Located just 30 minutes north of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs is a town with an intriguing past. When a multitude of mineral springs were discovered in the area in the late 1800s, Excelsior Springs became famous for its “therapeutic” water and health resorts. While crowds once flocked to the area for its spring water, the town is now known for its museums, shopping, dining, and locally made beer and wine.
Places to Stay
The Elms Hotel & Spa
Plan a getaway to The Elms Hotel & Spa, a historic destination built in 1912. The grand hotel gained national fame as a health resort with healing waters. Today, the hotel’s 28,000-square-foot spa includes The Grotto, a hydrotherapy sanctuary that offers a dry sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, steam shower and aroma therapy bar. The hotel also features beautiful grounds, an outdoor pool and a restaurant.
Payne Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast
Formerly a jailhouse and home to legendary police Chief Bill Payne, the Payne Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast is located in downtown Excelsior Springs. Payne built the jail onto the back of his home in order to have a place to transport prisoners so that he could sleep in his own bed at night. Gather around the firepit in the evenings and enjoy a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Attractions
Hall of Waters
Sitting near the site of the first spring discovered in the area, the Hall of Waters was one of the top health destinations in the region in the early 1900s. Ultimately, four distinct types of mineral water – more varieties in one location than anywhere else in the world – were found in downtown Excelsior Springs and were once bottled at the Hall of Waters. Notable for its outstanding Art Deco architecture, the building houses a visitors center and exhibits about the area’s history.
Excelsior Springs Museum
Designed by notable architect Louis S. Curtis, the Excelsior Springs Museum once served as the Clay County Savings Bank. It’s one of only about 30 examples of his work that are still standing. Museum collections extend into the adjacent Francis Hotel building. New displays are created annually from over 36,000 items that reflect the history of the town.
Restaurants
Wabash BBQ
Barbecue fans can feast on award-winning smoked meats at Wabash BBQ, house in Excelsior Springs’ historic Wabash Train Station. After dinner, head to The Ice House Blues Garden behind the restaurant to unwind and listen to live music.
Willow Spring Mercantile
After spending the morning exploring downtown Excelsior Springs, drop by the Willow Spring Mercantile for lunch. After sampling the culinary delights, browse the shop for made-in-Missouri gifts, including craft beer and distilled spirits.
Wineries
Fence Style Vineyards, Winery and Distillery
Spend an afternoon among the vines or step inside the wine caves for a candlelit tasting at Fence Style Vineyards, Winery and Distillery. In addition to wine by the glass or bottle, the winery serves wine cocktails, wine sangrias, mimosas, mulled wine, local beer and soft drinks.
Belvoir Winery
Travel 15 miles southwest from Excelsior Springs to the Belvoir Winery and Inn. Located in a former Odd Fellows Home, the stately brick building dates back to 1900. Sample the dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines as well as the fortified wines – a combination of Missouri-made wine and brandy.
Explore the Outdoors
The Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System
Three trails make up The Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System, a 2-mile loop that travels through five parks. The trails – Fishing River Linear Park Trail, Isley Park Woods Trail and Siloam Mountain Trail – wind through downtown, along the river and up a forested hillside.
Siloam Mountain Park
Known for its stunning views, Siloam Mountain Park overlooks the Fishing River Valley. The 25-acre park has picnic areas and playgrounds.
Watkins Mill State Park and Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site
Venture five miles north of Excelsior Springs to visit Watkins Mill State Park. The park features a paved bicycle path that circles a 100-acre lake. Explore Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site where you can tour the 19th-century woolen mill – the only 19th century American woolen mill with its original machinery intact – and the Watkins home.