Fleming MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fleming, Missouri.
1. Fleming Park
7,800 ACRES OF RECREATION
Fleming Park is the largest of Jackson County Parks, covering over 7,800 acres of recreational parkland approximately 15 minutes from Kansas City. The park encompasses both Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. Originally named Lake Jacomo, the park was renamed to honor Judge Harry M. Fleming who helped guide the development of Lake Jacomo during the 1950s.
2. Lake Jacomo
PREMIER COUNTY LAKE
Lake Jacomo is one of the two lakes within Fleming Park and is considered the largest lake in Jackson County. Visitors can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, or paddle boats to explore the lake from the Boat Launch area. The lake offers opportunities for fishing and feeding ducks from the dock, or enjoying a picnic lunch at a shelter house or by the shore.
3. Blue Springs Lake
WATER RECREATION DESTINATION
Blue Springs Lake is one of the two lakes contained within Fleming Park, offering various water recreation opportunities. The lake features Blue Springs Beach where visitors can swim and enjoy shoreline activities. A full-service marina at Blue Springs Lake provides boat rentals and other amenities for water enthusiasts.
4. Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure
BUFFALO AND ELK VIEWING
The Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure at Fleming Park allows visitors to observe buffalo and elk in a natural setting. Visitors can bring carrots to feed the animals through the fence, creating a memorable interactive wildlife experience. The enclosure is located on the drive toward Missouri Town, making it an easy stop during a tour of the park.
5. Missouri Town 1855
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Missouri Town 1855 is a recreated 1850s village complete with a blacksmith and other period features located within Fleming Park. This living history museum offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century Missouri life through authentic buildings and demonstrations. Throughout the year, the site hosts special weekend activities and events that bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
6. Kemper Outdoor Education Center
NATURE LEARNING HUB
The Kemper Outdoor Education Center is located in the southern part of Fleming Park, offering environmental education programs. The center provides hands-on learning experiences about nature and conservation for visitors of all ages. With various educational exhibits and nature trails, the center serves as a gateway to understanding the local ecosystem.
7. Fleming Park Hiking Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR PATHWAYS
Fleming Park features numerous hiking and nature trails winding through its 7,800 acres of parkland. These trails offer visitors opportunities to enjoy fresh air and observe local wildlife without having to travel far from urban areas. The varied terrain provides options for hikers of different skill levels throughout the seasons.
8. Franke Soccer Fields
ATHLETIC SPORTS COMPLEX
Franke Soccer Fields is a sporting complex located in the southern part of Fleming Park featuring four soccer fields. The facility hosts local leagues, tournaments, and recreational play throughout the soccer season. These well-maintained fields provide a quality venue for soccer enthusiasts of all ages in the Jackson County area.
9. Radio-controlled Model Airplane Field
HOBBY AVIATION AREA
The Radio-controlled Model Airplane Field in Fleming Park provides a dedicated space for model aircraft enthusiasts. This specialized facility allows hobbyists to fly their radio-controlled planes in a safe, designated area. The field attracts both experienced pilots and newcomers interested in the hobby of model aviation.
10. Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
WAR OF 1812 OUTPOST
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark is a reconstructed early 19th-century fort originally built in 1808 under the direction of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame. The fort served as a military outpost and trading post on the Missouri River during the early expansion of the United States. Today, visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings and learn about the fort's role in American history through interpretive displays and living history demonstrations.
11. Cave Spring Park
HISTORIC NATURAL SPRING
Cave Spring Park features a historic natural spring that served as an important water source for Native Americans and pioneers traveling westward. The park includes hiking trails, a nature center, and educational programs about the area's natural and cultural history. The spring itself emerges from a small cave and has created a unique ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal life.
12. Lone Jack Battlefield Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
The Lone Jack Battlefield Museum commemorates the Battle of Lone Jack, a significant Civil War engagement that took place on August 16, 1862. The museum houses artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of this bloody battle where neighbor fought against neighbor. Visitors can tour the battlefield site and learn about the impact of the Civil War on the western border region of Missouri.
13. Gateway Arch
TALLEST NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the iconic symbol of St. Louis and commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape. The arch is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and includes a museum that explores the history of westward expansion and the role of St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West."
14. Blue Springs Beach
POPULAR SWIMMING DESTINATION
Blue Springs Beach is a popular swimming area located on Blue Springs Lake within Fleming Park. The beach offers a sandy shoreline where visitors can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water activities during the summer months. Amenities include picnic areas, changing facilities, and convenient access to other park attractions.
15. Fleming Meeting Hall
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Fleming Meeting Hall is a versatile community facility located within Fleming Park that hosts various events and gatherings throughout the year. The hall provides space for meetings, celebrations, and educational programs in a scenic park setting. With its convenient location and amenities, the meeting hall serves as an important venue for both public and private functions in the Jackson County Parks system.