At La Due Bottoms Conservation Area, Henry County reveals itself from two different perspectives: waterfowl fly over the eastern section, while the two western sections provide habitat for quail, rabbits, deer, turkeys, and doves. The three noncontiguous areas cover a total of 361 acres. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can explore different highlights without viewing the area as a single landscape.
Prairie, Water, and Wildlife
Chapel View Prairie Conservation Area has a different landscape character. Located in Henry County, it covers 384 acres and consists primarily of native prairie with tall grasses. In June, the area draws birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts, making early summer a seasonal highlight for this landscape.
Montrose Conservation Area is also an important natural landmark in the region. This 2,750-acre area in Henry County attracts waterfowl, waterfowl hunters, and birdwatchers. Montrose Lake, by contrast, is known for its excellent catfish fishing. Clinton also provides access to the 56,000-acre Truman Lake. These locations and areas appeal to different nature interests, from prairies and wildlife habitats to waterfowl and fishing.
History in Buildings and Along Old Trails
The Henry County Museum features five historic buildings and thousands of artifacts about the history of Henry County, Missouri. Tours last an average of one to two hours. This gives you a concrete time frame to consider when planning a museum visit.
The Clinton Square Historic District offers a different perspective: added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, it includes 85 Victorian- and Italianate-style buildings. The buildings stretch across about ten city blocks. While the museum brings history together in buildings and collections, the historic district spans an entire neighborhood.
An older trace leads to the headwaters area of Connor O. Fewel Conservation Area. An Osage trail once ran there, connecting Kansas City and Warsaw. This history of the trail adds a historic connection between two cities to the stories told by the buildings and artifacts.
The Katy Trail and Getting Around Clinton
Katy Trail State Park is designed specifically for hiking and biking. In the Clinton area, the Katy Trail follows the former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, also known as the MKT or Katy, for 240 miles between Clinton and Machens. Along the route are 26 access points and four fully restored railroad depots. The route thus combines a dedicated hiking and biking experience with a visible railroad history.
Clinton is located at the junctions of Highways 7, 13, and 52. In the area around town, the Parks and Recreation Department offers basic camping facilities at the Community Center along the Katy Trail. The equestrian parking area at the Henry County Fairgrounds is across Price Lane from the Clinton Trailhead. These practical details complement the area's nature and cultural offerings with useful information for visitors with different interests in the trail.
When choosing accommodations, your trip's main focus can be a helpful guide: Henry County's history can be found in its museum, historic district, and the story of the Osage trail; each natural area offers its own highlights, from prairie to waterfowl. You can tailor your trip to the discoveries that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Clinton, Webster County, Putnam County, Pettis County, Clinton County, Vernon County, Marion County, Clay.
For the main travel overview: Missouri.
