Lenexa Visitor Guide
Welcome to Lenexa, a vibrant destination blending rich history, unique culture, and endless exploration opportunities. Known for its community spirit and innovative parks, Lenexa offers a perfect mix of suburban charm and urban access near Kansas City. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit. For travelers with mobility needs, we’ve got you covered—see our recommendation below!
History
- Lenexa was founded in 1869, named after Lenape Indian chief Na-Nex-Se, evolving from a prairie settlement into a thriving Kansas City suburb.
- It grew as a stop along the Santa Fe Trail, with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in the 1870s spurring development, particularly around its historic Old Town.
- Notable figures like James Butler Hickok (Wild Bill Hickok) passed through in the 1860s, and the city’s agricultural roots are preserved at sites like the Legler Barn Museum.
Interesting Facts
- Lenexa’s population is 58,388 (2023), with a diverse demographic (80.5% White, 8.7% Hispanic, 6.2% Asian per 2020 census) and a median household income of $96,477, reflecting its affluent suburban status.
- The city is dubbed the “Spinach Capital of the World,” hosting the annual Spinach Festival since 1981, celebrating a 1930s farmer’s market tradition.
- Lenexa’s Black Hoof Park, named after a Shawnee chief, features a 35-acre lake and is part of the city’s 2,000+ acres of parkland, among the most in Johnson County.
- The Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, with its iconic rose garden, was voted one of Kansas’s best public spaces, designed by architect Sid J. Hare in the 1930s.
Local Attractions
- Legler Barn Museum: Housed in a restored 1864 stone barn, explore exhibits on pioneer life and Lenexa’s history. Open Sat-Sun, 1-4 PM; free admission (donations appreciated). Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, ground-floor access. Address: 14907 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 492-7816. Website: lenexahistory.com.
- Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park: A 53-acre park with rose gardens, sculptures, and walking trails around Lake Lenexa. Open daily; free. Accessibility: Paved, wheelchair-friendly paths. Address: 14915 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 477-7100. Website: lenexa.com/parks.
- Black Hoof Park: Offers a 35-acre lake for fishing, boating, and hiking trails with scenic views. Open daily; $5 vehicle fee. Accessibility: Paved trails, some uneven terrain. Address: 9053 Monticello Rd, Lenexa, KS 66227. Phone: (913) 477-7100. Website: lenexa.com/parks.
- Lenexa City Center: A modern hub with shops, dining, and community events like outdoor concerts. Open daily; free entry. Accessibility: Flat, wheelchair-friendly walkways. Address: 17101 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Phone: (913) 477-7500. Website: lenexacitycenter.com.
- Pro Tip: Download the Visit Overland Park app for real-time maps and event updates.
Local Restaurants
Savor Lenexa’s culinary scene with these independent, locally-owned restaurants (no fast food chains or franchises):
- Sierra Grill: Known for New Mexican-inspired dishes like green chile enchiladas with local ingredients. Expect $15-25 per person. Accessibility: Step-free entry, accessible restrooms. Address: 12611 W 95th St, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 888-8888. Website: sierragrillkc.com.
- Holy Land Cafe: Specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine like shawarma and baklava. Prices range from $10-20. Accessibility: Wide seating areas, wheelchair-friendly. Address: 12275 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 492-5100. Website: holylandcafe.com.
- Mi Ranchito: Offers authentic Mexican fare like carne asada and house-made salsas. Budget: $12-22. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, wide doorways. Address: 13000 W 95th St, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 599-4242. Website: miranchitokc.com.
- Minsky’s Pizza: Famous for gourmet pizzas and craft beers with a local twist. Average cost: $10-18. Accessibility: Ground-floor dining, braille menus available. Address: 13400 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 345-1111. Website: minskyspizza.com.
- Reservation Tip: Book ahead, especially for Sierra Grill, via restaurant websites or OpenTable.
Local Hotels
- Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center: Priced at $120-160/night. Offers indoor pool, free hot breakfast, fitness center. Accessibility: Roll-in showers, elevator access. Address: 8741 Ryckert St, Lenexa, KS 66219. Phone: (913) 393-3300. Website: hyatt.com/hyatt-place-lenexa.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lenexa: Priced at $110-150/night. Features free breakfast, indoor pool, gym. Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly rooms available. Address: 9620 Rosehill Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 890-3600. Website: ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/lenexa/mcilx/hoteldetail.
- Candlewood Suites Lenexa Overland Park Area: Priced at $100-140/night. Includes full kitchens, free laundry, pet-friendly. Accessibility: Ground-floor options, wide doorways. Address: 15151 W 101st Ter, Lenexa, KS 66219. Phone: (913) 345-0900. Website: ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/lenexa/mcilw/hoteldetail.
- Comfort Inn & Suites Lenexa: Priced at $90-130/night. Provides free breakfast, fitness center, indoor pool. Accessibility: Adapted bathrooms on request. Address: 12601 W 96th Ter, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 438-6868. Website: choicehotels.com/hotels/us/en/ks/lenexa/ks406.
- Booking Tip: Reserve via Booking.com or Hotels.com for the best rates.
Other Information for Tourists
- Getting Around: Navigate with rideshares like Uber or drive via I-435 or K-10. Public transit via Johnson County Transit connects to KC (Address: 1701 W 5th St, Shawnee, KS 66201. Phone: (913) 422-3130. Website: joceotransit.org). Taxis at Kansas City International Airport (Address: 1 Kansas City Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64153. Phone: (816) 243-5237. Website: flykci.com). Car rentals at the airport are ideal for exploring.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan for spring (April-June) for mild weather and blooming parks or fall (September-November) for the Spinach Festival; avoid peak summer heat in July-August.
- Dining Highlights: Beyond our picks, try green chile at Sierra Grill or shawarma at Holy Land Cafe. For dietary needs, Mi Ranchito offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Events Calendar: Don’t miss the Lenexa Spinach Festival in September (Address: 14907 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 477-7100. Website: lenexa.com/spinachfestival) or the Old Town Lenexa Chili Challenge in October (Address: 13420 Santa Fe Trail Dr, Lenexa, KS 66215. Phone: (913) 477-7100. Website: lenexa.com/chilichallenge).
- Safety & Health: Lenexa is very safe with low crime; stay aware in busy areas like City Center. Clinics at AdventHealth Lenexa (Address: 23401 Prairie Star Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66227. Phone: (913) 676-8500. Website: adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-lenexa). Download the Kansas Emergency app for alerts.
- Sustainable Travel: Shop at the Lenexa Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (May-Oct) (Address: 17101 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66219. Phone: (913) 477-7518. Website: lenexa.com/farmersmarket) and use reusable items—Lenexa supports eco-friendly initiatives.
Mobility Made Easy with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals
Exploring Lenexa is a breeze with KC Mobility Scooter Rentals, delivering top-quality mobility equipment to your hotel or rental in Lenexa and nearby areas. Choose from:
- Mobility Scooters: Lightweight and easy to navigate on city streets and attractions.
- Wheelchairs: Manual or powered for all-day comfort.
- Rollators: Stable walkers with seats for shorter outings.
- Transport Chairs: Compact and foldable for travel ease.
- Knee Scooters: Perfect for temporary injuries, with adjustable heights.
Our rentals are affordable, sanitized, and delivered with setup instructions. Book at kcmobilityscooterrentals.com or call (816) 200-2342 for same-day service. Roll through Lenexa’s wonders worry-free—your adventure starts here!
Updated as of September 24, 2025. Visit lenexa.com or travelks.com for the latest info. Happy travels!