By The Huff Group
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens gives south Johnson County something most suburbs never get: 300 acres of gardens, prairie, and woodland along Wolf Creek. We help buyers find homes across Overland Park, and the Arboretum comes up again and again when clients talk about what draws them to the south side of the city. It changes with every season, from the Erickson Water Garden in midsummer to thousands of candles along the trails in December. Here is our guide to getting the most out of it, plus a look at the neighborhoods closest to its gates.
Key Takeaways
- The Arboretum spans about 300 acres at 8909 W. 179th Street
- Themed gardens include the Monet Garden and the Train Garden
- Nearly five miles of trails follow Wolf Creek and its limestone bluffs
- The holiday Luminary Walk runs from late November through December
Getting to Know the Arboretum
The Arboretum sits on 179th Street, about a mile west of US-69, in the far south part of Overland Park. Development began around 1990, and the first garden was dedicated in 1996.
Today, roughly 85 percent of the grounds are set aside for natural ecosystems. The rest holds formal gardens, art, and the LongHouse Visitor Center, which opened in 2024 with support from more than 200 donors.
Today, roughly 85 percent of the grounds are set aside for natural ecosystems. The rest holds formal gardens, art, and the LongHouse Visitor Center, which opened in 2024 with support from more than 200 donors.
Quick Facts for Your First Visit
- More than 800 plant species grow across the grounds
- Admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month
- Maps are available at the LongHouse Visitor Center
- Hours shift with the seasons, so check before you go
Signature Gardens Worth Seeing
Each garden at the Overland Park Arboretum has its own character. Some are built for color, while others show off native Kansas plants or playful design.
Plan time for at least three or four of them on a first visit. Most sit close to the visitor center, so you can see several in a morning. Spring brings the rhododendron and azalea blooms in the woodland garden, while summer belongs to the water garden.
Plan time for at least three or four of them on a first visit. Most sit close to the visitor center, so you can see several in a morning. Spring brings the rhododendron and azalea blooms in the woodland garden, while summer belongs to the water garden.
Gardens Locals Return to Most
- Erickson Water Garden, with waterfalls, brooks, and a Buddleia collection that peaks in midsummer
- Monet Garden, a one-acre tribute to Giverny with a green arched bridge
- Marder Woodland Garden, shaded by dogwoods with rhododendron and azalea beds
- Legacy Garden, featuring plants native or naturalized to Kansas
The Train Garden
The Train Garden is one of the most popular spots at the Arboretum. G-scale model trains run over streams, past model villages, and through miniature bluffs.
A life-size caboose and a full-size railroad crossing gate set the scene. Volunteers run the trains from 10 a.m. until closing, weather permitting.
A life-size caboose and a full-size railroad crossing gate set the scene. Volunteers run the trains from 10 a.m. until closing, weather permitting.
What to Know Before You Go
- Trains pause during wet, windy, or extreme weather
- The garden was built in phases, with the final phase opening in 2019
- The trains run at G-scale, about 1/22nd of actual size
- Volunteers operate and maintain the layout
Trails, Prairie, and Wolf Creek
Beyond the formal gardens, the Arboretum opens into nearly five miles of paved and wood chip trails. Two 75-foot bridges cross Wolf Creek, a major tributary of the Blue River.
The Dry-Mesic Prairie is one of eight ecosystems on site, with big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass. For a more demanding route, one trail follows the limestone bluffs above the creek.
The Dry-Mesic Prairie is one of eight ecosystems on site, with big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass. For a more demanding route, one trail follows the limestone bluffs above the creek.
Trail Options by Pace
- A half-mile asphalt trail for an easy outing
- Wood chip trails through woodland and prairie
- The bluff trail for steeper terrain and creek views
- Bridge crossings over Wolf Creek for photos in every season
Art and Seasonal Events
The Arboretum doubles as an outdoor gallery. Its permanent collection includes works like the bronze Monet sculpture by Gary Lee Price, Red Tail Hawk, and pieces from the Chinese-US Sculpture Garden.
Events fill the calendar year-round. The 2026 Luminary Walk, now in its 27th year, lights a one-mile path with thousands of candles on select nights from November 27 through December 26.
Events fill the calendar year-round. The 2026 Luminary Walk, now in its 27th year, lights a one-mile path with thousands of candles on select nights from November 27 through December 26.
Annual Events to Put on Your Calendar
- Spring Plant Sale for gardeners stocking up for the season
- Tastings on the Terrace and Botanical Brewfest in warmer months
- Terra Luna, an evening celebration at the gardens
- Luminary Walk, Electric Glow, and Glow Cart Tours during the holidays
Living Near the Arboretum
The Arboretum anchors one of the most active growth areas in Overland Park. Homes in the surrounding area range from newer custom builds to master-planned communities with pools and clubhouses.
Wolf Run sits just west of the Arboretum near 177th Street and Pflumm Road, with homes starting in the $600,000s. Terrybrook Farms, around 173rd Street, offers several neighborhoods with prices reaching past $2 million. Both communities sit a short drive from the Arboretum’s entrance on 179th Street.
Wolf Run sits just west of the Arboretum near 177th Street and Pflumm Road, with homes starting in the $600,000s. Terrybrook Farms, around 173rd Street, offers several neighborhoods with prices reaching past $2 million. Both communities sit a short drive from the Arboretum’s entrance on 179th Street.
Nearby Amenities Buyers Appreciate
- Heritage Park, a large Johnson County park just to the north
- Shopping and dining at Bluhawk near 159th Street and US-69
- Quick access to US-69 for commutes across the metro
- Newer construction with modern floor plans and larger lots
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit the Overland Park Arboretum?
The Arboretum charges a modest daily admission fee, and entry is free on the first Tuesday of each month. Special events like the Luminary Walk require separate tickets.
What is the best season to visit?
Every season offers something different. Midsummer brings peak color to the Erickson Water Garden, fall brings color to the woodland, and December brings the Luminary Walk.
Which neighborhoods are closest to the Arboretum?
Wolf Run sits just west of the Arboretum, and Terrybrook Farms is a short drive north. Several other newer communities line the 167th to 179th Street corridor in south Overland Park.
Explore South Overland Park Homes With The Huff Group
The Huff Group has helped buyers and sellers across Johnson County for more than 20 years, and we know the neighborhoods surrounding the Arboretum well. We can show you how each community compares on price, amenities, and access to the places you will enjoy most.
Reach out to us, learn more about our work in Overland Park and let’s start a conversation.
Reach out to us, learn more about our work in Overland Park and let’s start a conversation.
