Excelsior Springs MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Excelsior Springs, Missouri.
1. Hall of Waters
HISTORIC MINERAL WATER CENTER
The Hall of Waters is an Art Deco-styled building originally built in 1937 as part of Roosevelt's New Deal, featuring 10 varieties of Excelsior Springs mineral water. Today, the building serves as home to city offices, a visitor center, and a water bar area which offers a self-guided Excelsior Springs history tour. The Hall of Waters is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains one of the city's most significant landmarks.
2. The Elms Hotel and Spa
HISTORIC LUXURY RESORT
The Elms Hotel and Spa is a notable historic landmark in Excelsior Springs where President Harry Truman spent the 1948 election night. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features unique architectural details. It continues to operate as a luxury resort offering accommodations, spa services, and a glimpse into the area's storied past.
3. Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery is a top-rated attraction in Excelsior Springs with a 4.6 rating from visitors. The establishment offers wine tastings, vineyard tours, and locally produced spirits. Visitors can enjoy the scenic countryside setting while sampling the various wines produced on site.
4. Four Horses and a Dog
UNIQUE LOCAL EXPERIENCE
Four Horses and a Dog is a highly-rated attraction in Excelsior Springs with an impressive 4.9 visitor rating. While specific details about this attraction are limited, its high rating suggests it provides a memorable experience for visitors. The unique name and high rating make it a point of interest for those exploring Excelsior Springs.
5. Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is housed in the historic Clay County State Bank building, preserving the rich history of the area. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the town's famous mineral waters, historic buildings, and cultural heritage.
6. Superior Well Pavilion
LAST MINERAL WELL PAGODA
Superior Well Pavilion is the last remaining mineral water well pagoda in Excelsior Springs and is locally protected as an important historic site. The pavilion represents the town's rich history as a mineral water destination that once featured 40 known mineral water wells. Visitors can learn about the healing waters that made Excelsior Springs famous through a self-guided mineral water walking tour that includes this historic structure.
7. St. Luke's Episcopal Church
GOTHIC REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE
St. Luke's Episcopal Church is located at the corner of Regent and Kansas City Avenue, offering a virtually intact example of Gothic Revival 'country' church architecture. The site of the church was once property of the General Realty and Mineral Water Company, formed in 1911. The church captures the pastoral atmosphere of this historic resort city and represents an important architectural landmark.
8. Slightly Off Broadway Theatre
HISTORIC CHURCH-TURNED-THEATRE
The Slightly Off Broadway Theatre is located in historic downtown Excelsior Springs, housed inside a church built in 1903. Thanks to countless hours of dedicated volunteer work, the historic beauty of the original building has been preserved while being repurposed as a performance venue. Visitors can enjoy live theatre productions in this unique historic setting located just 0.5 miles from the Elms Hotel.
9. Excelsior Springs Community Center
LOCAL RECREATION HUB
The Excelsior Springs Community Center serves as a gathering place for various community activities and events. This facility offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The center contributes to the quality of life in Excelsior Springs by providing space for fitness, social gatherings, and community programs.
10. Watkins Mill State Park
HISTORIC MILL RECREATION
Watkins Mill State Park features a 100-acre lake for fishing and swimming, along with a sandy beach for sunning and various trails for walking, biking, and horseback riding. The historic site includes a preserved wool mill built in 1860, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century industrial history. Located near Excelsior Springs, this state park combines outdoor recreation with historical education.
11. East Fork of Fishing River
SCENIC NATURAL WATERWAY
The East Fork of Fishing River runs through the historic area of Excelsior Springs, creating winding stream valleys and scenic landscapes. The river is surrounded by hills and native stone outcroppings that are related to the city's historic mineral water resources. This natural feature contributes significantly to the scenic beauty that abounds both inside the city and in the surrounding countryside.
12. The Oaks Hotel
HISTORIC BUILDING REIMAGINED
The Oaks Hotel is a historic landmark in Excelsior Springs that now serves as apartments. This repurposed building represents the adaptive reuse of historic structures in the community. The building contributes to the architectural heritage of Excelsior Springs alongside other landmarks like the Clay County State Bank and Carnegie Library.
13. Carnegie Library
HISTORIC LITERARY LEGACY
The Carnegie Library in Excelsior Springs is a historic landmark now in private ownership. The building represents one of many libraries funded by industrialist Andrew Carnegie across America in the early 20th century. This architectural gem stands alongside other significant structures that contribute to the historic character of Excelsior Springs.
14. Excelsior Springs Trolley Tours
HISTORIC ROLLING TOUR
Excelsior Springs Trolley Tours offer visitors a unique way to experience the historic sites and attractions of the city. The trolley provides guided tours highlighting the mineral water history, architectural landmarks, and cultural heritage of Excelsior Springs. This attraction combines transportation with education, allowing tourists to cover more ground while learning about the city's fascinating past.
15. Kauffman Stadium
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL VENUE
Kauffman Stadium is home to the Kansas City Royals baseball team and offers 90-minute walking tours for visitors interested in exploring this Major League Baseball venue. Located within driving distance of Excelsior Springs, the stadium hosts baseball games throughout the season with tickets available starting at $14 per adult. Sports fans can enjoy America's pastime while experiencing the electric atmosphere of professional baseball.