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George Owens Nature Park

Providing families with outdoor nature opportunities since 1977.

1601 S. Speck Rd.
(North of East 23rd Street and Speck Road intersection)
(816) 325-7115

May 1 - Sep 30, 2022 Park and Gate Hours            DeWitt Center Hours May 1 - Sep 30, 2022                             

Tuesday - Friday:        8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.                           Tuesday - Friday:       8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday:                    8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.                            Saturday:                   8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday:                      Noon - 5 p.m.                                  Sunday:                     Noon - 5 p.m.

Monday:                     Closed                                              Monday:                    Closed

Fall and Winter hours begin Saturday, Oct 1.

Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 am - 5 p.m.

Sunday and Monday: Closed

Park Gates are closed overnight: Tuesday - Friday, parking lot gates close at 8pm.  Saturday and Sunday, parking lot gates close at 5pm.  Please have your vehicle out by closing time to avoid being locked in for the night.

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!

 Rental Request Form

Upcoming Events

Enchanted Forest

Fri, Oct 21. 7 - 9 pm

Sat, Oct 22. 7 - 9 pm

Fri, Oct 28. 7 - 9 pm

Sat, Oct 29. 7 - 9 pm

$3 per person (2 years and older)

In the beautiful woods of George Owens Nature Park, children of all ages will be transported into the "Enchanted Forest" where storybook, fairy tale and other popular characters come to life. Forest finishes up with an old fashioned hay ride and even more spectacular sights and sounds.  Concessions sold on site. Call 816.325.7115 for more information.

Partnership with Powerhouse Theater Foundation and Independence Parks|Recreation|Tourism.

Stories by the Campfire

Sun, Oct 9, 1:30 - 3 pm

Ghosts and Goblins and Monsters and Such.  Storeis for all ages by professional storyteller, Jim Two Crow Wallen.  Limited seating, lawn chairs recommended.  Call 816.325.7115 for details.

19th Annual Winter Solstice Torch Lit Hike

Wed, Dec 7, 5 - 7 pm

Bring your friends or family to this holiday favorite.  Walk a torch lit trail to view live raptors, ice sculpture, a roaring bonfire, hot chocolate and much more.  816.325.7115.

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.