Formally set up in the late 1970's, the Cave Spring Park lies on the original Santa Fe trail, which was later known as the Oregon trail. It consists of the William Klein Park and the Art Clark Memorial Nature Center. It is commonly described as "A Naturalist's Heaven". It is important both historically as well as an urban nature center.
The park is home to over seventy four types of flowers and various grasses. It covers an area of thirty six acres. The area includes an interpretive center building and a picnic area for people wanting to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many scenic walking trails which are open daily from 9AM to sunset, the entire year round. The easily traveled hiking trails combined with the natural features of a cave and wildlife habitat pond allow many opportunities to pursue ecological studies. A special and popular attraction in the warmer months is the butterfly garden. The Nature Center is open Tuesday to Friday from 10AM to 4PM. Various wild animals have been added to the Nature center for public viewing.
Various Scout and educational programs are carried out in the park. Special permission can be obtained for overnight camps. Special environmental projects are also carried out by volunteers. Certain areas of the park can be rented for reunions or parties, and facilities are available to hold meetings.
The area is important historically as it was an important source of fresh water on various trails. Attractions include the remains of cottages originally owned by slaves, the remains of a dam and arrowheads left by the Osage Indians.
For further information, you can visit http://www.cavespring.org/ or telephone (816)358-2283. Queries can also be sent to cavespringkc@aol.com
Cave Spring Park
8701 E. Gregory Blvd
Kansas City, Missouri · 64133-6351
