City: Kansas City, MO

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (816) 926-8747

Address: 5109 Cherry St.

Description: Most people come to the Linda Hall Library seeking knowledge and information. With more than one million volumes, it is the largest privately supported library of science, engineering, and technology in the United States. But those seeking tranquility will find it in the 14-acre urban arboretum with 450 or so trees representing 160 varieties. In late April the tree peonies, saucer-size beauties in vibrant colors, begin to bloom; they constitute one of the largest collections in the Midwest. By May the antique shrub roses scent the air as you stroll by. A butterfly garden is planted with happy marigolds, color-box zinnias, Mexican sunflowers, and nectar-rich fennel. A new area contains 50 species of indigenous perennials. Tours of the gardens can be arranged, or you may pick up a printed guide at the library’s front desk for $5.