10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Lee’s Summit, Missouri
If you live in or around
Lee’s Summit, Missouri, you probably love that small-city feel with big-city perks. But what about those days when you just want to hop in the car, drive 30–60 minutes, and discover something new?
Here are
10 short road trips outside Jackson County to nearby Missouri and Kansas counties, all within easy reach of Lee’s Summit. No airports, no hotel bookings—just you, your car, and a tank of gas.
1. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Johnson County, Kansas
If you’re craving trees, trails, and quiet, point your car toward
Overland Park in
Johnson County, KS. The
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens feels like a peaceful escape from the city.
You’ll find:
- Over 300 acres of woods and gardens
- Miles of walking trails
- Colorful flower beds in spring and summer
- Fun seasonal events and light displays
It’s the kind of place where you can wander for a couple hours, sit on a bench, and just breathe. I once went there “for a quick look” and ended up spending half a day watching turtles in the pond and taking way too many photos of wildflowers.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes and bring a water bottle. You’ll walk more than you think.
2. Legends Outlets & Kansas Speedway Area – Wyandotte County, Kansas
Looking for shopping, food, and entertainment all in one spot? Head to
Wyandotte County, KS and spend a day around the
Legends Outlets area near the
Kansas Speedway.
In one stop, you can:
- Shop name-brand outlet stores
- Grab BBQ, tacos, burgers, and more
- Catch a race at Kansas Speedway (in season)
- Visit the nearby soccer stadium and see a Sporting KC game
If you’ve got teens or a group of friends who all want to do something different, this is a solid pick. Everyone can scatter and then meet back up for dinner.
Distance from Lee’s Summit: About 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic.
3. Powell Gardens – Johnson County, Missouri
Yes, there’s a
Johnson County in Missouri too, and it’s home to one of the most beautiful spots near Lee’s Summit:
Powell Gardens, located just outside of town along Highway 50.
Powell Gardens is:
- A large public garden with themed areas
- Known for incredible seasonal displays (butterflies, pumpkins, Christmas lights)
- Family-friendly, with wide walking paths and open lawns
If you love taking photos, this place is a goldmine. The chapel by the water feels like something out of a movie, especially around sunset.
Why go: It’s close, peaceful, and never feels too crowded. Perfect for a low-stress Sunday afternoon road trip.
4. Warrensburg & the University Vibe – Johnson County, Missouri
Keep driving west on Highway 50 and you’ll roll into
Warrensburg, still in
Johnson County, MO. It’s a classic college town, home to the
University of Central Missouri.
Things to check out:
- Walk around the campus and historic buildings
- Explore local coffee shops and diners downtown
- Visit the Old Drum memorial (yes, a statue for a dog that inspired the phrase “man’s best friend”)
If you like roaming around small downtowns, browsing antique shops, and grabbing a slice of pie or a milkshake, Warrensburg is an easy win.
Distance from Lee’s Summit: Around 45–55 minutes straight down Highway 50.
5. Belton Grandview & Kansas City Railroad – Cass County, Missouri
For a quick trip south into
Cass County, MO, head to
Belton and the
Belton, Grandview & Kansas City Railroad. It’s a short, nostalgic train ride that feels like going back in time.
You can:
- Ride in vintage passenger cars
- Enjoy slow, scenic views of the countryside
- Check out historic engines and railroad equipment
Kids usually love the train ride, but honestly, so do most adults. There’s something relaxing about the steady clack of the wheels and watching fields roll by at an easy pace.
Tip: Check their schedule online before you go. They don’t run trains every single day.
6. Harrisonville’s Historic Square – Cass County, Missouri
While you’re in
Cass County, swing down to
Harrisonville. The old courthouse square feels like a slice of classic Midwest small-town life.
Around the square, you’ll find:
- Local diners and cafés
- Antique and thrift shops
- Small-town festivals and events during the year
It’s not flashy, and that’s the charm. Grab lunch, stroll the sidewalks, and enjoy a slower pace for a few hours.
Distance from Lee’s Summit: Roughly 30–40 minutes, mostly highway driving.
7. Liberty’s Historic Downtown – Clay County, Missouri
Head north to
Clay County, MO and explore
Liberty, one of the Kansas City area’s most interesting historic towns.
Highlights include:
- A charming downtown with brick buildings and boutiques
- Local restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops
- Historic sites tied to early Missouri and frontier history
On nice days, the sidewalks fill with people grabbing ice cream or outdoor patio seats. It’s a great spot for a relaxed date day or a casual afternoon with friends.
Parking: Usually easy to find around the square or on side streets.
8. Worlds of Fun & Oceans of Fun – Clay County, Missouri
If you’re up for some adrenaline, also in
Clay County is the big one:
Worlds of Fun and its partner waterpark,
Oceans of Fun.
You can:
- Ride roller coasters and thrill rides
- Enjoy family-friendly attractions and shows
- Cool off in the waterpark during the summer
Plan to spend most of the day here. It’s not a “quick stop,” but it is still an easy
road trip from Lee’s Summit, and you don’t have to book a hotel unless you want to stretch it into a weekend.
Tip: Go on a weekday if you can; lines are usually shorter.
9. Lexington & Battle of Lexington State Historic Site – Lafayette County, Missouri
Drive east toward the Missouri River and you’ll reach
Lexington in
Lafayette County, MO, a town that’s full of Civil War and river history.
Here you can:
- Visit the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
- See cannonball damage still visible on historic buildings
- Walk shaded streets lined with old homes and mansions
- Take in views of the Missouri River
If you like American history, this makes a great day trip. Even if you’re not a huge history buff, the scenery alone is worth the drive.
Distance from Lee’s Summit: Around 45–60 minutes, mostly highway and quiet roads.
10. Richmond & Small-Town Missouri Charm – Ray County, Missouri
Finally, head northeast into
Ray County, MO and explore
Richmond, another classic small Missouri town with a friendly Main Street feel.
You can:
- Walk through its historic downtown area
- Browse local shops and antique stores
- Stop by local museums or courthouses with interesting architecture
This is the kind of place where people still hold the door for you and shop owners ask where you’re from. It’s simple, genuine, and a nice reminder that you don’t have to go far from Lee’s Summit to feel “away.”
Best for: A quiet, low-key drive when you just want to see new roads, new storefronts, and open skies.
Planning Your Road Trip from Lee’s Summit
To keep these
short road trips from Lee’s Summit fun and stress-free, here are a few quick tips:
- Check hours ahead of time: Especially for museums, gardens, and seasonal attractions.
- Have a backup plan: If one spot is too crowded or closed, know a second place nearby.
- Keep it flexible: Half the fun of a road trip is pulling over when something looks interesting.
- Bring snacks and water: Gas stations can be few and far between once you’re on back roads.
You don’t need a week off work to explore. Even a free afternoon or a random Saturday can turn into a mini-adventure.
Where Will You Go Next?
Living near
Lee’s Summit puts you in a sweet spot: within an hour or so, you can reach gardens, historic battlefields, charming downtowns, amusement parks, and quiet country roads in
Johnson, Wyandotte, Cass, Clay, Johnson (MO), Lafayette, and Ray Counties.
Which of these road trips will you try first? The gardens? The train ride? The outlets?
Have you taken a favorite short road trip from Lee’s Summit that’s not on this list?
Share your ideas in the comments so other readers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend or on your social media—you might just inspire someone’s next easy getaway.
Comments
Post a Comment