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George Owens Nature Park
Providing families with outdoor opportunities since 1977.
1601 S. Speck Rd.
(North of East 23rd Street and Speck Road intersection)
(816) 325-7115
2019 Fall & Winter Hours (October 1, 2019 - April 30, 2020)
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed.
NATURE NOTES (click to view)
George Owens Nature Park has given families the opportunity to reconnect with their natural environment since 1977. The park is open year round and provides 86 acres of beautiful forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife. Explore the DeWitt Center and experience rotating exhibits, a pond display and 4 large aquariums.
The current traveling exhibit shows Independence through the rock record - fossils, photographs and art will guide you along a comprehensive path of discovery.
The possibilities for adventure are endless.
Park Amenities
- Three miles of Hiking Trails (One Paved)
- Two Fishing Lakes
- Organized Group Campground
- ADA Accessible Dock
- Family Picnic Area
- DeWitt Center
- Rain Gardens
- Bio Swales
- Pavilion
- Butterfly Garden
- Outdoor and Nature Programs for the Entire Family
Click here to check out rental fees for our facility!
Upcoming Events
Full Moon Hikes
Ages 6 years and above
See Independence Parks in a whole new light! Each hike is limited to 15 participants. Please reserve your spot early by calling 816.325.7115.
Date Time Location
Sat, Nov 9 5pm Little Blue Trace, Jackson Drive Entrance
Fri, Dec 13 6:30pm George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road
Sat, Dec 14 7:30pm George Owens Nature Park, 1601 S. Speck Road
Reserve your spot by calling 816.325.7115.
16th Annual Winter Solstice Torch Lit Hike
Wednesday, December 11
5 - 6:30pm
Join us for this family favorite to celebrate winter. Walk a forest trail lit by torches and lined with penguins! Ice sculpture, a live raptor exhibit, animal displays, telescopes to view the evening sky (weather permitting), a roaring bonfire, and hot chocolate for everyone and travel mugs (first 200 participants). Learn about the change of season and how animals prepare for it.
This year the trail will be lined with penguins decorated by families, businesses and community clubs. Plywood shaped penguins will be available for purchase the first week of November. Funds benefit Habitat for Humanity. Exact date penguins will be available for purchase coming soon!
Call 816.325.7115 for more details.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer And Make A Difference!
If you have a love for the outdoors and want to help George Owens Nature Park, please consider volunteering your time at the nature park. Contact us at (816) 325-7115 to learn more.
Individuals and family volunteers will learn about our natural world by assisting park staff. We have volunteer opportunities that will fit your interest - gardening, maintaining bird feeders, assisting with nature programs, etc.
