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Olathe is the county seat of Johnson County, Kansas, a fast-growing city of about 140,000 people in the southwestern Kansas City suburbs. Founded in 1857, it sat on the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails, and its name is said to come from a Shawnee word meaning beautiful. Today it is one of the largest cities in Kansas, with quiet neighborhoods, big parks and a small historic downtown.
The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm is the city's signature attraction, the last stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail still open to the public, with costumed interpreters, stagecoach rides and an 1865 farmhouse. Downtown Olathe surrounds the Johnson County Courthouse with restaurants and shops, and the Olathe Civic Theatre stages community productions.
Olathe's parks are a big draw. Lake Olathe Park has a beach, fishing and trails around the water, the Ernie Miller Nature Center offers wooded paths and wildlife exhibits, and Cedar Lake and Prairie Center Park add more room to roam. MidAmerica Nazarene University sits on the north side of town, and downtown Kansas City is about 20 miles northeast.
The last stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail open to the public, a historic farm with costumed interpreters, a stone farmhouse, a blacksmith shop and stagecoach rides. Kids can try farm chores. Check the schedule for events, as hours are seasonal.
A historic campground site in Olathe where travelers on the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails stopped to camp near a spring and a lone elm tree. Today it is part of Lone Elm Park with markers and sports fields. Read the historic markers to learn about the trails.
Olathe's historic center around the Johnson County Courthouse, with shops, cafes, restaurants and events such as farmers markets and festivals. It has a small-town feel. Stroll the square and stop for coffee or dinner at a local restaurant.
A community theater in Olathe staging plays, musicals and children's shows with local actors throughout the year. Productions are affordable and family friendly. Check the season schedule and book tickets ahead for popular musicals.
A city park around Lake Olathe, with walking trails around the water, fishing, picnic shelters, playgrounds. It is popular for family outings and anglers. Bring a picnic and walk the lakeside loop on a mild day.
A small city lake in Olathe with a walking trail around the water, fishing docks and picnic shelters, popular with anglers and walkers. It is a peaceful spot for a quiet afternoon. Bring a fishing license and a picnic.
A large Johnson County park in Olathe with a sizable fishing lake, sports fields, an 18-hole golf course, a dog park and walking trails. It is popular for walks, picnics and fishing. Bring a picnic, walk the trails around the lake and visit on a mild spring or fall day.
A nature center in Olathe with trails through woods and prairie along a creek, exhibits on local wildlife and nature programs for families. It is a great spot for birding and short hikes. Admission is free; check hours for the nature center building.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: KS123, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Rmprit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rmprit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Lee71308, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Carrie Lenahan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rmprit, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Tyler Silvest from Olathe, Kansas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Tyler Silvest from Olathe, Kansas, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
