Those of us who live in the Kansas City Metro area are pretty lucky we have so much to do close by. However, there are times when you just need to take a break from the fast pace and relax for a moment (or three!). Even if it’s not a perfect sunny weather day, don’t rule out a few beautiful Kansas City waterfalls for your next day trip. When searching for “waterfalls near Kansas City,” at least of few of these nine wonderful relaxing spots will surely be at the top of the list.

9. "Diana" The Intercontinental Hotel - 401 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO
InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza, 401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64112, USA
ROBERT HUFFSTUTTER/Flickr
This gorgeous statue is framed by a sheet of water falling 24/7 in front of The Intercontinental Hotel, one of the most well-known Kansas City hotels. It's perfect for a relaxing walk or a family photo.
8. Parkville Nature Sanctuary - MO Highway 9 & 12th St., Parkville, MO
Parkville Nature Sanctuary, 100 E 12 St, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Laura Gilchrist/Flickr
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is full of lush beauty, but have you seen the waterfall? It's not as large as some of the manmade ones you're used to, but it's even more relaxing due to the nature around it.
7. Barney Allis Plaza Fountain - 205 W. 12th St., Kansas City, MO
Barney Allis Plaza, 1220 Wyandotte St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA
Ankur Gulati/Flickr
This classic waterfall in Kansas City at Barney Allis Plaza in downtown Kansas City is perfect for a fun photo or relaxing background noise if you're out for a stroll. Maybe you could bring lunch and make it like a picnic? The possibilities are endless!
6. Westin Crown Center Lobby - 1 E Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 E Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Amy the Nurse/Flickr
This natural-looking waterfall lives in the lobby of the Westin Crown Center, and it's a bit bigger than it looks in pictures. Hanging out in a lobby always seems to be noisy and crowded, but if you wait here, you can enjoy the soothing water sounds before you're off on another adventure. If you've got more time to spend, explore the rest of Crown Center which also encompasses the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Hallmark and its world headquarters, and several other entertainment options.
5. Watt's Mill - 103rd and State Line, Kansas City, MO
Watts Mill Plaza, 1020-1236 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64114, USA
Cathy Marquardt/Google Maps
What used to be a mill is now an empty waterfall, no longer used to grind corn and wheat. The falls stem from the Indian Creek here, which is often prone to flooding, particularly during the flash floods that sweep through the Kansas City area off and on throughout the year. When the creek is low, the water falls about six feet before hitting the bottom of the drop.
4. Powell Gardens - 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO
Powell Gardens, Kansas City's Botanical Garden, 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061, USA
bonnie/Flickr
The manmade falls at Powell Gardens, one of the most popular botanical gardens in the Show Me State, are super relaxing, especially since they aren't your typical roaring waters that make a lot of noise. The quiet trickle of water really relaxes you when you've had a long day surrounded by cars. Perhaps the best part is that you get to enjoy the beautiful gardens on the property on your way to and from the waterfall.
3. Tryst Falls - Route 92, Excelsior Springs, MO
Tryst Falls Park, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, USA
Management/TripAdvisor.com
Tryst Falls is located within its namesake Tryst Falls Park. This little fall is one of my favorites because it's one of the best waterfall hikes in Missouri, and just so beautiful to photograph! It's naturally made, and you just feel so peaceful sitting near it. There's also a nearby playground, so it's perfect for a picnic lunch! While you're in the area, you might want to spend some time meandering through Excelsior Springs which is a charming little town.
2. Cedar Creek Falls - 625 Lakeshore Dr., Olathe, KS
Cedar Creek Waterfall, Olathe, KS 66061, USA
Brent Flanders/Flickr
Though it's technically an overflow dam, the Cedar Creek Falls in Olathe, a suburb of Kansas City on the Kansas side of the state line, can't be ignored when it comes to beauty. The rocks make the water tumble over many ledges, which is such a soothing sound to hear. It is one of the hiking trails with waterfalls in Kansas, and you can enjoy local fishing if you want a full day's worth of adventure!
1. Briarcliff Falls - NW Platte Rd. and NW Valley Ln., Riverside, MO
Briarcliff - Claymont, Kansas City, MO, USA
Stephanie Adams Photography
At the top of the list is Briarcliff Falls. They aren't natural, unfortunately, but they are a stunning location to visit when you're looking for some local beauty. There's also a great hiking opportunity! Taking the Briarcliff Linear Trail gives you a quick tour of this area north of the Missouri River from downtown Kansas City. It makes for a great 1.25-mile morning walk to start or end your day.

Anytime is a great time to relax next to one of the most soothing sounds the Kansas City metro area has to offer!

Have you seen any great waterfalls near Kansas City? Show us in the comments below!

In the meantime, why not check out some more free Kansas City area activities?

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Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 12, 2022

Where is a good place to go hiking in the Kansas City area?

A good place to go hiking in the Kansas City area is Overland Park Arboretum.

One of the best and most popular places to go hiking in the Kansas City area is at the Overland Park Arboretum. Located in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City on the Kansas side of the state line, the arboretum is amazing. In addition to the wealth of plant and flower life dotted all over the property, there are quite a few awesome hiking trails. They range from flat and paved, to hilly and more challenging, so there’s plenty to choose from based on your desire and physical abilities. You’ll probably want to spend a great deal of time here, so pack a lunch and make a day of it!

Are there any haunted attractions in Kansas City?

Haunted attractions in Kansas City include:

  • Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery
  • Sallie House

We don’t know what it is about Kansas City folks, but they love their haunted attractions. In fact, there’s even a haunted road trip so you can explore a bunch of them. Some of the spooky spots on the list include the Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery in Fort Leavenworth, and the Sallie House in Atchison. But believe me, there are many more!

I’d like to learn more about the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City.

Here is how to learn more about the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City:

The Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City is the flagship museum in the Heartland of America. It has earned international acclaim as one of the finest general art museums in the country. Encompassing artworks from every continent, you’ll find over 40,000 works displayed in numerous permanent and temporary gallery spaces and exhibit halls. It is also one of the most popular places in town to take pictures of the amazing statues dotted throughout the property. People also flock here to snap pics for weddings, graduations, prom nights, and other special events.

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