National Parks Near Kansas City, Kansas

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our complete guide to 57 national parks near Kansas City. The closest park is just 14.2 miles away—perfect for a quick day trip.

57
Parks Within Range
3
Within 100 Miles
14.2
Miles to Closest

Closest Parks (Within 100 Miles)

Perfect for day trips from Kansas City

⭐ Closest
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
14.2 mi (~17 min)

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

Independence, Missouri
National Historic Site
Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park
56.5 mi (~1 hr 8 min)

Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park

Topeka, Kansas
National Historical Park
Fort Scott National Historic Site
87.9 mi (~1 hr 45 min)

Fort Scott National Historic Site

Fort Scott, Kansas
National Historic Site

Weekend Getaways (100-200 Miles)

Great for weekend trips from Kansas City

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
114.4 mi (~2 hr 17 min)

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Strong City, Kansas
National Preserve
Homestead National Historical Park
142.6 mi (~2 hr 51 min)

Homestead National Historical Park

Beatrice, Nebraska
National Historical Park
George Washington Carver National Monument
147.7 mi (~2 hr 57 min)

George Washington Carver National Monument

Diamond, Missouri
National Monument
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
154.1 mi (~3 hr 5 min)

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Republic, Missouri
National Battlefield
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
163.6 mi (~3 hr 16 min)

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Omaha, Iowa
National Historic Trail
Pea Ridge National Military Park
186.6 mi (~3 hr 44 min)

Pea Ridge National Military Park

Garfield, Arkansas
National Military Park
New Philadelphia National Historic Site
199.8 mi (~3 hr 60 min)

New Philadelphia National Historic Site

Barry, Illinois
National Historic Site

Extended Adventures (200-300 Miles)

Perfect for long weekend adventures from Kansas City

Ozark National Scenic Riverways
228.4 mi (~4 hr 34 min)

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Missouri
National Scenic Riverways
Buffalo National River
232.3 mi (~4 hr 39 min)

Buffalo National River

Arkansas
National River
Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site
233.4 mi (~4 hr 40 min)

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Missouri
National Historic Site
Gateway Arch National Park
241.1 mi (~4 hr 49 min)

Gateway Arch National Park

Missouri
National Park
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
246.6 mi (~4 hr 56 min)

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Iowa
National Historic Site
Fort Larned National Historic Site
256 mi (~5 hr 7 min)

Fort Larned National Historic Site

Kansas
National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site
257.7 mi (~5 hr 9 min)

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Arkansas
National Historic Site
Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park
259.8 mi (~5 hr 12 min)

Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park

Missouri
National Historical Park
Nicodemus National Historic Site
267.6 mi (~5 hr 21 min)

Nicodemus National Historic Site

Kansas
National Historic Site
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
269.9 mi (~5 hr 24 min)

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Illinois
National Historic Site
Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument
270.1 mi (~5 hr 24 min)

Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument

Illinois
National Monument
Missouri National Recreational River
297.2 mi (~5 hr 57 min)

Missouri National Recreational River

South Dakota
National Recreational River

Planning Your Visit from Kansas City

Kansas City is perfectly positioned for exploring national parks across the region. With 3 parks within 100 miles, you can enjoy incredible outdoor adventures without extensive travel. Harry S Truman National Historic Site is your closest option at just 14.2 miles—approximately 17 min by car.

Best practices: Check individual park pages for current conditions, entrance fees, and reservation requirements. Many parks offer America the Beautiful passes for frequent visitors. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles and respect all park regulations during your visit.

Guided Tours Near Kansas City

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