Nature + charm: Seven small town hikes to explore
Downtown Weston, Mo.
Infuse your outdoor adventure with a sense of history and rural life.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
Growing up in suburbia, small towns have always held an air of charm and wonder for me.
“Look at the façade on that building! I can’t believe it was built in 1889. I wonder what the vibe was like here 80 years ago?”
Sometimes the fascination is the brick streets. Or the diner on the corner. Often there’s a palatial courthouse that puts modern architecture to shame.
So whenever I can combine a hike with an interesting small town, it’s a bonus. Kansas City Hiker focuses on opportunities within about three hours of Downtown KC. That means we can’t mention everything, so we’ll share highlights.
Excelsior Springs, Mo.
This town in Clay County is known for The Elms, but it also offers an in-town trail system that passes through five city parks and downtown. Learn more about hiking trails in Excelsior Springs.
Downtown Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Pleasant Hill, Mo.
Near downtown Pleasant Hill is the westernmost outpost of the KATY Trail. However, this Cass County city is also home to the 2-mile MOPAC Trail. Its Downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes a train depot built in 1886. Wander the downtown area and you’ll also find places to grab a bite to eat, adult beverages, ice cream and coffee.
A century-old swinging bridge connects spurs of the Warsaw Riverfront Trail.
Warsaw, Mo.
This county seat on Truman Lake is home to a wealth of trails that far outpaces its population of 2,000. The Warsaw Riverfront Trail crosses a century old swinging bridge and parallels the historic downtown area. Other trails include:
Weston, Mo.
Weston, in Platte County, is adjacent to Weston Bend State Park. In addition, the Weston Bluffs Trail follows the base of the bluffs along the Missouri River and leads directly into downtown Weston. This nearly 200-year-old town is home to numerous structures on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll also find opportunities for a meal, ice cream, adult beverages and shopping for arts and crafts. Learn more about hiking in Weston, Mo.
Lindsborg, Kan.
This town in central Kansas is proud of its Swedish heritage and is known for its Dala horses, which are hand made (usually) of wood and are produced in a variety of sizes. The main street of the town is decorated with these signature creations. Lindsborg only five miles from Coronado Heights, a park and series of buttes thought to have been visited by the Spanish explorer. It’s only 20 miles from Kanopolis State Park, one of the state’s most beautiful, historic and rugged hiking areas. It’s about one hour from Wilson Lake State Park, which is the home of dynamic sandstone spires and cliffs.
Mt. Mitchell Heritage Park, south of Wamego, Kansas.
Wamego, Kan.
Wamego sits on the Kaw River in the Flint Hills and has capitalized on the Wizard of Oz theme. You’ll find an impressive museum and several businesses (Toto's TacOZ!, Oz Winery) that embrace the Yellow Brick Road. A personal favorite is the Friendship House Restaurant and Bakery. Oh, but back to hiking. Wamego is the community nearest Mt. Mitchell Heritage Prairie, a stunning stretch of hills with sweeping views, abundant wildflowers and a fascinating history.
Nebraska City, Neb.
This community is home to a popular park and resort. Arbor Day Farm includes the Tree Adventure, allowing children to visit 11 treehouses on elevated walkways. Exploring the 260 acres of the farm, you’ll accumulate plenty of steps. But there are also forested trails on site. Lied Lodge is a nature-oriented resort tied into the community’s arbor theme. For a longer hike, head a few miles east to Waubonsie State Park in Iowa. Several miles of trails explore the scenic and rugged Loess Hills. Other options include:
Indian Cave State Park, 45 minutes south near Nemaha, Neb.
Hitchock Nature Center, one hour north near Council Bluffs, Iowa.
OK, who did we leave out?
Did we miss a great hiking town? I’m sure we did. Tell us about your favorite backroads destination.
Carpe diem!
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker.