Excelsior Springs Parks Isley Park Woods, a 15 acre designated Missouri Natural Area within East Valley Park. Just south of Isley Boulevard/10 Highway off Golf Hill Drive, find a lovely old growth north-facing upland forest, typically predominately oak/hickory, but with many other trees (basswood, black walnut, sugar maple, and so forth, as well as a rich understory). Thousands of spring wildflowers, a variety mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects are also to be found here. A paved walking trail along the north edge parallels the park road. Further up in the woods is an undeveloped nature trail. East Valley Park stretches from Golf Hill Drive to Isley Boulevard, and boasts three shelter houses and a view of thick forest on one side and the Fishing River on the other. Old stone benches, built in the early part of the 20th century when the park was designed by renowned architect George Kessler, dot the park up in the woods and provide a fine place from which to watch the birds and animals. Isley Park Woods is a part of this park. Siloam Mountain Park, above East Valley, is accessible from Garland, off Highway N. This hilltop park gives a lovely view of the town, the treetops, and the weather. Oak trees of many kinds are found here, and three shelter houses provide a comfortable place to picnic or birdwatch. A nature trail connects Siloam Mountain to the previous two parks. Playground equipment in the park is featured in above photo. Fishing River Linear Park, as its name implies, borders the river, just north of East Valley Park. It boasts an asphalt walking trail that parallels the river from Golf Hill Drive, dives under Highway 10, and extends to Highway N. Here you'll find different plant communities as well as resident ducks, geese, red-winged blackbirds, herons and other water-loving birds, frogs, tadpoles, fish, turtles and many other transient creatures that may come here for a drink. Paul Craig Park is south of Broadway and lies adjacent to Jim E. Piburn Ballfield. The park offers playground equipment. The ballfield has lights and restrooms. Sunnyside Park at Dunbar and Beverly Streets offers ADA accessible playground equipment, two gazebos and grills for picnicking, a favorite for family fun. Kibler Park is a one acre park on Dunbar Street. ADA accessible playground equipment, swings, and a basketball court are available. Lincoln Park on Osage Street offers a gazebo, playground equipment and grills. Raper Park can be found at Orrick and Seybold Roads. Raper Park covers 16 acres and offers natural areas and a grassy open field for softball, baseball, soccer and flag football. Kent and Outlook Park is at Kent and Outlook Streets. The park consists of a tennis court and basketball courts. Regent Park on Marietta Street offers a tennis court, basketball court and swings. Wildwood Park winds around St. Louis and Wildwood Avenues offering a natural area. Excelsior Springs Golf Course was established in 1915 and is located on Golf Hill Drive. Click here for more details. Hwy. 69 Walking Trail and Bicycle Trail runs from Wornall to the Excelsior Springs Medical Center (0.7 mile). West Complex is between West High and Middle School. It consists of three ball diamonds with lights and is used by both adults and youth. Includes a concession stand, restroom facilities and shelter houses. Also features four tennis courts. Other Parks and Natural Areas Just south of Excelsior Springs near the junction of Highway N and 210, you will find Cooley Lake Wildlife Area and Cooley Missouri River Access, both owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These sites, comprising 1,348 acres, include the old oxbow lakes that were once part of the Missouri, upland forests, loess bluffs, limestone outcrops, and old fields, in addition to the river access just south of Highway 210. They offer fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and, on the river, boating as well. For other activities allowed here, contact the Missouri Department of Conservation's Metro Office, at 816-655-6250. The Department also manages the Rush Creek Natural Area, which is part of the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary, a privately owned and operated site that includes prairie, forest and Rush Creek itself for a wide range of habitat and nature observation. Here there are 96 acres in all, 53 of the Nature Sanctuary proper and 43 in the Rush Creek Natural Area. The Sanctuary has a beautiful nature center, with gift shop, books, classroom areas and displays. Contact them at 816-781-8598. Return to top