Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area

A really beautiful nature area in Blue Springs. It’s very close to I-435 so it’s easy to get here. We did the Bethany Falls loop trail and it was amazing. Lots of beautiful rock formations, a creek, valley, trees, wildlife and even a prairie that is accessible from this trail and leads to another trail. This particular trail (Bethany Falls) is not super short but also only took us maybe an hour, it was really a perfect distance and didn’t have much up and down so it’s easy to do. I forgot the mileage but it’s a moderately simple trail to follow and anybody can do it. We saw young children on the trail with their grandma so if they can do it, you can do it. I don’t own dogs but if you do, keep them at home for this one. Not sure about the rest of the park but the Bethany falls area does not allow dogs on the trail. There is many other trails in this park so if you have animals check those ones out if you want to bring a pet. Their website may have information about that I’m not sure. Final thoughts— one of the best nature spots I’ve been to in the Kansas City metro. It was clean, well marked, had information placards, benches etc. If you are looking for a beautiful and unique area to visit near KC this would be it! Oh and we didn’t see a waterfall but it was beautiful nonetheless and should be considered if you like the outdoors. Maybe there is a waterfall somewhere but I like rock formations better anyways and this definitely provided lots of those. Have fun, leave no trace and get outside and enjoy this place.

I live very close to this Conversation Center. The area is keep really nice and there are several hiking trails to enjoy. A must see. I ride my bike on the roads but it is foot traffic only on the trails. There is also Pink Hill Park next door which has the Blues Springs BMX track. That park also has baseball field and soccer fields along with tennis courts.

I almost did not visit here because Google Maps says it's closed. You can walk most of the trails, though the close the gates at 8pm. Super fun, beautiful, and very easy trails to follow. There are little "adventure" trails from the marked trails, though I would only explore those with a friend or two. I used the AllTrails app to navigate and it was pretty much on! Some trails are dirt and grass, and others are paved or gravel. You can pick your own hike, or adjust on the fly. It's another gem of a trail area for eastern Jackson county! I would definitely recommend if you enjoy trails.

It's a great place to take Littles learn a bit about our wildlife in the area. Great walking trails, without any pets. Go find Bethany's falls and play there for about an hour.

I love jogging here! If you take the entire trail there is one way which is less challenging but the way back for me has some pretty challenging elements if you're jogging. It's the perfect trail!

Been here literally hundreds of times over the last 30 plus yrs. I love coming here! Great place to bring kiddos for nature classes, field trips or any time they are open. The nature center has big fish tank, snakes, frogs,turtles and tons of taxidermy animals and activities for the kids. There is a tree house with a slide. There is also an outside play ground behind the nature center. We love all the trails! The best trail for kids 3 and under is behind the nature center. The prettiest trail and my favorite is Bethany Falls Trail. There are a few more. There is a pine grove right past the entrance on the right. It is the so beautiful. Great place for pictures. They are requiring permits after July for photography anywhere in the park. You definitely want to wear bug spray and bring a water. They do have bathrooms by the entrance of the trails and at the nature center. You can pack a picnic this is a great place to have a family picnic. This would be great place for a picnic date too. There is poison ivy all over this place if you go off trails. They do lock the gates at dusk. There are no bike trails. They do not allow dogs either unless they are a service animal. They also do not allow you to fish the ponds here.

Beautiful place for walking/hiking! I was very happy to see 8 deer yesterday evening, and a nice sunset!!

Beautiful area with great additions and great hiking. Very well up kept

So fun and educational. My 9 year old LOVED it!

Recently we visited the 40th anniversary and they had a free conservation carnival. It seemed to be organized well and lots to do for the whole family. Great food from local food trucks were on site, along with smokey the bear! Lots of information booths and games. As for burr oaks on a normal day. The trails are always well kept and very beautiful local scenery.

Truly a place for all ages - entertaining and educational! The trails are all maintained well and used regularly. We even got a free redbud seedling today for Arbor Day!

Amazing events, Amazing information about wildlife and nature, cute little in door play area for little kids, lots of critters to look at. There's an outdoor play and learn area too and I haven't even begun to explore the trails yet.

The fact that this incredible place is FREE for all to access is truly a blessing. An incredible getaway right in the KC metro. My kids and I love making memories here.

Burr Oak Woods Nature Center has something for all ages. A large paved parking lot is provided with designated wheelchair/handicap parking spots. Inside the center they have fish, snakes, turtles, and various activities. Modern restrooms and water fountains are available. Mens, Womens, and Family restrooms are all provided. They have an auditorium for programs. The building is air conditioned. Admission is free. A small indoors play area is also available for children. Outdoors, they have different trails. The trail directly behind the nature center is easily accessible. The entire trail is easy walking and paved. Wheelchairs would be able to access the trail, but it is not level by any means. Some areas are steep for a wheelchair. No bicycles allowed. Benches for resting are provided along the trail. Poison Ivy is abundant off of the trail. Nice family activities.

What a lovely space! Had never been to Burr Oak before, but I will be going back soon. Was very disappointed in the plant sale as many of the items were sold out by the time I arrived, & we arrived at 1215! My Sisters & Mom got there at 12 ~ event was advertised to open at 1230 ~ & said the people were already grabbing up everything in sight. Just disappointing about the sake, not the place itself!

Moved near the Burr Oak Woods a two weeks ago and I feel so blessed to have such an amazing piece of preserved nature in my back yard. Great walking/running trails with a decent variety of lengths with fantastic views and fun informational plaques about the area along the trails! Keep your eyes peeled when walking through the trails because you will see some of the cutest and coolest animals.

We walked bethany trail and enjoyed it very much. The hike is easy and peaceful. The nature center was busy that day, so we avoided it

One of the best places to hike in the entire metro. Several trails for all skill levels are available and they keep the really clean and free of littered. I have not had time to check out the nature center itself recently, but it used to be quite fun and informative as well with displays of several animal and insect species native to this area.

Beautiful wooded trails and open meadows to walk. Not too hard for out of shape folks to tackle. The Nature Center building has a variety of native species on display plus large windows where you can view birds eating from multiple feeders.

Even if the weather isn't suitable for hiking, the center is perfect for discovery and play! And what a huge win with the "sun room" right next to the bird feeders. Turkeys come straight up to the windows; its great having the indoor play area; lots of seating for eating, drawing or reading, and then such great trails! We went when it was QUITE cold, so we're hoping to make it out once the weather is a little more enjoyable. Perfect for kids and adults alike