Welcome to Clay County, MO
Outdoor recreation and a welcoming environment define Clay County
Clay County, MO, is a growing part of the Kansas City metropolitan area and is home to many of the area's most sought-after suburbs. It is rich in history and maintains a traditional, wholesome, and welcoming environment. As the region sees new development and growth, more amenities add to the numerous benefits of living in Clay County.
What to Love
- Good mix of urban and suburban lifestyle
- Easy access to parks and lakes for outdoor recreation
- Many excellent urban amenities
- Unique festivals and events throughout the year
Local Lifestyle
With part of Kansas City residing in Clay County and numerous suburbs, there is a delightful mix of city and suburban life. The county features a variety of public and private lakes, so outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors. From trendy bars to boating on the lake, there is something for everyone.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There's a lot to keep you busy in Clay County. Try a new eatery like Trezo Mare Restaurant & Lounge, a posh Italian restaurant with a fireside lounge and a separate terrace. For great views of the city and delicious steak, Piropos Restaurant is a sophisticated Argentinean steakhouse.
The Village at Briarcliff is a charming Tuscan village shopping destination with fashionable boutiques and international cuisine to delight your taste buds at the numerous restaurants. Zona Rosa is a shopping mall with favorite national brands, a variety of dining options, an arcade, a comedy club, and other entertainment options.
Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is easily accessible with the numerous parks and lakes throughout the area. For instance, at Smithville Lake, you can enjoy swimming, boating, camping, bike trails, and more. Penguin Park is a Kansas City public park with a whimsical atmosphere. It is known for its giant animal sculptures but has classic park amenities like a picnic shelter and barbecue grills. English Landing Park is another popular park. On the river, you'll find a boat ramp, sand volleyball, trails, a playground, and a disc golf course, among other park features.
Clay County is brimming with activities, events, and attractions, so there's always something to do. All year long, there are a variety of unique festivals. The Jesse James Festival is an annual event with a 5K/10K, petting zoo, carnival, arts and crafts fair, and live entertainment. Gladfest allows the community to celebrate all things Fall Fest with entertainment, a marketplace, food vendors, and more.
Shatto Milk Company is a unique experience for anyone interested in dairy farming. Tour the farm, buy fresh dairy products from the country store, and check out their special events calendar. For an adrenaline rush, Worlds of Fun boasts roller coasters, thrill rides, a Snoopy kids' area, and live entertainment. Oceans of Fun is the affiliated water park where you can splash around and cool off.
Schools
The students in Clay County are served by nine excellent school districts and multiple post-secondary schools, including:
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Park University
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William Jewell College
