Clinton County: Nature, History, and Experiences

In Clinton County, you’ll find destinations with a range of highlights: river and lake landscapes, forests, historic sites, and hands-on activities. Then compare the specific location and amenities details for each hotel.

Nature by the River, Lakes, and in the Forest

The McGee Family Conservation Area borders the Little Platte River on both sides at its northeastern corner. There are opportunities for public hunting, fishing, and hiking; posted rules apply. There is also a boat ramp on Hwy. C near the Conservation Area, providing access to Smithville Lake.

The Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area includes seven lakes and shoreline areas along the Little Platte River, also known as Smith Fork. Amenities include fishing clinics, demonstration areas, and nature interpretation trails; educational offerings may vary. Visitors have access to three accessible parking spaces, an accessible floating fishing dock, and two accessible restrooms. Check the information about these facilities again before your trip.

Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods offers a different natural setting: the oak forest is characterized by old white oaks, boulders, and low limestone outcrops. Possible activities include hiking, birdwatching, viewing wildflowers, and exploring. Hartell’s waterways, trails, and fishing opportunities thus contrast with a woodland area for observing nature.

History and Walking Tours

The Historical Homes Walking Tour in Plattsburg follows three routes, each approximately half a mile long. Along the way, you’ll pass around 25 notable homes and churches. Participation is free; check route information before setting out. A mural in Plattsburg commemorates the Jefferson Highway. Memorial markers in Cameron and Plattsburg mark the former route of the road.

Deer Creek Cabin is a log cabin built in 1829 that was moved log by log and rebuilt near Plattsburg. Hands-on introductions focus on historic skills such as grinding coffee beans, dipping candles, churning butter, and husking corn. The cabin is open by appointment only. Arrange your visit in advance and confirm whether the introduction you want can be offered.

The Riley-Carmack House also tells a story of local history. The Clinton County Historical Society acquired the house in 1976 to display donated items there. The residence itself was built between 1886 and 1888 in the Eastlake style.

More Experiences and Events

Lathrop’s inclusive playground is located in John W. Burns Memorial Park. The Abbey of Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles welcomes visitors to attend Mass and take a walk around the grounds. Before visiting, check the procedures and any restrictions on private areas.

At Dandelion Creek Company, guests can bottle-feed a baby goat by appointment in spring. Confirm the seasonal schedule in advance. The company also makes small-batch soap from the milk of its own Alpine and Saanen goats, which are kept on its farm near Plattsburg.

The Lathrop Antique Club holds an antique tractor and car show, a flea market, a mule show, a fireworks display, and other events several times a year. The program may change from year to year; check the dates for your planned travel period.

The destinations mentioned offer a range of ideas for planning your trip: McGee combines its riverside setting with hiking, fishing, and hunting; Hartell adds trails to its lakes and fishing opportunities; and Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods is known for its forest and nature watching. If you’re looking for a hotel in Clinton County, you can plan around these interests and compare the details of individual hotel offers.

Discover more destinations: Cameron, Iron County, Randolph, Polk County, Crawford County, Jasper, Dunklin County, Ozark County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.