10 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Kansas City

Looking for your next fall getaway? November usually marks the beginning of the end of this most hospitable season, so it is best to take advantage while the weather is still perfect. And now that we know the when, let's talk about the where: Kansas City, a bi-state metropolitan area centered around the twin city combo of bigger and more populous Kansas City, Missouri, and its smaller sibling, Kansas City, Kansas. This area of the US has a rich history, dating back many thousands of years. Today, Kansas City remains the epicenter of a number of American traditions, including barbecue and jazz music.

Weston, Missouri

The best part about the Kansas City metro area is its strategic location. Less than an hour’s drive gets you to Weston, where a slew of activities awaits. This town is known for its apple orchards. Fall brings peak picking season at Weston Orchard & Vineyard. If you want to truly feel like you are in the fall season, Weston Bend State Park has one of the most spectacular views of the Missouri River. There you can also witness the fall foliage as the leaves change color. You should also treat yourself to the Weston Applefest, hosted every October.

Hermann, Missouri

Another popular fall getaway from Kansas City is Hermann. Naturally, this town with a strong German heritage celebrates Oktoberfest, which runs throughout October and brings people from all over to enjoy authentic German beer, music, and dancing. Visitors can also hike through the Katy Trail, a 240-mile path, and take pictures of the changing colors of trees along the way. Wine tasting is also big here. A good place to visit is the Stone Hill Winery, established in 1847, for cellar tours and tastings. It's a fairly popular destination during cooler months.

Clinton Lake, Kansas

A 7,000-acre lake that quickly becomes a prime location for leaf-peeping during fall, Clifton Lake is in Douglas County, Kansas, and just an hour's drive from Kansas City. You can't go wrong with this spot during this time of year; the lake is surrounded by hiking trails like the North Shore Trail, and you will find hardwoods all over the place turning brilliant, picture-perfect shades of orange and red. If you like hunting, deer hunting season is just around the corner, and the lake is also known for its great fall fishing experiences, as crappie and catfish become more active in these cooler water temperatures.

Atchison, Kansas

Halloween is an autumn mainstay, and Atchison, Kansas, is the perfect destination in which to celebrate that holiday. Only an hour away by car from Kansas City, this town is known for its haunted history. Near the end of October, Atchison hosts a popular Haunted Trolley Tour that explores sites like the Sallie House, supposedly one of the most haunted places in Kansas. On a less frightening note, the town also sits along the Missouri River, giving visitors an incredible place to walk along Riverfront Park for some memorable views of autumn leaves along the water.

Parkville, Missouri

Just a 20-minute drive from Kansas City, you won't soon forget this cute, small town of about 7,200 people (based on the 2020 census). Parkville sits across the Missouri River from Kansas, so it offers some excellent riverside views for the wanderer, especially as the fall colors start to take hold. The town is known for its historic and charming Main Street, definitely worth passing through to check out its shops, art galleries, and cafes. If you really want to create a memorable experience, though, English Landing Park gives you some perfect walking trails along the river, but also, incredible spots for picnicking under the colorful canopy.

Arrow Rock, Missouri

What it lacks in size, Arrow Rock, Missouri, more than makes up for in beauty. This small village — population about 60 — is known for its role along the Santa Fe Trail. It is a historic site that features restored buildings from the 1800s and offers walking tours that transport visitors back to the early frontier days — a fascinating journey unlike any other. Fall hikers will rejoice to learn that the Missouri River, which runs nearby, adds a stunning backdrop on top of the authentic 19th-century atmosphere. The town delights in seasonal events and historic preservation efforts. On that note, it is also home to the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Missouri’s oldest professional theaters, which typically hosts a number of performances in the fall.

Perry Lake, Kansas

A top draw for fall camping trips, this is not like the average lake getaway. For one thing, the sheer size of it matters: Lake Perry covers 11,000 acres, and its 160-mile shoreline makes it impossible not to find stunning views of the changing leaves across the still waters and hills. It is a well-known spot for fall hunting, particularly for deer, turkey, and waterfowl. Fishing is also an excellent option here as the quiet makes for a peaceful retreat, and local marinas (like the Lake Perry Yacht & Marina) rent boats to anglers or anyone who is looking to enjoy this beautiful, wooded area.

Lecompton, Kansas

Just across the Kansas River from Perry, visitors will find a good bit of history in Lecompton. Known for its pivotal role in the pre-Civil War era, this small town has a population of around 600 and is less than an hour from Kansas City. This was the former territorial capital of Kansas and is home to Constitution Hall, which played a pivotal role in the story of “Bleeding Kansas” (the violent conflict between pro-slavery and antislavery settlers). Visitors can enjoy the increase in bald eagle sightings; in fact, the town used to be called Bald Eagle. During the fall the birds migrate through the yellow-orange covered area, making for especially great photographing opportunities along the Kansas River.

Warsaw, Missouri

Likely named after the Polish capital, the town of Warsaw, Missouri, reflects the influence of immigrants and settlers. It has about 2,300 residents and is a prime fall destination for lake activities. Fishermen usually flock to Warsaw in the fall because that is when the fish are most active (catfish, crappie, bass, and others). The Harry S. Truman Reservoir is a sight to behold, and the Truman Lake Dam is the famous spot that holds it all together. You can also find the Truman Lake Mountain Bike Park just outside of town, offering miles of trails for cyclists to explore and truly embrace the colorful fall forests.

Lexington, Missouri

Another historic site, this small town was the location of the First Battle of Lexington in 1861, a major Civil War engagement. It hosts several living history events each fall, so history buffs will certainly find much to enjoy. You will also find the historic Anderson House; it served as a hospital during the Civil War. Aside from that, the area is also known for its apple orchards. Peters Orchard, for instance, not far from Lexington, provides fall visitors with opportunities for apple picking and cider buying.

Final Thoughts

Whatever one’s preference, be it angling, hunting, or just enjoying nature and history, these 10 unforgettable fall getaways from Kansas City promise something for everyone. Plus, the weather really makes everything much more enjoyable. Fall is truly the best time to take these trips, visit these destinations, and make those memories. Kansas City and its surrounding towns and villages provide more than enough opportunities for picture-taking and memory-making. The ideal conditions are set, and one only needs to take the first step on this leafy orange- and yellow-colored adventure to start making memories.