Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm is the only still-operating stagecoach stop along the Santa Fe Trail. This distinction offers a striking introduction to the history of Johnson County, which can also be experienced in an old schoolhouse, a museum and on the grounds of a present-day park.
Historic Places with Different Stories
Lanesfield Historic Site is the oldest still-operating schoolhouse in Johnson County and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. You can walk around the grounds during daylight hours; free information panels are available year-round.
Another moving story is connected with what is now Heritage Park in Olathe, Kansas: In 1838, the 660-mile Trail of Death, a forced-removal route for the Potawatomi people, crossed the area where the park is located. At the Johnson County Museum, the focus is on the county’s history and how it is shared. The museum offers exhibitions and programs for learners of all ages. Highlights include a fully electric 1950s house that visitors can walk through; individual exhibitions may change.
Lakes, Trails and Open Landscapes
Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee has a 44-acre off-leash area for dogs. Paved trails lead to the lake and beach, while other trails pass through grassland and wooded areas. The park also has a 120-acre lake with a swimming beach and marina. This combination of shoreline, open spaces and wooded sections gives the park several distinct sides.
You can also experience water and trails in very different ways at other locations. Kill Creek Park has a large lake for fishing and boating. From the Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower, views extend beyond the park. Heritage Park has a 40-acre lake for fishing and boating, as well as an 18-hole, par-54 course that is open to the public year-round.
When it comes to trails, it’s worth considering the differences in surface, use and length. Cedar Niles Park has four miles of paved multi-use trails and 4.5 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. Kill Creek Streamway Park currently consists of two separate, paved multi-use trail sections with a combined length of about 8.9 miles. It also has trails and open spaces for cycling, jogging, picnicking and hiking. The separate sections are part of the park’s current layout.
Gardens, Animals and Local Life
Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens covers more than 300 acres in southern Overland Park. Its diverse plant collections and gardens make it a destination in its own right for anyone interested in plants and designed landscapes. At Ernie Miller Nature Center, the focus is on animals and their habitats: exhibits featuring live animals and interactive displays include a 500-gallon aquarium with native fish from streams. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead offers visitors a hands-on experience of rural life in the Midwest.
Public farmers markets are also part of the local scene in Johnson County, offering fresh produce and products from the region. Market dates vary by season, so it’s worth checking the relevant calendar before your visit. The facilities of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District offer a wide range of options for outdoor exploration: the district operates 17 developed parks and maintains 87 miles of trails.
At Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Bike-Share-KC rental stations are located in the parking lot at Grand Pavilion and east of the Legler Barn Museum. As locations may change, check before your visit. If you’re looking for a hotel in Johnson, you can make your choice based on the interests that will shape your explorations: cultural history, gardens, or trails and lakes.
Discover more destinations: Overland Park, Mission, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, Leawood, Merriam, Ness County.
For the broader travel overview: Kansas.
