Escape in the City: Kauffman Memorial Gardens

One step inside the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden at 4800 Rockhill Road provides a serene escape in the midst of the city, open to all and free for the public.

While small enough to walk through quickly, the garden is best enjoyed while getting lost in a book, your thoughts or a conversation with others for hours at a time.

Bursting with well-maintained flowers, fountains and trees, the peaceful garden is a wonderful way for Kansas Citians to commemorate Ewing and Muriel Kauffman and their many charitable donations to the city.

Many of their contributions bear the Kauffman name, including the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Ewing Marion Kauffman public charter school and, of course, Kauffman Stadium, as Ewing Kauffman founded the Royals. This 2-acre garden was inspired by the Kauffmans’ world travels to parks throughout Europe, and is now their final resting place. You can find Ewing and Muriel Kauffman’s graves tucked into a particularly tranquil corner.

Even late in the fall, the garden is still beautiful, with plenty of mums, daisies and butterflies. Don’t forget to step into the tropical orchid building, which is wonderful to visit even in winter months– and home to the famous fat garden cat.

Looking to make a day of it? The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden is close to some of the best KC attractions. After wandering through the garden, grab lunch or brunch at Cafe Sebastienne, and while you’re there, you might as well see some of the best pieces in the Nelson-Atkins. Head to the Plaza for some afternoon shopping. We’re partial to the Made In KC Marketplace 😊. If you’re in the need of more time outdoors, Loose Park is just minutes away. End your day with a cocktail at Black Dirt or the Monarch.