Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Olathe, Kansas

Summary:

Situated on the southeast side of the Kansas City metropolitan area, Olathe serves as the seat of Johnson County and ranks as the fourth most populous city in the state.

Olathe transcends the definition of a suburb, boasting a distinguished arts scene, intriguing attractions, and expansive parks featuring lakes, marinas, and beaches.

The city holds significant historical value, originally serving as a stagecoach stop along the Santa Fe Trail, which is now preserved as a historic farmhouse featuring regular living history demonstrations.

While railroads ushered in the end of the stagecoach era, Olathe experienced a resurgence from the 1980s as a rapidly growing city known for its exceptional quality of life.

1. Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site

One of the most storied residences in the area is the J. B. Mahaffie House. Constructed in 1857, it played a crucial role as a stop along the Westport Route of the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails, welcoming many long-distance travelers starting in 1858.

The Barlow and Sanders Stage Line officially designated Mahaffie Farm as a stop from 1864 to 1870, where travelers were nourished in the kitchen and dining hall located in the farmhouse’s basement.

Purchased by Olathe in 1979, the site preserves three 19th-century buildings along with several additional structures, including a substantial heritage livestock barn.

Refer to the calendar for special Living History events when the farm comes alive with farming demonstrations, craft activities, stagecoach rides, and more.

2. Kansas City Automotive Museum

The Kansas City metropolitan area boasts a rich automotive heritage, making the recent establishment of an automotive museum all the more intriguing.

Within its 12,000 square feet, this museum features a remarkable collection of vehicles while also exploring vital facets of local automotive history.

Exhibitions highlight notable figures such as Kansas City-born Masten Gregory (1932-1985), who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965, along with displays on Greenlease Cadillac and the Ford Winchester Plant.

A unique drive-in area showcases different vehicle categories every month, which could range from military vehicles to Ferraris, Corvettes, and Mustangs.

3. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

Olathe is conveniently located near one of the premier family attractions in the Kansas City area, replicating a Kansas family farm from the early 20th century.

As a seasonal attraction, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead offers a pastoral setting with numerous activities for both children and parents.

The venue includes a petting zoo featuring friendly goats, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, several playgrounds, a full-scale one-room schoolhouse, a fishing pond, curated gardens, and a display dedicated to the Kanza Native Americans.

Small shops represent the type of commerce typical of a rural Kansas settlement, featuring an ice cream parlor, bank, general store, blacksmith, and barber shop.

For over ten years, the farmstead has celebrated the holiday season with a beautiful Christmas light display.

4. Olathe Farmers’ Market

The majority of products available at Olathe’s exceptional farmers’ market are sourced from within a 250-mile radius of the Kansas City area.

The market operates on Saturday mornings from May to October, and on Wednesday mornings from May to September. Two locations are available: Stagecoach Park and Black Bob Park.

On a typical week, both locations are bustling with vendors offering fresh produce, plants, farm-raised meats, flowers, baked goods, kettle corn, honey, preserves, clothing, pet treats, organic cosmetics, and a variety of crafts.

5. Public Art in Olathe

In recent years, Olathe has made a significant commitment to enhance its public spaces through captivating contemporary sculptures.

One notable feature is the Permanent Sculpture Exhibit, which includes 23 sculptures located throughout Olathe, with three found near the Olathe Community Center.

Additionally, the juried Rotating Downtown Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit showcases works on display for up to two years.

These sculptures are provided directly by the artists in exchange for a stipend. An interactive and up-to-date map of Olathe’s public sculptures is accessible on the city’s website.

6. Lake Olathe

Spanning over 258 acres, Lake Olathe, located at the western edge of the city, is a prime destination for outdoor recreation and entertainment during the summer months.

The marina provides options for renting kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats, along with a swim beach featuring a floating obstacle course, outdoor showers, and locker rooms.

Additional amenities include a disc golf course, a spray ground, a nature playground, walking trails, three large shelters, and an amphitheater with a capacity of 1,500. Visit in the evening to witness the breathtaking sunset over the lake.

7. Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

In 2007, Johnson County Community College unveiled the largest contemporary art museum in the four-state region.

This initiative aligns with the college’s focus on the arts, as sculpture, painting, ceramics, and photography are integrated throughout the campus.

The museum, designed by South Korean architect Kyu Sung Woo, spans two levels and houses ten galleries.

Visitors can experience significant traveling exhibitions alongside selections from the museum’s extensive collection of contemporary art, emphasizing Kansas City and American Indian art.

8. Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center

This park provides insight into the region’s diverse natural habitats, encompassing 116 acres of bottomland forest, upland meadows, tallgrass prairie, and riparian environments along a picturesque stream.

Visitors can explore three miles of trails that highlight both the local flora and fauna as well as the area’s historical context. Picnic shelters and an amphitheater with a capacity for 80 guests are available for use.

Be sure to visit the Nature Center, which features interpretive displays and live animal exhibits, including a stream aquarium.

The grounds also feature a delightful bird-feeder area with gardens for butterflies and hummingbirds.

9. Heritage Park

Established in 1981, this expansive park is a considerable outdoor refuge located near the Johnson County Executive Airport.

Heritage Park encompasses over 1,200 acres, featuring no fewer than ten shelters for gatherings and family reunions.

The facility includes a 40-acre lake equipped with a marina, a 30-acre off-leash dog area, and a comprehensive range of sports facilities.

Amenities include the 18-hole Heritage Park Golf Course, an 18-hole disc golf course, baseball/softball fields, and a soccer field.

Expect to see herons and turtles near the lake during warmer months, and an ADA-compliant playground is located close to the marina.

10. Ensor Park & Museum

This seasonal museum located in the southern part of Olathe is recognized as a National Historic Site, shedding light on the intriguing life of Marshall Ensor (1899-1970), a craftsman, industrial arts educator, and amateur radio operator.

Marshall was born on this farm to Jacob and Ida Ensor, and the museum maintains the 1890 two-story farmhouse, an adjacent peg barn, and the 90-foot radio tower constructed by Marshall.

During a docent-led hour-long tour, visitors gain an intimate understanding of the Ensor family’s life, exploring home furnishings, historic teaching materials, farm equipment, radio transmitters, needlework, and much more.

11. Chestnut Fine Arts Center

To engage with the local arts community, the Chestnut Fine Arts Center provides insights into the happenings and events in the region.

Set within a renovated residence, this performing arts center has undergone several renovations since its 1998 opening, adding a technical booth, expanded seating, a lobby, and dressing rooms.

Today, the Chestnut hosts a diverse lineup of six plays or musicals each year, along with talent showcases, children’s workshops, concerts, and holiday performances by Olathe’s Dickens Carolers.

12. Kill Creek Park

Located in open country west of Olathe, this county park encompasses land donated by Russell and Helen Means in the 1980s.

Killed Creek Park features close to 900 acres, including a lake equipped with a swimming beach and marina.

The lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and is surrounded by a multi-use trail, which is part of a 12-mile system that extends throughout the park.

During the summer months, visitors may rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats from the marina, while the beach operates Thursday through Sunday during the school summer break.

A recent addition to the trail system is the Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower, a 58-foot structure that opened near the entrance in 2020.

13. Coffee Creek Trail

Within Heritage Park, accessible near shelters 9 and 10, the Coffee Creek Trail offers a short excursion into nature along the banks of Coffee Creek.

This trail welcomes both cyclists and pedestrians and traverses open fields and shaded riparian woodlands comprising various tree species such as oak, hickory, and sycamore.

The first phase, extending 3.4 miles, was inaugurated in 2017, and as of the time of this writing, plans are in place to extend the trail an additional 1.5 miles to the convergence of Coffee Creek and the Blue River.

14. Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery

Located on a historic family-owned farm, Stone Pillar Vineyard had its first vines planted in 2007, gradually expanding its varietals and acreage over the years.

As of this writing, the vineyard produces a variety of wines, including Cayuga, Melody, Vignoles, Riesling, Steuben, Chambourcin, Crimson Cabernet, Catawba, and Zinthiana, along with additional varieties sourced from local growers.

These grapes contribute to an array of varietal and blended wines, ranging from Chardonnay to Merlot and Pink Catawba rosé.

The winery is set within charming grounds, allowing visitors to savor wines, hard ciders, and slushies either indoors, on the patio, or to-go. Be sure to look out for live music events during summer, along with food trucks and planned activities like yoga classes and bingo.

15. Olathe Live!

Music enthusiasts in Olathe are indulged with a series of complimentary concerts held at Stagecoach Park. Olathe Live! has been a cherished tradition for over 20 years, showcasing performances by local, regional, and national artists.

Well-known acts from recent years include Ruthie Foster, Laith Al-Saadi, and Sam Bush.

Concerts occur on Fridays during June and July, presenting a diverse array of tribute acts and established performers spanning genres from blues to soul to classic pop.

Additionally, select free shows are featured during winter at the Olathe Community Center.