Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is a beautiful botanical garden located in Kingsville, Missouri, approximately 30 miles east of Kansas City. It spans over 970 acres and is renowned for its stunning display of horticulture, plant collections, and diverse landscapes.

Established in 1988, Powell Gardens was the vision of George E. Powell, Sr., and his wife, Olive, who wanted to create a place where people could connect with nature and experience the beauty of gardens. The garden was opened to the public in 1988 and has since become one of the premier botanical gardens in the Midwest.

One of the main highlights of Powell Gardens is its extensive collection of plant species from around the world. The garden features several themed gardens, including the Heartland Harvest Garden, the largest edible landscape in the country. This unique garden showcases a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about sustainable gardening and food production.

Another notable area within Powell Gardens is the Perennial Garden, which showcases a vibrant array of flowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. The Perennial Garden is designed to provide year-round interest, with different plants blooming in various seasons. The garden is meticulously maintained and offers a tranquil and picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

In addition to the themed gardens, Powell Gardens also features several walking trails that wind through prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and observe native plant and animal species in their habitats. The Byron Shutz Nature Trail is particularly popular among nature enthusiasts and provides a peaceful escape into the wilderness.

Powell Gardens hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year, including workshops, lectures, and children's activities. The garden also hosts seasonal festivals and exhibits, such as the Festival of Butterflies and the Festival of Lights, which attract visitors from far and wide.