While Kansas is home to some charming small towns such as Council Grove and Abilene, many larger cities are worth a visit as well. Lenexa, located in Johnson County, is a city with plenty to do, great places to eat, and incredible festivals. It is a city in Kansas you’ll certainly want to visit over and over again.

Lenexa is much more than the beautiful city we know today. In fact, it has a pretty interesting history.

In the 1800s, the Shawnee Tribe owned the land where Lenexa currently sits. At the time, this land could not be sold without permission from the President of the United States. It wasn’t until the Civil War that many Shawnee members were anxious to sell their land and move to the Oklahoma Indian Territories. As the land was sold, the area began to shape into what we know today.

In the early 1900s, many European families moved into the area. These individuals grew all types of produce, but spinach was a specialty. Lenexa soon became famous for its spinach and in the 1930s, this town became known as the Spinach Capital of the World.

Each year, Lenexa hosts the Spinach Festival, which is a family-friendly event filled with vendors, live music, entertainment, and bites of the world’s largest spinach salad.

There is a reason that Lenexa is known as the city of festivals.

In addition to the Spinach Festival, this city in Kansas hosts all types of festivals and special events throughout the year such as art fairs and freedom events. To learn more about upcoming festivals and other events in Lenexa, click here.

When you aren’t attending a fabulous festival, there are many other activities and attractions in this beautiful Kansas city. Lake Lenexa and Black Hoof Park are the perfect day trip in Kansas.

Black Hoof Park is a 231-acre park and is home to Lake Lenexa.

You can boat or fish on the lake, relax in one of the picnic shelters, and just enjoy the beauty of the area. You can even hike around the entire lake on this easy 2.1-mile trail.

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is another excellent place to spend your day in Kansas.

This 53-acre park has everything you need for the ultimate day trip without venturing out of the city. At this park in the Sunflower State, you will find a 3-acre lake, swimming pool, picnic areas, gazebo, and so much more. To learn more about this park, click here.

When you are hungry, stop at Ronnie’s Restaurant.

At this delicious restaurant, you’ll find all of your breakfast and lunch favorites including fluffy pancakes, hand-breaded chicken fingers, and clubhouse sandwiches. To learn more about this restaurant, click here.

If you are looking for a slightly fancier place to eat, visit the Silo Modern Farmhouse in Lenexa.

Everything is made from scratch at this restaurant and you can choose from an extensive menu that features lobster and pan-seared salmon. However, make sure you have a slice of the Silo Signature 32-Layer Chocolate Cake. Your taste buds will greatly thank you.

Lenexa is a city in Kansas that has it all. When are you planning your visit?

Do you have a favorite place to eat or visit in Lenexa? What about a favorite attraction or hike in Kansas? We’d love to know all about your favorite must-visit Kansas locations. Click here and nominate your favorite destination in the Sunflower State!