From wide-open lake views to wooded trails and playful community parks, Go North KC’s outdoor scene is unmatched in the Kansas City region. Just minutes north of downtown, you’ll discover the kind of fresh-air escapes that feel a world away. Whether you’re paddling at sunrise, chasing fall colors, or letting the kids run wild at a riverside playground, this is where the Northland shines.
7,000 acres of water. 175 miles of shoreline. Endless adventure. Boating, fishing, sailing, swimming, and camping make Smithville Lake the centerpiece of outdoor life in Clay County. With two marinas, sandy swim beaches, and more than 60 miles of surrounding trails, it’s a destination worth a day — or an entire weekend.
Choose your pace, choose your view. From paved lakeside paths to rugged single-track, Go North KC boasts more than 60 miles of trails. Cycle along the Missouri River, hike through oak-hickory forest, or saddle up for equestrian adventures. Trailheads connect easily to campgrounds and picnic areas, making it easy to turn a hike into a full-day experience.
Family fun, riverfront views, and historic charm. Whether it’s the giant animal sculptures of Penguin Park, the bluffs of Weston Bend State Park, or the riverside walkways at English Landing, parks across Clay and Platte Counties invite exploration. Pack a picnic, join a festival, or simply breathe in the open space — each park offers something unique.
Most parks and trails are stroller- and kid-friendly, with wide, paved paths, and nearby parking.
Spring wildflowers, summer swims, fall colors, and winter eagle-watching make outdoor life here a year-round draw.
Explore outdoors, then stop by a local brewery, café, or downtown district for the perfect Northland day.
