Swope Park
Rate this placeNearby: William M Klein Park Kenargy Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Swope Park is a sprawling urban park located in Kansas City, Missouri.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Covering over 1,805 acres, it is one of the largest city parks in the United States. The park offers numerous attractions and activities, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
One of the primary reasons to visit Swope Park is its diverse range of attractions. Nature enthusiasts can explore the park's extensive trails, which wind through wooded areas, open fields, and along the banks of the Blue River. The park is also home to a beautiful rose garden, a serene lake for fishing, and several picnic areas perfect for family outings.
Sports lovers will find plenty to do in Swope Park as well. The park is home to several golf courses, soccer fields, and tennis courts. There is also the Swope Soccer Village, a state-of-the-art soccer complex that hosts local, regional, and national tournaments.
For those interested in cultural experiences, Swope Park houses several notable attractions. The Kansas City Zoo, located within the park, showcases a wide variety of animals and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages. The Starlight Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater, hosts Broadway musicals, concerts, and other live performances during the summer season.
Swope Park is also rich in history and interesting facts. It was established in 1896 and named after philanthropist Thomas H. Swope, who generously donated the land. The park served as the host site for the 1904 Summer Olympics, making it one of only two parks in the world to have held the Olympic Games. Additionally, the park features the Swope Memorial Golf Course, which was the first fully-integrated public golf course in the United States.
The best time to visit Swope Park largely depends on personal preferences. The park offers something for every season. Spring brings blooming flowers and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for hiking and picnicking. Summer is perfect for enjoying outdoor concerts and theater performances. Fall offers beautiful foliage and milder temperatures, while winter provides a serene atmosphere for walks and birdwatching.
To ensure accuracy, these details have been verified across multiple independent sources, including official park websites, travel guides, and local news sources.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Longview Lake County Campground
|
||
Blue Springs County Campground
|
||
Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park
|
||
Rotary Club Camp
|
William M Klein Park
Kenargy Park
Minor Smith Park
Coleman Livengood Park
Fairyland Park