The city of Smithville is located in Clay County, Missouri, along the Little Platte River. The city’s population is approximately 10,406 as of the 2020 census. Its attractions include Smithville Lake, Alldredge Orchards, Smith’s Fork Park, and Smithville’s Fork Campground. Smithville is also home to a variety of museums and historical sites.
Alldredge Orchards
If you love apple picking, Alldredge Orchards is the perfect place for you. This apple orchard is located near Smithville, a quaint, idyllic city with a variety of family-friendly attractions. The city has many parks, lakeside views, and nature trails. Visitors can also enjoy swimming at one of the local swimming beaches. The city is also a great place to visit for local festivals and events.
If you have a passion for fishing, Smithville offers a wide variety of fishing spots. Anglers can go fishing at Lake Remote Park & Nature Area. The lake is a beautiful body of water with plenty of fish to catch. You can also check out the Smithville Historic District, which features 30 historical buildings. Many of the buildings feature Gothic Revival architecture.
The historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard is also a popular attraction in the area. The historic site features twelve varieties of apples. During the fall, you can take a hayride, enjoy a pumpkin patch, or pick your own apples. The farm also sells local honey.
Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake is a 7,190-acre reservoir that is located in Clay County, Missouri, near Smithville. It provides the cities of Smithville and Plattsburg with water. In addition, the City of Kansas City has reserved a portion of Smithville Lake for water supply purposes.
Smithville Lake is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery. The lake offers a number of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, and camping. Approximately 1.5 million visitors visit the lake each year, and it is home to over a hundred bald eagles. There are also thousands of Canada and snow geese, as well as ducks and other species of birds and wildlife. Visitors can also observe snowy owls, which migrate from the Arctic Circle.
For families with children, the town has Alldredge Orchards, which are about 22 minutes away. Open during the fall, Alldredge Orchards offer a pumpkin patch, hayride, and other activities for children. Local honey is available as well.
Located on the edge of the city, Smithville Lake is a manmade reservoir that offers many water activities. You can swim or enjoy fishing in Smithville Lake, or you can hike or bike the trails surrounding the lake. You’ll also be able to enjoy the town’s parks, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The city also hosts a number of local events.
When visiting Smithville, Missouri, you can also stay in a campground close to the lake. There are electric and water hookups available at Smithville Lake, as well as shower facilities.
Smith’s Fork Park
If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Smithville, Smith’s Fork Park offers 84 full hookup sites. The park is also equipped with restrooms and showers, and you can even fish in the lake. Smithville also has a thriving downtown with several unique shops.
The city’s 7,000-acre Smithville Lake is a popular family destination. The lake features several boat launching areas and two full-service marinas. The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Visitors can also enjoy the two public beaches on the lake.
The downtown Smithville historic district is filled with historic buildings, including the State Theater, IOOF Lodge Hall, and C.C. Kindred Motor Company. You can also learn how to play golf at the Paradise Pointe Golf Course and take your kids to their own junior golf camp. You can also visit Lake Remote Park & Nature Area, where you can hike, bike, and enjoy the gorgeous natural lake.
Camping is another great activity in Smithville. Smithville has two campgrounds located on the lake. You can either stay in the campground above the dam or on the bank. Both campgrounds have electric and water hookups and showers.
Smithville’s Fork Campground
Located at the Smithville Fork Drive, this campground has 84 sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground also offers showers and restrooms. Visitors can also enjoy fishing in the lake. Nearby, the Smithville Historic District features 30 buildings built between 1868 and 1964. Many of the buildings are of Gothic Revival style.
Smithville’s Fork Campground is a full service campground and family-friendly destination. Situated near Smithville Lake’s dam, it offers easy access to outdoor adventure. The park offers Haunted Campground events each October. Reservations are required and there is a two-night minimum.
Another camp site is Crow’s Creek Campground, which is operated by the Clay County Parks Department. It is a popular destination for campers and equestrians. The campground is accessible by boat or RV and offers 415 sites.
Guests may also visit nearby playgrounds or walk along the lake. The campground also allows fishing and boating. The campsites are close together, which is a good feature for campers who like to mix with other campers.
Smithville Dam
Smithville Dam is located in the northwestern part of Missouri, near the Nebraska border. It was completed in 1977 and is home to Smithville Lake. The dam has a visitor center that honors the late American politician Jerry Litton, who died in a plane crash near the lake. The dam is operated by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and is the district’s tenth-largest lake.
Smithville Lake is home to a 250-acre park with a lighted football field, soccer fields, and tennis courts. The park also features a Haunted Campground every October 22. It is open from April 1 to October 31. Camping is allowed, but there is a two-night minimum.
Bicycle railway is a historical feature of Smithville, Missouri, and was built during the unpaved era, connecting nearby towns and industrial centers in as little as 10 minutes. The train has since been decommissioned, but it remains a wonderful attraction that visitors can explore. Ravine Nature Trail begins next to the boat launch, and is a walking-only trail with bumpy wood chips. From here, hikers can see a beautiful view of the lake.
Fishing in Smithville Lake is an exciting activity. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including flatheads and channel catfish. The lake is also stocked with blue catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. You can also try your luck at catching tiger muskie and crappie.