Turkey Creek Stream Trail is just a short 10-mile drive from Kansas City, Kansas. Take the 75th Street exit from I-35; the exact GPS location is 7497 Kings Cove Dr., Merriam 66204.
The very flat paved trail with several entry points follows Turkey Creek and passes through wooded areas, a butterfly garden, and a sculpture park. The trail is well-populated with walkers, runners, bikers, and bird watchers, so it is very safe. A good portion of the trail is shaded by large trees, which is nice. It's also home to wildlife, including herons, groundhogs, and foxes. If you are there in the summer and the area proves lucky, you might even see a bobcat!
In May, you will be greeted by fields of wild California red poppies and other beautiful flowers in full bloom.
The trail runs through the grounds of the Merriam City Market, which first opened in 1998. The farmers' market is open on Saturdays from May to September, 7 am – 1 pm, and features live music and children's activities. The vendors offer home-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other homemade products.
If you come on this walk just once a year, be sure it's when the poppies are blooming.
A large section of the walking trail is shaded.
Time your hike right, and you can combine it with a trip to the Merriam Farmers Market.
You will find beautiful scenery year-round.
The trail out and back along the creek is about 4.5 miles, or you can loop through the neighborhood.
Sources:
Magda Born
mborn@kckpl.org
Community Services Librarian
913-295-8250 ext 1103
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Since 1803, when York, a slave in the Lewis and Clark expedition, stood on the bluffs overlooking Kansas City, African Americans have contributed to the city's rich history. Men and women like Tom Bass, Emily Fisher, Sam Sheperd, and Hiram Young built the region in slavery and in freedom. Musicians such as Julie Lee, Bennie Moten, Joe Turner, and Count Basie turned Kansas City into a jazz mecca in the 1920s and '30s. The professional class made their voice heard with the establishment of the Kansas City Monarchs baseball team, the Kansas City Call newspaper, and election of the city's first black mayor, Emanuel Cleaver. With over 200 vintage images, Kansas City recreates this beautiful mosaic of African-American community.
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