Introduction to Lee's Summit, Missouri
Lee's Summit is located in Jackson county. It was the hometown of the well known outlaw Cole Younger. Lee's Summit features numerous locations for outdoor activities.
History
In the 1850s the area was incorporated as "The Town of Strother." In 1868 it was renamed Lee's Summit. During the year 1885 a fire destroyed most of the business district. In 1912 R.A. Long began the construction of his estate known as Longview Farm, in the western portion of town. When the construction was over the large acreage included a mansion, five barns, 42 buildings and a church. The acreage became internationally recognized as a showplace farm.
Attractions
- Historic downtown is popular for shopping and for restaurants
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church is included in the National Register of Historic Places
- Summit Woods Crossing is a primary shopping center
- Oktoberfest
- The historic train depot is home to the Chamber of Commerce
- Longview Mansion and Farm is a well know and beautiful acreage and includes an impressive home and numerous historic structures
- Battle of Lone Jack Battlefield and Civil War Museum
- Bynum Winery
- Lee's Summit Symphony
- Independence Center Mall is one of the biggest shopping centers in the region
- Powell Gardens includes scenic waterfall areas
- Strotherfest
- Old Missouri Town features a living historical museum
- Stonehaus Farms Vineyard and Winery offers tours and scenic views
- Unity Village features Mediterranean style buildings and forest areas
- Greenwood is a popular destination for antique shopping
Activities
Blue Springs, Longview and Jacomo lakes provide opportunities for boating, swimming, skiing, camping and hiking. Bailey Park, Winterset Nature Area and Legacy Park are popular destinations. The nearby Burr Oak Woods State Forest is a scenic outdoor retreat. Blue and Gray Park is enjoyed by residents and visitors for horseback riding and cross-country skiing. The Jim Bridger Urban Conservation Center provides hiking opportunities in a scenic forest acreage.
The James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area includes forest areas, wetlands, lakes, prairie landscape, and is popular for fishing. The Kemper Outdoor Educational Center includes reptiles, rock and fossil exhibits, nature hikes and wild life exhibits. Savanhland Education Park features a vast number of exotic animals such as kangaroos, zebras and monkeys. The Native Hooved Animal Enclosure showcases buffalo, elk and deer.
Golf enthusiasts enjoy the numerous local golf courses including Fred Arbanas Memorial Golf Course, Shamrock Hills Golf Course and Lakewood Oaks Golf Club. Paradise Park is popular with families. It features mini-golf, go-karts, bumper cars, batting cages and a large game room. The Tunnel Town & the Pirate Voyage offers a lot of activities for children.
Higher Education
The University of Central Missouri-Summit Campus, Baker University-Lee's Summit, Unity Institute and Longview Community College are located in the area.