The Essential Guide to Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Less than 30 miles from Kansas City, Missouri, you’ll find one of the most unique destinations in the Midwest—Excelsior Springs.

For generations, people across the country have come to this Midwest town to visit and bathe in the “healing waters” of its mineral springs, which are rumored to have curative powers. At the height of its popularity, there were 40 mineral water springs peppered throughout town, and its flagship hotel, The Elms Hotel & Spa, once attracted celebrities, underworld big shots, and even U.S. presidents with its legendary spa and baths. But while a spa visit is still essential, it’s far from the only thing to do in town.

“It’s like Mayberry meets Hallmark,” says Daphne Bowman, resident and owner of Willow Spring Mercantile, a local shop and cafe. “We love seeing the locals come and support the downtown district, but we love meeting all these new people who visit, too.”

Home to a little over 10,000 people, Excelsior Springs is a tight-knit, homey community, and the best way to experience it is by strolling its downtown, which is lined with dozens of local shops and restaurants. Adventurers at heart will be pleased to find that there are over 90 acres of parkland located within the town and that it is surrounded by rolling hills and gorgeous river valleys.

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Excelsior Springs.

Best Things to Do

A visit to Excelsior Springs certainly calls for a spa day. Those seeking a soak and a bit of pampering should book treatments at The Elms Hotel & Spa. Originally built in 1888, the historic Tudor Revival-style property still has an impressive spa with mineral water-focused treatments, and one of the best spots in the Midwest to indulge in relaxing treatments.

Excelsior Springs’ downtown is just steps away from The Elms. The red brick buildings lining Broadway Avenue date back to the early 1900s, and many are decorated with large, colorful murals depicting scenes from the town’s past. To learn more about the town’s storied past, head to the Hall of Waters Museum and Visitor Center. Siloam Springs was discovered here in 1888, and the Hall of Waters was built by the Federal Public Works Administration. It was here that the town’s four varieties of mineral waters were bottled, and two public bath houses were opened to the public.

For those in search of retail therapy, Excelsior Springs has a number of specialty shops. At Solana, choose from a range of luxe home accessories or make your own candle perfumed with a custom-blended scent. Style By Ry is stocked with colorful wardrobe pieces for all sizes and offers personal styling services.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the area’s hiking and biking trails. Siloam Mountain Park sits atop a hill overlooking the Fishing River valley, a favorite among both local families and visitors for its easy-to-navigate, forested walking paths. If you’d like to chase waterfalls, head east of town to Tryst Falls Park for a peaceful stroll along Williams Creek and its naturally occurring cascade.

Excelsior Springs is also home to a thriving wine scene, with three locally-owned wineries a short drive (or trolley ride) from town. Some notable stops include Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery, Van Till Family Farm Winery and Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, which all use Missouri-grown grapes such as chardonel, norton, hambourcin, and vidal blanc to create a range of wines, from sweet to bone-dry.   

“We’ve enjoyed watching the wine industry flourish in this area,” says Shriti Plimpton, owner of Fence Stile Vineyards. “Excelsior Springs is a gem that provides a quick getaway, and its rolling hills provide the perfect place to plant grapes.”  

You’d also be hard-pressed to find another small town with a more robust events schedule than Exclesior Springs. From February’s Chocolate Tour to the annual Waterfest and the Lyrics on the Lawn outdoor concert series, it feels like there’s always something fun happening here.

Where to Eat and Drink

Willow Spring Mercantile, an Excelsior Springs mainstay for more than 20 years, prides itself on its array of Missouri-made gourmet foods, wines, plus many other goodies. Bonus: downstairs, there’s a bistro that serves up small plates, sandwiches, and salads, perfect for weekend brunch.

Steaks, meat, and seafood are the focus at Ventana Gourmet Grill downtown, and the delicious pastas also make for terrific sides or entrees. The excellent Casa Di Vite Mediterranean restaurant has small bites, salads, and a terrific wine list, with vintages from around the world.

Finally, whiskey aficionados should run, not walk, to Warbird Whiskey. The downtown watering hole pays tribute to American aviation history with an extensive rye, bourbon, and scotch menu. The Golden Hands cocktail is the perfect toddy, made with Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, lemon juice, and hot honey syrup.

Where to Stay

Many weekenders check into the The Elms Hotel & Spa for good reason. It’s a serene, wellness-focused haven with a long, rich history. 

“The Elms Hotel & Spa was truly built around the town’s mineral waters and is considered one of the most historic spa destinations in the Midwest,” said Lacee Mawby, director of sales and marketing at The Elms Hotel & Resort.  “The healing mineral waters put Excelsior Springs on the map in the late 1800s, and The Elms became a cornerstone of that legacy.”

As one of the nicest hotels in the state of Missouri, The Elms attracted a high-end clientele from all across the country—including infamous figures like Al Capone, “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and Bugsy Moran. But the hotel’s most notable guest was arguably Harry S. Truman, who came to the resort in 1947 and learned of his victory in the presidential race on the radio on the property.

Today, the resort skillfully balances its historic past with modern amenities. Each of its 153 rooms and suites has a chic neutral color palette and is stocked with luxe linens and fluffy robes perfect for lounging. The legendary Spa at the Elms has an expansive menu of treatments, including facials, massages, and halo therapy. The healing properties of the town’s springs are still celebrated in the adjacent Grotto, a large hydrotherapy area kitted out with steam rooms, thermal soaking tubs, and self-serve aromatherapy sugar scrubs.

Excelsior Springs also has several other lovely inns and rentals: the Bates/Jewel House is a four-bedroom restored cottage, perfect for a girls’ weekend or couples getaway. You could also spend the night in the town’s former jail with a stay at the Payne Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast. Hope Loft, a cozy, romantic space housed in a historic white rock building downtown, is also a favorite.