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Lenexa is a city of about 58,000 people in Johnson County, Kansas, in the southwest suburbs of Kansas City. It was laid out in 1869 along the railroad and named for Na-Nex-Se, a Shawnee woman, and in the 1930s local Belgian farmers made it known as the Spinach Capital of the World, a nickname the city still celebrates every fall.
Modern Lenexa has invested heavily in parks and in Lenexa City Center, a walkable new downtown with City Hall, a recreation center, a library and the Lenexa Public Market, a food hall with local vendors. Historic Lenexa is remembered at the Legler Barn Museum, an 1860s stone barn on the old Santa Fe Trail route, alongside a restored railroad depot.
The city's festivals are its signature: the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle in June is the Kansas state barbecue championship, the Spinach Festival in September serves up a giant spinach salad, and the Chili Challenge follows in the fall. Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park and the nearby Shawnee Mission Park offer trails and lakes, and Kansas City's attractions are about 25 minutes away.
Lenexa's modern downtown, built around a civic campus with City Hall, a public library, a recreation center, a hotel, restaurants and apartments linked by plazas and walking paths. It hosts a farmers market and seasonal events. Park in the garage and explore on foot, starting at the Public Market.
An indoor food hall on the ground floor of Lenexa City Hall, with local vendors serving coffee, tacos, baked goods, Asian dishes and more, plus a demonstration kitchen and community events. Seating is shared, so it is good for groups with different tastes. Vendor hours vary by day.
A large park around Lake Lenexa with a paved trail looping the shore, a dramatic stepped spillway, fishing docks, playgrounds and wooded paths. It is one of the most scenic spots in the city. Walk the full loop around the lake, and bring a camera for the spillway.
A city park near Old Town Lenexa with walking trails, a pond, an aquatic center, playgrounds and shelters, used as the home of several city festivals including the Spinach Festival. It is shady and family friendly. Combine it with a visit to the Legler Barn Museum across the road.
A local history museum in an 1860s limestone barn built by Adam Legler near the Santa Fe Trail, run by the Lenexa Historical Society, with exhibits on pioneers, spinach farming and the railroad. A restored depot and caboose sit on the grounds. Admission is free; check opening days.
The Kansas state barbecue championship, held each June, when competition teams smoke brisket, ribs, pork and chicken under the eye of certified judges. Visitors can sample barbecue at tasting areas and enjoy music and family activities. Arrive hungry and early, as popular tastings sell out.
A September festival honoring Lenexa's history as the Spinach Capital of the World, famous for its giant spinach salad, plus a craft fair, live music, food stands and children's activities. It is a quirky, friendly small-town celebration. Try the spinach salad, served free while it lasts.
A popular fall chili cook-off where amateur and competitive teams serve samples of their chili, with music, games and a festive atmosphere at Lenexa City Center. Buy a tasting kit and vote for your favorite. It is a fun, inexpensive outing on a crisp autumn day.
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Photo: Tyler Silvest, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
