enjoy, and you can have a guided tour with one of the educated local docents here.

There is a rodeo display among them, as well as a place where you may compete with hogs, steers, and chickens in a weigh-off. If you visit Overland Park, this is unquestionably one interesting location you shouldn’t miss.

6. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, one of Kansas City’s newest art galleries, is regularly updated with the most cutting-edge works. This gallery takes pride in featuring both emerging artists and those who are already well-known in the field.

The art collection includes numerous works of art in a variety of styles to suit a variety of preferences. With so many paintings, pictures, and sculptures on show from various artists, you won’t be dissatisfied as an art enthusiast. The majority of the pieces on display in the collection are related to modern art.

The Overland park’s Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park KS is the perfect place for art lovers to learn about some of the most current developments in the field that have been seen throughout the nation.

7. Q39 South

The moment you take the first step inside Q39 South and enter the structure, you’ll find yourself in a pleasant and inviting space where kind hostesses are waiting to greet you. You’ll also be mesmerized by the aroma of luscious, tender meat that expert chefs skilfully prepared in the cutting-edge kitchen.

A mainstay of the restaurant, the fresh and delectable Kansas City-style barbecue fills every nook and cranny. To create delicious dishes inspired by chefs, dedicated staff works as if their lives were on the line!

There are many delectable options to choose from, such as the Mr. Burns Sandwich, which is served on pretzel buns and features a spicy pork belly and smoky slaw.

Q39 is the ideal location to relax and spend quality time with loved ones in a spacious, rustic setting, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just sharing a meal.

8. IFly Kansas City

Visit IFly Kansas City in Overland Park, an indoor skydiving facility, if you want to try skydiving but firstly warm yourself slowly. The center will give you a similar sensation of flight, but indoors and with qualified professionals who will ensure that your comfort and safety come first throughout the experience.

Because of this, skydiving is a very safe activity that anyone may partake in with little to no training or wait time. After your first lesson, you’ll feel instantly like a hero because you’ll have some major bragging rights.

You will get to fly in a wind tunnel while wearing a skydiving outfit, allowing you to experience a free fall over two stories.

9. American Jazz Museum

The American Jazz Museum aims to emphasize the emerging jazz scene in Kansas charming City, a strong musical foundation that has advanced significantly over the past ten years.

The first of its kind, this museum offers several interactive exhibits, movie screenings, demonstrations, and performances from nights with some of the top up-and-coming performers in the area.

A wide variety of artifacts and memorable historical experiences from the greatest American jazz Museum greats, including Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and many others, are on display at the museum. It consists of items from Louis’ trumpet which he used to perform live with his band to Ella’s famous outfit that she wore during her concert performance of “Love Letters.”

Even though there are a lot of unusual artifacts, The Blue Room Jazz Club is a section of the museum where visitors can see how live music is performed.

10. Old World Ballonery

You should think about the hot air balloon ride in addition to Old World Baloney if you want to experience Overland Park in Kansas City from a vantage point that will never be forgotten.

Old World Ballonery ensures that its passengers enjoy breathtaking views of the whole region, including places in Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri, by conducting flying tours around the Kansas City Metro Area.

The most breathtaking vistas of all that Kansas City and Overland Park KS have to offer can be seen on a hot air balloon flight early in the morning or late in the day.

You will be able to see the views in both dark and light areas as the drive meanders across the region. You’ll fly in a hot air balloon and enjoy champagne brunches and dinners at sunset.

11. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Overland Park, which is situated on an incredible 300 acres of verdant land, are a must-see for nature lovers.

Visit this Arboretum and botanical gardens to see over 200 different bird species, more than 75 distinct tree species, and themed gardens in a variety of exquisite styles.

The Erickson Water Garden, a Train Garden, a Monet Garden, and a Children’s Discovery Garden are just a few examples of them. Additionally, there are more than 5 miles of trails that wind around the region, so you can either join a guided tour with a docent or go for a peaceful late-afternoon stroll to admire the stunning foliage on show.

12. Golf at Topgolf

When you visit Topgolf, you’ll discover a buzzing atmosphere where voices overlapping on HDTVs reverberate through high ceilings and the crowded restaurant and bar floor.

The climate-controlled hitting bays and the cutting-edge HDTVs featured in each bay will also take your breath away when you walk inside the first Topgolf location.

Topgolf uses microchipped golf balls so that the scoring system can automatically keep tabs on how quickly, how far, and how accurately each player’s ball is traveling with each swing. For each successful shot, players receive points.

After several games of competition at this location, you might also want to enjoy a few beverages with your pals to keep the good times going all night long. After several games of competition at this location, you might also want to enjoy a few beverages with your friends to keep the good times going all night long.

13. Overland Park 9/11 Memorial

The Overland Park 9/11 Memorial is one of the largest and most beautifully constructed buildings. The memorial is very accessible, and visiting the monument teaches you a lot.

A 14-foot, 5,600-pound steel beam with a hole near the tip is part of the Overland Park 9/11 Memorial. It will throw a shadow on four panels representing each of the four planes that crashed on September 11, 2001.

To commemorate key historical moments at the precise instant each plane strikes, the shadow is always recorded on the panels.

14. Pinstripes

Pinstripes bowling alley is the place to go in Overland Park KS for some bowling action. Not only can you play bowling here, but you can also play bocce ball and eat excellent Italian food.

Numerous visitors come here to watch a game or two and to eat some of the greatest food in the area, including fresh pasta and sirloin sliders, which are popular among the locals.

Every Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, every Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 am, and every Sunday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Pinstripes is open to the public.

15. Johnson County Museum of History & All-Electric House

You can learn more about Johnson County’s history in general at the Johnson County Museum of History & All-Electric House. This location provides specific information about some of the most significant historical events.

For instance, the 1950s All-Electric House incorporates varying degrees of advancement over the years while providing insight into life at the time.

Discover how people in middle America lived and passed their free time to immerse themselves in a different era. The Johnson County museum’s art section features rotating exhibits.

16. Korean War Veterans Memorial

To honor the Korean War soldiers who have died or gone missing, the beautiful curved wall of the memorial was created. The memorial honors the two hundred and ten Korean War servicemen from North East Kansas who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

You can see the memorial paving stones and black marble seats that have been placed along the path to memorialize specific U.S. military soldiers from different decades and services.

The heroic bronze statue of a soldier grieving a slain friend and the rock piles at the locations symbolize Korea’s battlefields. The 38th parallel, which still separates the Korean peninsula, is symbolized by the thirty-eight steles at the entrance of the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

 You may find a thorough map of the entire Korean peninsula on the black marble tablet on the right. The poem “Freedoms Flag” by Charles M. Province, president and creator of the George S. Patton Historical Society, is depicted on the left-hand black marble tablet.

17. Downtown Overland Park Farmers’ Market

The incredible variety of fresh vegetables available at the Downtown Overland Park farmers market makes it one of the best in Kansas.

The Downtown Overland Park Farmers market, which has been open for more than 30 years, wants to further both the farm-to-table movement and a sense of community.

The best products in the area are brought in by vendors from all across the area, and you can also take in events like live music performances as you buy.

18. Oak Park Mall

There are so many things to see and do at the Oak Park Mall. The mall is a two-floor fantasy of dining, entertainment, and shopping. The Oak Park Mall, with its sleek, contemporary design and four department store anchors, covers an area of over 1.5 million square feet.

Nearly a dozen various dining alternatives are available to customers, including fast food, barbecue, Chinese food, and anything else that can tempt your taste buds for lunch or dinner. Children love going to the special American Girl, LEGO store, and Disney stores.

All of their running shoes and clothing can be purchased at Finish Line, and the latest trends may be found at EXPRESS or Abercrombie & Fitch. Microsoft is a fantastic choice for computer nerds as they have 20 physical facilities worldwide.

19. The White Theatre

The White Theatre showcases brilliant artists, music, dance, literary presentations, and other disciplines that are wrapped within their newly created arts.

Everyone may find something to like at the lovely White Theatre because there is always a fun option for you, your entire family, and your friends.

The public can visit the White Theatre every Monday through Friday between 3:00 and 6:00. Visit the White Theatre with your loved ones to take in theatrical productions, enjoyable music, exhibitions, and more. Make a trip to The White Theatre part of your itinerary for entertainment while in Overland Park, Kansas.

20. Arabia Steamboat Museum

The Arabia Steamboat Museum, which is situated in nearby Kansas City, was created as a result of the discovery of a time capsule in the Missouri River.

The 1856-era materials inside the capsule, which was discovered in 1987, are currently the world’s largest collection of frontier supplies. As a result, the museum is devoted to this time capsule and its contents and tells the tale of this fascinating historical era.

A 90-minute guided tour of the site is available, during which a docent will tell you everything there is to know about this incredible institution.

21. Petersons Antiques

A stunning full-line antique shop with something for everyone is Petersons Antiques. Quality American antiques, lamps, china, glassware, furniture, toys, ceramics, miscellaneous antiques, collectibles, clocks, and custom refinishing are all available at Peterson’s Antiques.

The proprietors of Petersons Antiques are Lloyd & Wilma Peterson, and the Overland Park, Kansas-based company has been in business for more than 35 years.

The Petersons Antiques was founded to become the top American antique furniture retailer in the Kansas City area. The store’s personnel are kind and accommodating, and they respond to questions from consumers.

22. College Basketball

The College Basketball Experience, a component of the larger National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame, is situated at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

If you enjoy basketball, it is well worth the trip outside of Overland Park KS to the center, where you can test your abilities against the pros in interactive basketball exhibits.

23. Winetasting at Aubrey Vineyards

In the Midwest, Aubrey Vineyards is known for making fine wines. The fruit’s best features can be seen in the delicate balance between the various taste components.

200 acres of land were purchased by a Johnson County family, who later turned them into the 35-acre Vineyard and Winery estate. On more than 12 acres of the vineyard, the family has so far planted nine different grape varieties.

The picturesque trip by the vineyard offers a pleasant break from the noise and bustle of the city. Its tasting room is located outside the roomy vineyard environment that is similar to Napa.

24. The Culinary Center of Kansas City

People who enjoy eating are encouraged to enroll in one of the more than 600 seminars offered annually at the Culinary Center of Kansas City. These classes teach students how to create love out of simple ingredients.

 Through their special interactive and enjoyable cooking events, The Culinary Center of Kansas City allows you to make memories with your family and friends.

The Culinary Center of Kansas Town is a renowned culinary arts institution dedicated to the teaching, promotion, and appreciation of food, wine, and culinary culture. It has an excellent business plan.

Whether you want to improve your cooking skills or just learn how to cook, their knowledgeable and experienced staff will provide you with the assistance you require.

The Culinary Center of Kansas City’s Kitchen Shop Experience offers carefully chosen products that are representative of a culinary art center, including popular cookbooks, drink pairings, BBQ seasonings, a curated collection that is ideal for any food aficionado, and many more.

FAQ’S

What is Overland Park most known for?

Answer: A wonderful place to live, work, and play in Overland Park. Overland Park continues to be a well-known community thanks to factors like its excellent schools, low crime rate, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and strong corporate influence.

Why is it called Overland Park?

Eventually, Overland Park KS was established; it is said that the name is a blend of the idea of a “park-like” city and the alternative name for the Santa Fe Trail. Since 1980s, Overland Park has gone through a series of booms marked by increases in its population, economy, and reputation.

Conclusion

Overland Park is a beautiful city in Kansas, United States of America, that welcomes visitors and provides them with exciting attractions and enjoyable activities to partake in.

Amazing outdoor activities are available at Overland Park, including theatrical performances, bike and hiking trails, games, and more. Additionally, it provides picnic areas, playgrounds, museums of history, restaurants, bars, vineyards, antiques, collectibles, and jewelry, among other things.

Start making a list of all the exciting activities you want to do in Overland Park before you travel there to explore and take in the sights of the above-mentioned distinctive locations.