Kill Creek Park

Disclaimer: Rating for trails/observation tower *only*A good walk or hike in some wide open green spaces will do wonders for the soul. Sure, Kansas can be limited in some of its landscape offerings, but if you don't take advantage of what's right in front of you, then you might miss the beauty that is many of our area lakes & parks. Kill Creek Park is just that beauty. There are trails of various difficulty, but none that are so strenuous that you could not do them with more than moderate effort. You can hike around a forest, around a lake, or you could just hike out in the prairie. There are multiple trails, all of which are well-marked, and they blend together at certain spots. Mountain/trail bikers might share the space at times but I have always had pleasant sharers of the paths. The trails are well-maintained with openings here & there for power to run through and the overall elevation changes are minimal. We've done the 'Outer Hank' several times and the circuit takes less than two hours. Wear your hiking shoes as some of the trails can have tricky steps and keep your eyes open to see nature in front of you.The observation tower is 3+ levels offering different views, all of which open in any direction. There is even an elevator to the top that is in service for most of the year. I suggest an evening view to the west for an optimal Kansas sunset, many of which can't be replicated. If you want mountains or beach, then you won't find it here. But if you want the peaceful, pastoral open skies of the West, then Kill Creek offers you just a taste of nature can do.

I visited Kill Creek Park to support my brother-in-law during a triathlon and I was truly impressed by the grounds. Kill Creek Park has scenic trails, a picturesque lake, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and fishing. It's easy to enjoy the natural beauty of this place, and you have the chance to enjoy nature. I can't wait to visit again!

Of all the lakes in all the cities, you had to stumble into my life. Kill creek park, who made you? Why? Whatever the answer, I'm fortunate to know you, and glad that you exist. Your trails are crowded with trees and tight, and your water is in places shallow and tree'd, but you seem to keep it tight and keep it right. I've caught many a fish, lost a few extremely expensive fly lures, and revealed to a party of vagabonds I invited that I was having a baby. The shelters are top notch, and if you're a resident of Johnson County, it only costs around $40 for a half day, $80 for a full (depending on the day). The best part of this lake is how well kempt it is; just, picturesque. Not a few days ago, I was crappie fishing with my fly rig and up pulls the kansas city symphony mobile orchestra to provide a concert in the park! Total suprise, but you know what Kill Creek, it fits you! Typical Kill Creek fashionable. You can quite literally get lost on the trails - there's so many, and they're really well made and maintained. I've spent many a day out in the bush, strolling down the miles and miles of running path, getting lost in the creek, braving the forest, and watchin' for the cops. You gotta keep an eye on the rangers, because they'll get ya' - keep your papers right, and on hand. I saw some people damn near get arrested for breaking into the beach after hours - oh, they have a swimming beach too!With the observation deck overlooking the prairie, to the observation tower made of tons of steel and an elevator, to the half dozen world-class shelters and jungle gyms, I'd say without doubt, you are the best overall park in Kansas City. By far (not counting loose park, which is more of a verb than a noun). Keep it classy, and let the trout roll! (They have trout here!!!) It'll cost you $60 to play though if you're a resident, so be ready with that - 'cause those cops'll get ya'!

We love this park! It's great for kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking, walking and playing! Love sunsets in this park and the bike trails are awesome!

I love this park. We've come out here a bunch during the pandemic because it doesn't get as populated as other parks within the city. There are shelters to rent (or free to use if no one is renting them), play ground, dock and boat ramp, swimming beach (with really limited hours), hiking trails in the woods, and really nice paved trails. Overall it is very well maintained and a joy to visit.

Very nice park with a small lake that has kayak, paddle boat and other rentals. Great trails both paved and un-paved with some great views on the un-paved. Definitely looked like fishing was going well for a few people we saw. New hiking and kayaking spot.

I love walking the trail from one end to the other. We have seen so much beauty and nature. I also love how clean it is. I recently discovered the name Kill Creek actually comes from Middle Dutch. It simply means body of water. A suggestion for the trail head on 135th, a better parking area would be of great help. Some people were parking on other people's property along the road.

Despite the ominous name, Kill Creek is one secluded, relaxing little spot in between KC and Lawrence. On one of those early fall days that justify why you live in these parts, the crystal clear sky and 70 degree temperatures gave way to a perfect fishing day at this park.It's a well manicured park, complete with a little beach, paved trail halfway around it, and a series of small docks to fish off of. There were people there with dogs, kayakers, fishermen, and joggers, although despite the beautiful Saturday weather, it wasn't busy or crowded at all. I'm glad it wasn't crowded because I was getting my first taste in fly fishing and didn't know what to expect, or who I'd hook standing behind me. It was a blast and didn't take long to start to get a feel for it. We pulled in several bluegill, a couple crappie and a couple largemouth bass (that came in on the small end!). Supposedly there are also walleye and trout in this lake? I'd love to snag a couple of those next time around.Actually, I'd imagine my next trip up there would be to explore the hiking trails around this park. The only reason I'm not leaning five stars is self-admittedly persnickety; the other people I encountered out here? NOT friendly! There was a greyhound convention (I know, right?) at one of the shelters and they wouldn't let me use their restroom. "Sort of got a thing here, ya know? All booked up."Then there were a couple guys setting up for a BBQ at one of the shelters, with about 15 empty tables. I asked if we could snag one for 10-15 minutes or until their guests arrived so we didn't have to sit in the wet grass. To my shock, he wouldn't let us because he already had it reserved. I didn't push it, but c'mon man.Excited to come back and see this place in more of it's fall glory, and if you come check it out, enjoy the relaxing drive up there. That's one of the fun parts about stealing away to a spot like this.

Such a great local park for us country folk! Ample parking, plenty of room for fisherman, nice new pavement, trash bins to help us all keep it clean and wonderful scenery! We hiked 3 miles today around the lake, down to Kill Creek and up elevation on the tight bike trails. Paved areas were a bit crowded but a few dogs off leash which our schnauzer loved. He's the king of off road, off leash adventures. We didn't make it all the way around to Check out picnic areas or restroom facilities but we can't wait to get back!!!

Always clean with a nice little lake and great trails.Various trail options (on or off road) as well for on foot or bike