Penn Valley Park

Penn Valley Park is an urban park overlooking Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. It is one of the most popular parks in KC, and it offers plenty to see and do.

Its history began in 1904 when a group of dedicated people helped create the park. It was the first urban redevelopment project in Kansas City. George Kessler was the landscape architect for the project. Read on to learn more.

The Scout

Almost a century ago, a Sioux Indian statue called The Scout was placed in Penn Valley Park overlooking downtown Kansas City. This 10-foot-tall bronze piece was conceived and sculpted by Cyrus E. Dallin, a native of Boston and Paris.

It was displayed at the Panama Pacific Exposition in 1915, winning a gold medal. When it returned east, Dallin installed the piece temporarily in Penn Valley Park.

Residents fell in love with the piece and raised $15,000 to purchase it. The park board agreed, and in 1922, The Scout was dedicated as a memorial to local Indian tribes.

The Pioneer Mother

Designed by Alexander Phimister Proctor, the Pioneer Mother was dedicated and placed in Kansas City’s Penn Valley Park in 1927. It was modeled after the artist’s own mother to honor women who migrated west on overland trails in the mid-19th century.

Similar depictions of sainted pioneer women went up across the nation in the 1920s and 1930s. Interest in such memorials waned after World War II, but they’ve seen a resurgence as communities celebrate their pioneer heritage.

The Lake

The lake at Penn Valley Park is one of the crown jewels in Kansas City’s Park system. It is a fitting nod to designer George Kessler who transformed 176 acres of slum land into one of the first major urban redevelopments in the United States. Not only is it a stunningly picturesque sight, but it also has some nifty features. From the firefighter’s hat to the skateboard-worthy acrobat, this is an experience you will not soon forget. The best part? It is free and open to the public all year round. This is a must-do on your next trip to Queen City. Browse around this site to check more places to visit.

The Parkway

The Parkway at Penn Valley Park is one of the best places in Kansas City to enjoy a picnic with stunning views. Located right in the heart of the city, this 175-acre park is home to its own lake, skate park, and off-leash dog park, as well as Memorial Hill with its iconic Liberty Memorial tower.

In 1893, George Kessler, one of the architects of the City Beautiful movement, began work on his first major park. His vision of creating a “city with more boulevards than Paris, more fountains than Rome” was achieved and Penn Valley Park was the result.

The Opera House

The Opera House is an impressive structure built in 1910 as a maintenance and administrative building for Penn Valley Park. It has unique architecture, with large stone walls that are reminiscent of a fortress.

The theater is a Black box and has an open stage that can accommodate a variety of theatrical performances. It’s also a great place for concerts, with its spacious seating and comfortable atmosphere.

Kansas City is a fun, friendly town with plenty of things to do for the whole family. From barbecue to jazz, this city is full of culture and entertainment that will make you want to stay for a long time.

The Just Off-Broadway Theatre

The Just Off-Broadway Theatre, located at Penn Valley Park Kansas City MO, has been hosting live local theatre since 2000. The building, designed in 1910 as an Operations Building for the Parks Department, burned down in 1991, but it was rebuilt using the remaining stone walls.

The theatre is largely funded by insurance money and local donations. They have a diverse range of live performances, including plays, music, and dance.

Their latest production is a play about family dynamics. It’s called “Barbecue.” The play is written by Robert O’Hara and opens as Beverly and her sisters prepare to have a barbecue for their mother. Click here for more interesting articles.

 

Driving directions from Empire Cleaning to Penn Valley Park

Driving directions from Penn Valley Park to Berkley Riverfront