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    Kessler Park

    One of KC's most majestic parks

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    What makes it fun

    Kessler Park, with over 300 acres, is a notable park in Kansas City's historic Northeast neighborhood. The park was established in 1895 and contains several significant attractions that date back to the inception of Kansas City's world-class park and boulevard system. George Kessler, the park's namesake, was the architect of the renowned "City Beautiful" campaign. Cliff Road, with its cliffs, waterfalls, and lush foliage, is the main attraction and can only be reached by foot or bike. The Colonnade is a century-old stone pavilion and vista with elegant and classic design elements; it is a well-known Kansas City landmark. A great beautiful fountain stands across the street.

    Google Reviews

    Kessler Park place picture
    Kessler Park

    4.3

    Based on 1078 reviews
    powered by Google

    Joseph Gideon profile picture
    Joseph Gideon

    1 month ago

    Anne S profile picture
    Anne S

    1 month ago

    Nikki Taylor profile picture
    Nikki Taylor

    2 months ago

    Nice and peaceful historic area especially at night time

    Destiny Gantos profile picture
    Destiny Gantos

    3 months ago

    Raven Kirksey profile picture
    Raven Kirksey

    3 months ago

    Great walk and beautiful but it needed some water fountains

    Vivian L. Sims profile picture
    Vivian L. Sims

    3 months ago

    The park seems nice but we went for the abandoned reservoir in the middle. It's all gated off and overgrown from the outside, but there are occasionally open points of entry. The graffiti is outstanding.

    Josh Bradburn profile picture
    Josh Bradburn

    1 year ago

    The closest outdoor rock-climbing to Lincoln, NE, I really enjoyed climbing here a few months ago, had a really positive experience, climbing on limestone for the first time (outside of the diverse features and edges, I was surprised at how smooth the rock felt and was fascinated by ancient now fossilized marine shells imbedded in the rock!). Although I only sport climbed one route (5.8 I believe that was about 40’ tall, and had fixed permadraw anchors), there are actually 42 routes right now on mountain project for the area under “WM: Cliff Drive” ranging from beginner to extremely difficult (including trad and even bouldering options too). I would recommend this for any other climbers in the area, and would absolutely come back if I’m passing through again and it’s warmer (and I’ll hopefully remember to bring my climbing shoes next time!). 😊

    Zac Bruntmyer profile picture
    Zac Bruntmyer

    1 year ago

    Quite place for a walk. Took our dog out there. Was nice to get some fresh air. Would not recommend staying after dark though, definitely signs of homeless activity, never had an issue so far despite this.

    Jackson Callison profile picture
    Jackson Callison

    2 years ago

    TheMimmik profile picture
    TheMimmik

    2 years ago

    Went exploring at the old resovuar, great for begin ers into Urban-Ex, street art, or just a nice spot to hang.

    Angie Fernandez profile picture
    Angie Fernandez

    2 years ago

    This park is beautiful. But definitely needs more life...

    Dean Gilbert profile picture
    Dean Gilbert

    2 years ago

    Julius Xani profile picture
    Julius Xani

    2 years ago

    Daniel Geist profile picture
    Daniel Geist

    3 years ago

    Came from River Market looking for a new bike trail other than the River Front and was pleasantly surprised! It is a very steep incline but the view is totally worth it. Road through the lower portion of the park on cliff drive(which is closed to cars). I also went up Maple Park to see the historic homes and Tiffany Castle.

    I was hesitant with previous reviews citing a homelessness problem-I only saw one homeless person minding their own. I felt safe seeing several other bikers/joggers on my Monday morning ride.

    Charles Wheeler profile picture
    Charles Wheeler

    3 years ago

    Neat looking place. Someone was sleeping in a tent when we dropped by. Didn't walk the trail.

    C.J Miser profile picture
    C.J Miser

    3 years ago

    The lake was a nice place of solace! To escape the bustle of the city and enjoy peace! There's a concrete landing with rails and the water came right to the lip of the landing! It's so peaceful there was around 10 or 12 deer around the lake when I arrived and only the fonds payed me any attention!

    William Brislan profile picture
    William Brislan

    4 years ago

    It's a relic from another century that was a huge necessity. It provided water to all the homes in the Kessler Park area and now has become a unique piece of history full of artwork, but I also thought there was a lot of great photo opportunities especially with the pond around at the bottom. There's a frisbee golf course that surrounds the outside of the reservoir basically taking up most of the open park space. It's awesome!

    Shelley Just Me profile picture
    Shelley Just Me

    5 years ago

    It was beautiful, well kept, trash cans were available, nice and easily accessible trails, legible plaques and a statue. Great place for photo ops for special occasions. They also have resting benches. It really is absolutely gorgeous. Definitely worth the trip. The entire area is guaranteed worth driving around if not just for this, the nearby park and Tiffany Castle, as well as numerous other sites in the vicinity.

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    • Chestnut Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri 64120, United States

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      (816) 777-6430
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      https://kcparks.org/places/kessler-park/
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