What To See


Photo album copyright Kevin Morgan


Excelsior Springs is well known for several attractions. While here we recommend you visit the following sites: Hall of Waters, Elms Hotel and Spa, Excelsior Springs Museum and Superior Well Pavilion.

Excelsior Springs abounds in scenic beauty, both inside the city and in the surrounding countryside. The historic area of town is located along the East Fork of Fishing River, with winding stream valleys leading into the river and hills alongside. There are several native stone outcroppings, which are related to the city’s historic mineral water resources.

Individually listed National Register buildings include the Hall of Waters and Elms Hotel and Spa, set within National Register historic districts. Other landmarks include the Clay County State Bank (museum), the Oaks Hotel (apartments), and Carnegie Library (private). The last remaining mineral water well pagoda, the Superior Well, is locally protected. For more about local landmarks, click here. For a self-guided tour of historic buildings, click here.

A vast majority of the original 40 known mineral water wells are no longer visible. Today, a campaign to restore the historic pagodas and remark some of the original sites with new structures is underway. A self-guided mineral water walking tour can be downloaded, click here.

Visitors are also invited to explore our parks. More than 90 acres of parkland and walking trails are within the city limits, with a wide range of features and facilities for active families and their lifestyles. For more on our parks and amenities, click here. For a map of our walking trails, click here.

The Excelsior Springs Golf Course was the home of pioneer settler Edwin O’Dell. His 1825 walnut cabin is preserved within the dining area of the clubhouse. Also on the course is a commemorative two-ton boulder with bronze plate placed in memory of the soldiers of the Civil War who gave their lives at the Battle of Fredericksburg. There were two skirmishes held in this same location, one fought on July 17, 1864 and the other on August 12, 1864.

While we are immensely proud of our heritage, Excelsiorites are continuing to enrich qualify of life for residents and visitors alike. With help from the YMCA’s Challenger Program, the Excelsior Springs Miracle Field, provides a much needed athletic facility for those with special needs. Our community center features something for everyone from age 1 to 100! Daily rates allow entry for anyone visiting the community. More recently, Century Bark dog park is opened adjacent to Century Park. Get details from our Park and Recreation Department, located in the Community Center.

Excelsior Springs Unique Places