Seven lakes and shoreline areas along the Little Platte River define the Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area. In Clinton County, historic trails and seasonal offerings complement the outdoor experience. You can therefore plan your stay around the landscape, cultural heritage, or date-dependent activities; for visits tied to specific dates, it is worth confirming the arrangements in advance.
Nature and Water
In the northeast, the McGee Family Conservation Area borders the Little Platte River on both sides. There are opportunities for public hunting, fishing, and hiking; posted regulations apply to all three activities. A boat ramp on Hwy. C near the McGee Family Conservation Area provides access to Smithville Lake.
The Ronald and Maude Hartell Conservation Area includes seven lakes and shoreline areas along the Little Platte River, also called Smith Fork. Nature-related offerings also include fishing clinics, demonstration sites, and nature trails; the program may vary. The area has three accessible parking spaces, an accessible floating fishing dock, and two accessible restrooms. Check the condition of these facilities before your trip.
At Trice-Dedman Memorial Woods, you can hike, watch birds, enjoy wildflowers, and explore the area. The oak forest, with old-growth white oaks, boulders, and low limestone outcrops, offers a different landscape from the lakeshores and riverbanks of the conservation areas.
Local History and Special Visits
The free Historical Homes Walking Tour in Plattsburg consists of three loops, each about half a mile long. They pass around 25 notable homes and churches. Check the route information before setting out. The Jefferson Highway is also part of the local landscape: a mural in Plattsburg recalls the road, while historical markers in Cameron and Plattsburg mark its former route.
Deer Creek Cabin is a log cabin built in 1829 that was moved log by log and rebuilt near Plattsburg. During hands-on introductions, visitors learn historical skills such as grinding coffee beans, dipping candles, churning butter, and husking corn. Visits are by appointment only; when planning, also confirm which introductions are being offered.
The Riley-Carmack House was acquired by the Clinton County Historical Society in 1976 to display donated items. The house itself was built between 1886 and 1888 in the Eastlake style. The two dates refer to different parts of its history: the house’s construction and its later acquisition by the Historical Society.
Seasonal Experiences and Local Offerings
At Dandelion Creek Company, guests can bottle-feed a baby goat in spring by appointment. Confirm seasonal arrangements in advance. The company also makes small-batch soap from the milk of its own Alpine and Saanen goats, which are raised on its farm near Plattsburg.
The Abbey of Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles welcomes visitors to attend Mass and walk around the grounds. Confirm visitor arrangements and restrictions on private areas in advance. Lathrop’s All-Inclusive Playground is located in John W. Burns Memorial Park.
The Lathrop Antique Club holds a show featuring antique tractors and cars, a flea market, a mule show, fireworks, and other events several times a year. The program may change from year to year, so check the dates if you want to plan your stay around a visit.
Plan Your Accommodation Around Visit Dates
If Deer Creek Cabin, the spring feeding, or a Lathrop Antique Club event is important to your stay, confirm the arrangements beforehand and then plan your accommodation around the confirmed travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Cameron, Platte, Phelps, Adair County, St Louis, Bates County, Vernon County, Johnson County.
For the broader travel overview: Missouri.
