George Owens Nature Park
Providing Families with Outdoor Opportunities Since 1977.
1601 S. Speck Rd., 64057 
(North of intersection of East 23rd Street
and Speck Road)
(816) 325-7115
Tuesday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Monday
Friday Sept 3 - 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Saturday Sept 4- Closed
Sunday Sept 5- Closed
Monday Sept 6- Closed
George Owens Park Map
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 rustic nature center and find new seasonal exhibits. Get up close to a beaver, touch antlers, or count the rings on a tree. Experience the beauty of a 150 gallon freshwater aquarium full of Missouri fish or peer into a 75 gallon turtle enclosure. The possibilities for adventure are endless.
Park Amenities
- Five Hiking Trails (One Paved)
- Two Fishing Lakes
- Organized Group Campground
- ADA Accessible Dock
- Family Picnic Area
- Nature Center
- Rain Gardens
- Pavilion
Volunteer Opportunities
If you have a love for the outdoors but are not sure how to make a difference, please volunteer some of your time at the nature park. Contact park staff for current opportunities.
Would your organized group like to include a service project in a camping trip or day out at the park?
Participants will learn about our natural world by volunteering with park staff. We offer projects including trail maintenance, litter pick up, and invasive plant removal.
Contact the park naturalist to find out what service projects are available at (816) 325-6254.
Programs Highlights
You are invited to a 21st century treasure hunt throughout our park system during the month of August. Special Geocaches are hidden in 10 Independence Parks. Pick up a manifest and information packet at George Owens Nature Park. The contest will run from August 3 until August 31. Upon completion you will receive a souvenir Independence Geo-Quest coin.
August 3 - August 31
11 years of age or older/ Free Event
Any persons born on or after January 1, 1967 must obtain an approved hunter education certificate card before purchasing a hunting license. Classes are a minimum of 10 hours. Registration is required at least three business days before the course by calling (816) 325-7370.
6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday September 21-23
Location: George Owens Nature Park
Families with children up to age 7 / $10 per child
Pack up the car and take the kids on their first overnight camping trip to the nature park. Activities will be scheduled throughout the night. Group size is limited, so reserve your spot today by calling (816) 325-7843.
5 p.m. Friday - 9 a.m. Saturday September 11 - September 12
5 p.m. Friday- 9 a.m. Saturday October 1 - October 2
Location: George Owens Nature Park
All Ages / Free Event
National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. Join us for the 17th annual event at George Owens Nature Park.
Projects include removing exotic plants, trail building, and habitat restoration. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear.
8:00 a.m.-Noon Saturday September 25
Location: George Owens Nature Park