Everything You Need to Know About Smithville, Missouri
Smithville is a small community with abundant areas of natural beauty. Smithville Lake, exceptional schools, and a historic downtown make it a special place to live. Smithville, about 15 square miles, is a part of metropolitan Kansas City, and is located in Clay County on the Little Platte River. The Little Platte is dammed just east of the city to form the Smithville Reservoir.
Blake’s Favorite Things About Smithville
About Smithville
Charming small-town feel, surrounded by beautiful nature to enjoy and explore
Distance to Downtown
20 miles / 25 minutes
Outdoor Spaces
Smithville Lake, Paradise Point Golf Complex, 25 miles walking and bike trails, 26 miles equestrian trails
Distance to Airport
13 miles / 15 minutes
School District
Smithville R-ll
Amenities
The Smoke and Davey Trail System, Smithville Lake, great access to outdoor activities, smaller schools and ideal student-teacher ratios
Walk Score
53
Gym
Shape Fitness Center at St Luke's
Bar
Little Platte Distillery, Ladoga Ridge Winery
Closest Hospital
Saint Luke's North Hospital - Smithville Campus
Shopping
Farmer's and Maker's Market, locally-owned boutiques and shops
Events
Smithville Gravel Grinder Bike Race, Clay County 4-H Fair, Backyard BBQ Bash, Smithville Lake Fest, Lighted Christmas Parade
Fun Facts About Smithville
Smithville’s Claim to Fame is the late Wallace Beery, a silver screen star born and raised here. He appeared in 250+ films during his 36-year career. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for The Champ, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Best Restaurants in Smithville
Sand Bar at Paradise Pointe
The Sand Bar at Paradise Pointe at Smithville Lake is Kansas City area's only floating restaurant! Bands every Saturday in the summer. Outside seating only.
KoZak’s Laketown Grill
KoZak’s Laketown Grill is open for lunch and dinner featuring fresh ingredients and made from scratch menu items, local craft beers on tap, wine, and signature crafted cocktails. Enjoy eating gooey butter cake on the patio.
Family Traditions Cafe
Family Traditions Cafe serves a tasty breakfast in addition to home-cooked fried chicken, daily specials, bakery items, and PIE!
Chop's BBQ
Chop’s BBQ is a downtown favorite serving wings, sliced brisket, pulled pork, fried tenderloin, burnt ends, and homemade pork rinds.
DJ’s Express Coffee
DJ’s Express Coffee serves great coffee, delicious pastries, and breakfast offerings.
Smithville is named after Humphrey “Yankee” Smith after he settled at the site in 1822. The town was originally known as “Smith’s Mill” but ultimately became “Smithville” as it was easier to pronounce.
Ladoga Winery
The Ladoga Winery sits on four acres of vineyards, and you can taste a variety of wines from sweet to dry. Options of Indoor and outdoor seating with great ambiance and spectacular view and sunsets, and occasional live music.
Apollo House
The Apollo House is named so for the statue of Apollo on its cupola. In the late 1880s, the Evans family came to Smithville and made their home on Main Street. Mr. Evans operated a Grocery and Confectionary and sold mineral water. In 1902, he started a soda pop factory (Apollo Lithia Springs). Apollo, The Mythical Greek God of Healing, has stood staunch and secure for the past 100+ years to date. Alice Evans purchased it at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904 at a cost of $125.00. Fun Fact: “Soda Pop” got its name from the cork stoppers that “popped” when the stopper was pushed down.
Mayes Elk Farm
Visit Mayes Elk Farm just to take in the beauty of these animals. They can easily be seen from the road. There is a high demand for bred cows, meat, and velvet antlers although Mayes only raises the animals to sell as breeding stock for elk farmers in the West and Midwest.
Smithville Lake
Smithville Lake attracts an estimated 1.5 million visitors each year as well as countless wildlife including Canada and Snow Geese and an estimated 170+ Bald Eagles. There is a nature preserve,picnic sites, two swim beaches, 777 campsites, reservable shelters, two full-service marinas including boat rentals, and one sailboat-only marina and great fishing from boat or shore.
Spend a day in beautiful Smithville and you will know why it is a desired destination for those who long to live quietly, but with quick access to numerous convenient amenities include metro Kansas City.
