Taken from
Where the Wild Things Are by Cathy Johnson
In the Excelsior Springs area there are a number of public places to find this amazing array of natural history. Contact the Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation Department at 816-630-1040 for more detailed information on all City parks, but for now, explore:
Isley Park Woods, a 15 acre designated Missouri Natural Area within East Valley Park. Just south of Isley Boulevard/10 Highway off Golf Hill Drive, find a lovely old growth north-facing upland forest, typically predominately oak/hickory, but with many other trees (basswood, black walnut, sugar maple, and so forth, as well as a rich understory). Thousands of spring wildflowers, a variety mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects are also to be found here. A paved walking trail along the north edge parallels the park road. Further up in the woods is an undeveloped nature trail.
East Valley Park stretches from Golf Hill Drive to Isley Boulevard, and boasts three shelter houses and a view of thick forest on one side and the Fishing River on the other. Old stone benches, built in the early part of the 20th century when the park was designed by renowned architect George Kessler, dot the park up in the woods and provide a fine place from which to watch the birds and animals. Isley Park Woods is a part of this park.
Pictured at right is the Saratoga Spring Pagoda, the last remaining mineral water well pagoda in Excelsior Springs. It overlooks the Fishing River running through East Valley Park.
Photo by Kevin Morgan |
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Siloam Mountain Park, above East Valley, is accessible from Garland, off Highway N; this hilltop park gives a lovely view of the town, the treetops, and the weather. Oak trees of many kinds are found here, and three shelter houses provide a comfortable place to picnic or birdwatch. A nature trail connects Siloam Mountain to the previous two parks.
Fishing River Linear Park, as its name implies, borders the river, just north of East Valley Park. It boasts an asphalt walking trail that parallels the river from Golf Hill Drive, dives under Highway 10, and extends to Highway N. Here you'll find different plant communities as well as resident ducks, geese, red-winged blackbirds, herons and other water-loving birds, frogs, tadpoles, fish, turtles and many other transient creatures that may come here for a drink.
Nearby, Watkins Mill State Park (800 acres), just north of Highway 92 on State Highway RA affords camping, picnicking, bicycling, swimming, boating and fishing, as well as walking and nature-watching opportunities. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site (600 acres) is a 19th century woolen mill, complete with house and outbuildings, a church and schoolhouse, and a modern visitors' center. Contact the Mill at 816-296-3357, or the Park Office at 816-296-3387 for further information.
Just south of Excelsior Springs near the junction of Highway N and 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 just south of Highway 210. They offer fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and, on the river, boating as well. For other activities allowed here, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation's Metro Office, at 816-655-6250.
Hidden Valley Natural Area just north of 210, near I-435 and Parvin Road, is part of Hidden Valley Park. It offers walking trails, forest communities, birding, and a species of extremely rare fern. An overlook platform in the heart of the natural area offers a panoramic view of the area. This is also a Missouri Department of Conservation site, and includes 82 acres. For information contact the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department at 816-444-4363.
Maple Woods Natural Area is 40+ acres by Maple Woods Community College off of Barry Road (Missouri 152), east of Liberty. Here also are hiking and birding opportunities and a wealth of wildflowers. Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation for further information or the City of Gladstone, which leases the site, at 816-436-2200.
Also off of Barry Road is Hodge Park, owned by the City of Kansas City, MO. There is a quiet walking trail back through the woods behind Shoal Creek Village, a recreated 19th century village made up of rescued buildings.
The Department also manages the Rush Creek Natural Area, which is part of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, a privately owned and operated site that includes prairie, forest and Rush Creek itself for a wide range of habitat and nature observation. Here there are 96 acres in all, 53 of the Nature Sanctuary proper and 43 in the Rush Creek Natural Area. The Sanctuary has a beautiful nature center, with gift shop, books, classroom areas and displays. Contact them at 816-781-8598.
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