PLATTE COUNTY, MO
County Offices
415 3rd Street
Platte City, MO 816-858-2232
www.co.platte.mo.us
Chamber of Commerce
634 NW Englewood Road
Kansas City, MO 816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
Named for the river that meanders through the region, Platte County offers the peaceful feeling and rural scenery reminiscent of the gracious Old South. Tobacco barns, vineyards, and apple orchards punctuate the countryside, interspersed with growing industrial parks and handsome new construction in a growing number of housing developments.
Located north of Wyandotte and Jackson Counties and downtown Kansas City, Platte County overlooks the point where the Missouri and Kansas Rivers meet. Here, you’ll find a number of small river cities marked by hometown charm and Midwestern friendliness. The drive to Kansas City is a quick and easy one. In fact, about ten percent of Kansas City is actually located in Platte County.
Early historians referred to this fertile area as the “Land of Promise” for its rich agricultural value. Although picturesque farms add to the charm and rural appeal, modern business and industry has discovered the gold mine of Platte County’s open spaces and superb transportation networks. A significant factor in the local economy is transportation. Kansas City International Airport is a focal point for the entire metroplex, employing thousands of workers. Increasing air freight and passenger traffic have spurred several multi-million-dollar expansions in recent years. KCI Airport is conveniently located on Interstate 29 just 22 miles from downtown Kansas City. In addition to bus, rail, and trucking services, an excellent network of freeways and highways link Platte County to key corporate and business centers throughout the metroplex. Also in recent decades, Platte County has added millions of square feet of office, retail, and industrial space to the agribusiness it has traditionally supported.
Services
Platte County youth receive a quality education in four public school districts that offer personalized attention, modern technology, and strong parental and community involvement. In this region of relatively small towns, support for and involvement in educational activities are strong. In addition to private and parochial school options, the metroplex provides a good selection of opportunities for higher education.
An extension of Maple Woods Community College, the Northland Career Center, Park College, and Webster University are all available right in Platte County. The latter two institutions offer a good selection of undergraduate degrees and select graduate programs. Webster University is well-suited to serve early and mid-career professionals who are looking for a strong academic program with enough flexibility to accommodate busy schedules.
As part of the Kansas City metroplex, Platte County is able to offer residents healthcare options that remain on the cutting edge of research and technology. With more than 25 regional hospitals to choose from, residents will find a full range of medical and surgical specialties at a reasonable distance from home. Walk-in clinics, nursing services, home care, rehabilitation centers, mental health facilities, fitness and wellness programs, and community services are all available within the metroplex to meet needs from routine to advanced.
Lifestyle
Lifestyles in Platte County are as diverse as the housing options, which range from well-maintained older homes in quiet neighborhoods to historic farm houses, large country estates, and modern construction in a pleasing mix of architectural styles. The rolling hills that characterize the Kansas City portion of the county offer some of the area’s most luxurious properties, distinguished by innovative architecture that takes full advantage of nature’s gentle slopes and spectacular views.
Platte County residents enjoy a quick and easy trip to Kansas City’s finest resources, including symphony, opera, theatre, museums, galleries, concerts, and world-class shopping districts like The Plaza or Hallmark’s Crown Center. For leisure fun in right in their own “backyard,” Platte County residents enjoy activities and attractions that have been developed to satisfy every age group. Local riverfront parks and wildlife areas abound, some of them with boat ramps, nature preserves, and hiking or biking trails. Little Bean Marsh Conservation Area offers acres of wetlands, 200 acres of which are suitable for fishing.
Equestrians will want to visit the Wild Rose Equine Center with its trail rides, open pit grill, picnic area, and farm-animal exhibit for younger children. For a relaxing stroll in a setting of pure beauty, discover the 17 acres of irises at the Comanche Acres Iris Gardens. For day or week use, Camp Shawnee nestles against the rolling hills that overlook the Missouri River, providing miles of nature trails, an Olympic swimming pool, biking and hiking paths, tennis courts, and arts and craft activities.
The town of Weston is home to a number of historical sites, including tours of the Weston Royal Brewing Company, located on the site of the 1840s “oldest brewery west of the Hudson River.” For a relaxing picnic near a waterfall or in a meadow, visit the Herbert Bonnell Museum with its 1874 working family farm home and outbuildings. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Weston County Museum displays Platte County life from prehistoric days through World War II.
Outdoor enthusiasts may prefer bird-watching, hiking, or biking at Weston Bend State Park. Also located in Weston is the Snow Creek Ski Area, drawing crowds from across the metroplex to its slopes. Beginner and intermediate runs include facilities for day and night skiing and snowboarding.
Around every corner, Platte County manages to harmonize the conveniences of urban living with rural charm. The Argosy Riverside Casino in Riverside draws adventurous visitors throughout the metroplex. Fine dining is available in a variety of restaurants, from four-star elegance to casual family fare. Yet, a drive along the winding country roads will usually uncover a poster advertising spring chickens, honey, or eggs. Farmer’s markets and sprawling orchards are common sights, with displays of fresh produce, baked items, jams and jellies, hand-crafted items, and seasonal plants.
Regardless of the town or village in Platte County that you choose to call home, you can look forward to the serenity and relaxed pace of true country living. When you feel like quickening the pace with professional sports or indulging in premier shopping and cultural activity, the bright lights of Kansas City are just across the river. Settling in comes easily in Platte County, where smiling faces and cheerful greetings will have you feeling “at home” before you can unpack that first box.
Parkville
Municipal Offices
816-741-7676
http://parkvillemo.gov
Chamber of Commerce
816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
Situated on a bluff for spectacular views of the Missouri River, Parkville is a small town filled with cosmopolitan amenities and advantages. Just nine miles from downtown Kansas City, Parkville offers charming older homes in picturesque neighborhoods, an historic local college, and well-developed recreational facilities. Originally established as a river port in 1830, Parkville is home to one of the region’s most beautiful and unusual campuses, Park College. Claiming two buildings of native limestone that are listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, the college features unique underground developments of classrooms, a library, and commercial operations. The cultural attractions of Kansas City are just minutes from home, although community theater is available right in Parkville. The Bell Road Barn Players continually delight local audiences with productions of Broadway hits, area premieres, and original scripts. Avid school boosters, well-organized team sports, and strong civic involvement make Parkville a close-knit community on the very edge of Greater Kansas City. The housing selection range from modest houses that are ideal for renovation to impressive new construction. Recreational highlights include golf courses, playgrounds, tennis courts, ball fields, and 100 acres of sanctuary wetlands with miles of hiking trails.
Platte City
Municipal Offices
816-858-3046
www.plattecity.org
Chamber of Commerce
816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
Serving as the county seat, Platte City is another picturesque river town that blends well-established older neighborhoods along tree-lined avenue with modern residential development. Guardian of the county archives, the city features the Ben Ferrel Platte County Museum and Platte County Courthouse. In addition to good local schools, Platte City is home to the Northland Career Center with a variety of training programs and vocational programs. Webster University offers a number of bachelor degree programs and select graduate studies. In Platte City, newcomers discover a well-balanced community that provides educational and social amenities associated with larger cities and towns. Guy B. Park Conservation Area offers hunting, fishing, nature studies, and wildlife viewing. Platte Fall Wildlife Area features 2,300 acres of land for picnicking, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, bird watching, archery, and a clay bird shooting area.
Platte Woods
Municipal Offices
816-741-6688
http://cityofplattewoods.org
Chamber of Commerce
816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
Ideally located along Interstate 29 just a few short miles from Kansas City International Airport, Platte Woods offers the intimate, small-town environment implied in its name. Surrounded by beautiful recreational communities like Weatherby Lake, Platte Woods is just minutes from Parkville’s considerable educational, cultural, and commercial development. In addition to the urban resources available in Kansas City, nearby amenities include a community theater, a community college extension, and the lovely Park College campus. Nearby recreational highlights include lakes for fishing, canoeing, and boating. Families and outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate easy access to ball fields and organized team sports, parklands with nature centers and hiking/biking trails, tennis courts, golf courses, and swimming pools.
Riverside
Municipal Offices
816-741-3993
www.riversidemo.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
As a northland suburb of Kansas City, Riverside is best known for its pleasing residential districts, recreational attractions, a large industrial park, and an extensive business district. Located just minutes from the Kansas City Downtown Airport and well-served by a strong network of freeways, Riverside is a natural choice for continued commercial and industrial development. Surprisingly well-developed for a city with a mid-sized population, Riverside provides the close-knit community spirit of a smaller town within easy access of the finest cultural, educational, and social amenities of the metroplex. Nearby lakes provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and canoeing for water-sport enthusiasts. Lush parks offer diverse amenities that include river access, playgrounds, swimming pools, hiking paths, sports fields, and tennis courts. Golf courses are available close to home in Platte County and neighboring Kansas City.
Weatherby Lake
Municipal Offices
816-741-5545
www.cityofweatherbylake-mo.gov
Chamber of Commerce
816-455-9911
www.northlandchamber.com
One of the more recent residential developments in the metroplex, this residential community was constructed around a man-made lake surrounded by panoramic rolling hills and lush greenery. Originally developed as a recreational area of summer homes, Weatherby Lake has evolved into a viable community filled with handsome permanent residences. Although the population continues to grow, strict zoning laws have been successful in preserving the rural and rustic feeling that first established the community as a recreational and residential haven. Local celebrations and festivities abound, along with hobby clubs and civic organizations. Weatherby Lake is often dubbed the best-kept residential secret in the Northland. Water sports, boating, and fishing are the primary amenities in this lakeside community. Other common pastimes include tennis, golf, horseback riding, and nature walks.
Weston
Municipal Offices
816-640-2752
www.westonmo.com
Chamber of Commerce
816-640-2909
www.westonmo.com
Historic Weston draws throngs of visitors as well as new residents to its charming atmosphere and first-rate amenities. Offering a slice of American heritage served with Midwestern hospitality, the city features magnificent antebellum homes and other historic sites, tobacco barns, fruit orchards, educational farms, the old distillery, and an award-winning winery. Colorful festivals and celebrations dot the annual calendar, celebrating local lore and seasonal holidays. Other major attractions include snow skiing, four-star dining, wonderful antique shopping, live musical entertainment, and Weston Bend State Park on the bluffs of the Missouri River where Lewis and Clark walked. The city parks add tennis courts, a basketball court, open recreational space, and picnic facilities. Few places in the Kansas City Metro area can rival Western for old-fashioned charm and appeal.
