Missouri · Est. 1988
Powell Gardens
Kansas City's botanical garden embodying the spirit of the Midwest.
Founded
1988
Size
970 acres
Hardiness Zone
USDA Zone 6a
Best Season
April to October
About Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is a 970-acre botanical garden located in Kingsville, Missouri, just east of Kansas City. It features 6,000 varieties of plants and 225,000 plants in seasonal displays. The garden is known for its diverse landscapes, including one of the largest edible landscapes in North America.
History & Heritage
The land was originally purchased in 1948 by George E. Powell, Sr. and served as a dairy farm and Boy Scout camp. In 1984, the Powell Family Foundation began developing it into a horticultural center. It officially became a not-for-profit botanical garden in 1988.
Signature Feature
Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel
Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, this 4,700-square-foot nondenominational chapel opened in 1996. Constructed mostly of wood and glass, it sits beautifully integrated into the surrounding woodland landscape.
Photo Gallery
Lush greenery and pathways in the botanical garden.
Beautiful floral displays in the perennial garden.
Water features and aquatic plants in the Island Garden.
Notable Collections
Heartland Harvest Garden
One of the largest edible landscapes in North America featuring fruits, vegetables, and a French country style kitchen garden.
Perennial Garden
A 3.5-acre landscape offering more than 1,200 varieties of plants designed as a series of outdoor rooms.
Marlese Lowe Gourley Island Garden
Tiered pools featuring a diverse array of water plants including waterlilies, lotus, and papyrus.
David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden
A shaded garden featuring azaleas, rhododendrons, ferns, and spring bulbs.
Plan Before You Go
Hours, Parking & Accessibility
Hours & Seasonal Timing
Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Best seasonal window: April to October
Parking & Arrival
Free parking available on site.
Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible paths and facilities are available throughout the main garden areas.
Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.
Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.
Recognition & Awards
- Blue Star Museum
Editorial Standards
This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.
Plan Your Visit
April to October
Address
1609 NW US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
Phone
816-697-2600
Hours
Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Admission
Varies by season; free for active members.
Parking
Free parking available on site.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible paths and facilities are available throughout the main garden areas.
Insider Tips
- 1Wear comfortable walking shoes as the gardens cover a large area.
- 2Check the schedule for seasonal exhibits like the butterfly conservatory.
- 3Visit the Heartland Harvest Garden to see the edible landscapes.
- 4Don't miss the architectural beauty of the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel.
Nearby Attractions
- Kansas City (30 miles)
- Missouri Town 1855 (25 miles)
- Lake Jacomo (25 miles)