Explore Historic Sites and Scenic Trails in This Charming Missouri City

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Explore Historic Sites and Scenic Trails in This Charming Missouri City

Missouri is a state loaded with an eclectic mix of activities for visitors to experience. It’s called the Show Me state and for good reason as one of the cities that deserves more spotlight is Clinton. Clinton is about 70 miles away from the vibrant and musical Kansas City and is filled with a variety of destinations that would make any visitor excited to see what the town with a population of just over 9,000 people as of 2023 (via Data USA) has to offer. 



Clinton is home to a plethora of scenic trails and historical sites. It has a Historic Downtown Square, which is considered to be the biggest town square in Missouri and among the largest in the United States. If you decide you’d like to venture outside of Clinton during your visit, Springfield is about 90 miles away, and Lake of the Ozarks is even closer at 70 miles away.

If you’re planning to fly, then your best bet is to take a flight to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) and then drive to Clinton, which is about 95 miles away from the airport. Clinton is walkable in the downtown area, but having a car will make it much easier for visitors to get around the whole city.



Clinton is an ideal destination for history buffs and nature-lovers

Home to many places with historic sites like the underrated city of Liberty, Missouri is a must-visit state for history buffs, especially ones with an eye for architecture. One of the top attractions visitors must see when coming to Clinton is the Clinton Square Historic District. The charming area will make tourists feel like they were launched into the 19th century, as there are over 80 buildings whose architecture is made up of both Victorian and Italianate styles. The Henry County Courthouse, which was built in 1893 and later refurbished in 2006, dedicates some of its property to a historic fountain, to honoring veterans who died fighting for the United States, and to a September 11th Memorial. 

On the city’s official website, you can see a countdown clock that is tracking the days until the next Olde Glory Days event, which is Missouri’s annual celebration of July 4th. Held in the Historic Downtown Square, attendees can expect events that include a carnival, music shows, magic shows, and of course, a fireworks display. 

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For those craving some scenic trails Katy Trail State Park is a great spot where visitors should venture. The park runs 240 miles and has 26 trailheads where you can walk or bike. Along the way, you’ll have views of the Missouri River. You’ll also pass a mix of terrain on the trail, including the hills of the Ozarks. Clinton is also 30 miles from Truman Lake, a tourist destination where you can rent boats, go fishing, access more hiking trails or go camping. 

What to eat and where to stay in Clinton

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.