Welcome to Lenexa
Lenexa, Kansas (population 55,000 and 34 sq. miles) is the seventh-largest city in the state. There are so many great aspects of this community from the exceptional educational system to the safe and appealing residential areas that make it a great place to live and raise a family.
Wild Bill Hickok, one of the most famous folk heroes of the American West, staked a claim on 160 acres 12 years before the town of Lenexa was platted. According to legend, Lenexa was named after one of the original residents of the Shawnee Tribe, Na-Nex-Se, widow of Chief Blackhoof. In 1869, the town of Lenexa was born. Many German, Swiss and Belgian families came to the area from the East and from Europe. They purchased lands from the Shawnee and grew bumper crops in the fertile soil. In the 1930s, Lenexa became famous for its superior quality spinach. Over 150 truck farmers contributed to the trainloads of produce, spinach included (Lenexa Annual Spinach Festival), which was shipped to Chicago and other eastern markets.
Fun Facts About Lenexa
Lenexa’s “claim to fame” in addition to Wild Bill Hickok, are biochemist William Shaw, gymnast Madison Desch, football tight end Drake Dunsmore, and Lenexa-born Grace VanderWaal, Season 11 winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent.
Known as the “City of Festivals,” Lenexa hosts many special events each year, providing fun family entertainment for residents and visitors.
Legler Barn Museum
The stone Legler Barn, built by Adam Legler in 1864, was originally situated on the Santa Fe Trail. In 1983, it was moved and reconstructed at its current location in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Today the barn houses a museum operated by the Lenexa Historical Society.
Parks and Rec Programs
Lenexa has an exceptional Parks and Rec program. Explore more than 30 parks, recreation opportunities, and events that make Lenexa a great place to live and play. Employees can help with planning a family outing, registering for a class, a search for volunteer opportunities, or renting a facility for your next gathering. Offered are recreation programs for all ages, including pools, sports leagues, special interest classes, senior citizens activities, trips to regional points of interest, and festivals and events.
Old Town
Old Town is the original town site of Lenexa and was founded in 1869 by Octave Chanute, a civil engineer who purchased 41 acres near the railroad. This area includes businesses, homes, and churches. The historic business district still stands at Pflumm Road and Santa Fe Trail Drive. A rail line owned by BNSF Railway runs through Old Town which played a part in the growth of Lenexa.
Lenexa City Center
Lenexa City Center is Lenexa’s new downtown combining a mix of shopping, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, living options, and hotels. This 200-acre walkable neighborhood is located at 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard, conveniently located along the highly-traveled Interstate. In and around City Center are living options for everyone. There are apartments and lofts, small lot maintenance provided homes, twin villas, and single-family subdivisions with golf course views – all within just a few minutes of the neighborhood.
Lenexa has come a long way from its early days as a small town along the Santa Fe Trail. For many years residents of Lenexa have enjoyed numerous quality-of-life amenities the city provides, including safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, beautiful parks, quality infrastructure, a strong commercial and employment base, cultural and recreational facilities, volunteer opportunities, and the numerous festivals that bring the community together.
