Experience Excelsior Trip Planner 2020

extend your tour
Excelsior
Springs is ideally located for visiting great
tourist sites in Missouri. Take time while you’re
staying with us to explore the surrounding areas
WATKINS MILL STATE PARK
AND WOOLEN MILL
The nation’s last fully equipped 19th century woolen mill is
on the historic site once owned by the Watkins family. Tour
the 1860 woolen mill and gristmill, the 1850 house, Visitor
Center and Museum. The state park features camping,
fishing, swimming and picnicking areas. The Living History
Farm Program, offered on weekends in the spring and fall,
brings the 1870s back to life with costumed interpreters
demonstrating agricultural and industrial activities.
JESSE JAMES FARM
AND MUSEUM
One of the most widely visited historic sites in Clay County is
the Jesse James Farm and Museum, minutes from Excelsior
Springs. Tour the cabin where Jesse James was born on Sept.
5, 1847 and grew up with his brother, Frank, whose exploits
as outlaws are today a legend. At the museum, visitors can
view an informative video, a collection of family artifacts
and souvenirs. Daily tours of the museum and cabin are
available and fun activities are held throughout the year.
COOLEY LAKE
WILDLIFE AREA
Just south of Excelsior Springs near the junction of State Route
N and Missouri 210, you will find Cooley Lake Wildlife Area
and Cooley Missouri River Access, both owned by the Missouri
Department of Conservation. These sites, comprising 1,348
acres, include the old oxbow lakes that were once part of the
Missouri upland forests, loess bluffs, limestone outcrops, and
old fields, in addition to the river access. They offer fishing,
hiking, birdwatching, and, on the river, boating as well. Contact
the Department for other activities allowed here.
MARTHA LAFITE THOMPSON
NATURE SANCTUARY
The Nature Sanctuary provides hands-on environmental
and natural science education for all ages within its 100
acres of land. The nature preserve is designed for hiking,
nature study and observation of wildlife. Nature center,
restrooms, exhibits (including live animals), gift shop and
picnic areas. The Rush Creek Trail is ADA accessible.
FIELDS OF GOLDEN FLOWERS
In recent years, sunflower fields have become popular for
their beautiful views and photo opportunities. Tryst Falls
Park has their own mini flower patch, but other nearby Sunflower
fields can be seen in bloom in later summer:
Russell Sunflower Patch
18220 Hwy B, Richmond
Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch
650 North Jefferson St., Kearney
TRYST FALLS
PARK
Tryst Falls is a scenic waterfall, one of the only natural waterfalls
in the area. This natural park includes a playground,
shelter houses and picnic tables. Shelter facilities available
for rental. Open dawn to dusk.
SMITHVILLE
LAKE
Smithville Lake is a 7,190-acre reservoir on the Little Platte
branch of the Platte River in Clay County, Missouri near
Smithville, an approximately 30-minute drive from Excelsior
Springs. The Lake area includes campsites, boating, two
swim beaches, boat rentals and much more.