Hodge Park

Size and Location

Covering more than 1,000 acres in Kansas City's Northland area, Hodge Park is the city's second-largest green space. This large park has a variety of attractions, from natural areas to recreational facilities.

Natural Landscape

The park's terrain is a refreshing mix of dense woodlands, gently rolling hills, and open prairie spaces. As you wander through, you'll find peaceful streams cutting through the landscape - a fantastic natural soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.

One of the coolest surprises at Hodge Park is the small herd of bison that roam near the entrance. It's an unexpected sight to see these impressive animals so close to the city.

Shoal Creek Living History Museum

The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is located at the park's southern end. This open-air museum features 21 structures, including 13 authentic buildings from the 19th century - some dating all the way back to 1807.

These historic log cabins and homes weren't originally built here - they were carefully relocated from surrounding counties to create an immersive village setting. It's like taking a step back in time to experience life in the 1800s Midwest.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The park features approximately 7 miles of single-track, natural surface paths weaving through its woodlands. The minimal elevation changes make these trails friendly for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels.

Not feeling the dirt paths? No problem. There's also a paved two-mile out-and-back trail running north to south through the park - great for a quick jog or a leisurely stroll.

Sports Facilities

The park doesn't skimp on athletic options either. You'll come across multiple sports fields for baseball, football, and soccer scattered around the grounds.

Golfers can tee off at the Hodge Park Golf Course, an 18-hole public course stretching 6,050 yards with a par of 70 - a solid option for a round without breaking the bank.

Playground and Family Amenities

For the little ones (and the young at heart), the park features a spacious, modern playground. Renovated in 2019, this half-acre play area offers various climbing structures, slides, and age-appropriate equipment that will keep kids entertained for hours.