Everything You Need to Know About Overland Park, Kansas
Although a large population of more than 189,000 residents, this Johnson County town is perfect for young families and couples looking to settle into a quiet suburban lifestyle. Family-friendly and safe, Overland Park is brimming with amenities. From trails and parks to numerous local restaurants and shops, there are plenty of opportunities for leisure.
Overland Park’s roots are traced to 1905 with the arrival of its founder, William B. Strang Jr. He began to plot subdivisions along an old military road which later became the town’s principal thoroughfare. Strang developed large portions of what would later become downtown Overland Park.
Blake’s Favorite Things About Overland Park
About Overland Park
Perfect for young families and couples looking to settle into a quiet suburban lifestyle
Distance to Downtown
13 miles / 20 minutes
Outdoor Spaces
St. Andrews Golf Club, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead
Distance to Airport
28 miles / 31 minutes
School District
Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, Olathe
Amenities
Museum at Prairiefire, Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex
Walk Score
35
Gym
Blush Fitness, CrossFit i35, KS Athletic Club, Life Time Fitness
Bar
Maloney's
Closest Hospital
Menorah Medical Center, AdventHealth
Shopping
Prairiefire, Oak Park Mall, Hawthorne Plaza
Events
Farmers’ Market, Music in the Park, Star Spangled Spectacular
Fun Facts About Overland Park
Overland Park was the setting of the 2008 documentary series, High School Confidential, and the 2009-2011 television series, United States of Tara.
CNNMoney.com has consistently ranked it in the top 10 of its 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Forbes ranked it among the 25 Best Suburbs for retirement. BusinessWeek ranked it as one of “The Best Places to Raise your Kids,” and U.S. News & World Report ranked it among “America’s 10 Best Places to Grow Up.”
Best Restaurants in Overland Park
The Upper Crust Bakery
Warm pies fresh from the oven can be found at The Upper Crust Bakery located in downtown Overland Park. Offers are classics such as Dutch Apple, Cherry, and Dixie in addition to seasonal favorites.
J. Alexanders
KC is fondly referred to as a “Cowtown” because of the city’s booming stockyards industry in the early 1900’s. Wood-fired steaks are the specialty at J. Alexanders. Relax in the upscale ambiance and try to choose between steak, prime rib, or burgers, in addition to rotisserie chicken, grilled pork tenderloin and grilled salmon.
Brobecks Barbeque
Brobecks Barbeque does things a little differently. Their meats are prepared with a specialty rub and served without sauce, opposite of the usually saucy KC barbecue. You cannot go wrong with their ribs.
Louie's Wine Dive
Louie’s Wine Dive offers a popular brunch with mimosas available by the glass or an “almost never-ending carafe.” How does champagne praline French toast sound?
Decadent Dessert Bar
After letting your dinner settle, head to Decadent, a dessert and coffee bar in the Prairiefire district. Pastries and desserts are made from scratch daily.
Four well-known comedians/actors from Overland Park are Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and Jason Sudeikis.
Aubrey Vineyards
If you are a wine aficionado, explore Aubrey Vineyards in southern Overland Park. The vineyards pay homage to the early days of the area’s winemaking, when, in the 1880’s, Missouri was the largest producer of U.S. wines. The vineyards feature small-batch, handcrafted wines. The tasting room and store are located in downtown Overland Park.
Downtown Overland Park
Downtown Overland Park is a blend of “Main Street” and contemporary, with one-of-a-kind local shops, art galleries, restaurants, services, and events. The Farmers’ Market is one of Overland Parks most popular attractions. What makes it so popular? For more than 35 years, vendors have been providing farm-to-table food that helps you eat locally and in season while supporting the community. Vendors offer a wide variety of products including fresh produce, dairy, eggs, meat, seafood, nuts, flowers, and even skincare.
Museum at Prairiefire
The Museum at Prairiefire is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to meaningful learning and engagement with science, culture, art and natural history. As well as hosting a variety of dynamic, authentic Natural History exhibitions, the Museum at Prairiefire offerings include regular events, interactive activities and programs for adults and kids.
Culinary Center of Kansas City
The Culinary Center of Kansas City is located in downtown Overland Park. They regularly host cooking classes that give participants an opportunity to learn more about and prepare a variety of cuisines, including bread-making, sous-vide, and grilling. Discover more about favorite cuisines including French, Asian, Indian, and Italian. The Culinary Center also hosts Foodie Field Trips, a chance to experience a food-related destination like a working honey farm. Check out their events calendar.
Overland Park has been ranked at the top of the dozens of national rankings because of its attractive and safe neighborhoods, nationally-ranked public schools, state-of-the-art health care, diverse cultural and recreational amenities, and accessibility to highways and interstates.
As a safe place to raise a family with plenty of fun activities and in close proximity to the city, residents can find a new and exciting experience every day.
