Overland Park

Overland Park is a suburban community in Johnson County, Kansas, United States, that spreads across a wide area with residential districts and parks. The streets run through business centers, shopping plazas, and green spaces distributed throughout the municipality.

William B. Strang Jr. began planning residential subdivisions in 1905 along a former military road that became the foundation for later urban development. The community grew rapidly after World War II when families moved from downtown areas into the new suburbs.

The name comes from the Santa Fe Trail route that once crossed this prairie and later became the main thoroughfare. Local residents today use the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens as a gathering place for walks and seasonal events.

Visitors can explore the city most easily by car, as most destinations are far apart and connected by wide roads. Spring and fall months offer pleasant weather for walks in the parks and visits to outdoor events.

The Nerman Art Museum displays over 800 contemporary works in a free permanent exhibition open to the public. The collection ranges from the second half of the 20th century to the present and changes regularly through new acquisitions.

Location: Johnson County

Inception: 1960

Elevation above the sea: 331 m

Part of: Kansas City metropolitan area

Shares border with: Prairie Village, Kansas City, Mission, Leawood, Stilwell, Lenexa, Shawnee, Merriam, Olathe

Website: https://opkansas.org

GPS coordinates: 38.94007,-94.68070

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:49