Café Celeste at the LongHouse Visitor Center is a delicious addition to the natural oasis of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The café offers a menu curated to complement the surrounding landscape, providing visitors with the perfect spot to enjoy refreshments and connect with friends and family.
The café offers freshly brewed coffee, making it a great place to start your day or recharge during a visit to the Arboretum. Delicious salads, sandwiches and flatbreads are available to satisfy the hunger pangs of explorers who work up an appetite. A variety of baked goods is also on the menu for those with a sweet tooth or for a quick snack for the road.
One of the café’s key attractions is its year-round availability, ensuring that visitors can enjoy its offerings in every season. Whether you’re seeking a warm cup of hot chocolate on a chilly winter day or a cool beverage during the heat of summer, Café Celeste is ready to serve you in the heart of this picturesque environment.
The café was aptly named after Celeste Gogel, who has dedicated nearly 13 years as a volunteer at the Arboretum. The special honor was made possible by a heartwarming surprise donation from her family, ensuring that her contribution to this beautiful haven is forever recognized and appreciated.
The LongHouse Visitor Center is available for guests to enjoy free of charge; visitors need only purchase a ticket if they enter the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The LongHouse Visitor Center also houses a Gift Shop, where visitors can explore and discover unique treasures to commemorate their visit. For more information, visit opkansas.org/LongHouse.
Transforming the Community Through Art, Events and Philanthropy
For nearly three decades, the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park has been instrumental in fostering community engagement and elevating the quality of life in Johnson County.
One of the foundation’s primary focuses is the organization of signature community events and fundraising initiatives that support capital improvements in several key locations. These include the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and public art throughout the area. These sites are not just essential landmarks within Overland Park, but they also serve as cultural and recreational hubs, attracting residents and visitors alike.
The foundation’s “Friends” membership groups, along with their advisory boards, play a pivotal role in mobilizing resources for capital projects, educational and cultural programs, exhibits and community events. The combined efforts of the foundation and generous contributions from the community have left a lasting impact, leaving a legacy of improvements for all to enjoy.
Some of the most significant projects undertaken by the foundation include the LongHouse Visitor Center at the Arboretum, Mackenzie’s Island at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the 9/11 Memorial in Overland Park and the installation of public art throughout the city. These projects not only enhance the city’s physical landscape but also provide cultural and educational opportunities for the residents and visitors, fostering a deeper sense of community.
We invite you to be a part of this incredible journey. There are numerous ways to get involved: Attend our upcoming events, lend a helping hand as a volunteer or learn more about the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park and its mission. Join us in shaping the future of our community and be a catalyst for positive change. For more information, visit artsandrec-op.org.
The City of Overland Park and the Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park partner to provide our thriving community with cultural enrichment, world-class events, impactful education and inspiring art.
