There’s Something Special Happening in Excelsior Springs, MO

Maybe it’s the historic downtown lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, patios, and tasting rooms. Maybe it’s the sound of live music drifting through downtown on a summer evening. Or maybe it’s the way Excelsior Springs invites visitors to settle in and stay a while.

Located just outside Kansas City, Excelsior Springs has quietly become one of Missouri’s favorite small-town getaway destinations for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, weekend travelers, and those searching for an experience that feels authentic.

Start your visit in downtown, where historic architecture meets an energetic mix of boutiques, wine bars, breweries, coffee shops, and locally owned restaurants. Beautifully preserved storefronts create a setting that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly alive. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon shopping can easily turn into a wine tasting, dinner on a patio, and live music just a few doors away.

Food and drink have become a defining part of the Excelsior Springs experience, with visitors often surprised by the variety found within one walkable district. From craft cocktails and standout dining to roasted coffee, local beer, and curated wine experiences, Excelsior Springs continues to grow into a destination centered around flavor and hospitality.

One stop might lead you to a cozy wine tasting with friends. Another could turn into dinner beneath string lights with cocktails in hand and live music drifting nearby. Around the corner, you may discover a hidden bar, a local brewery pouring small-batch craft beer, or a chef-inspired dish you’ll still be talking about long after the weekend ends.

And of course, no visit is complete without experiencing the trolley.

The Excelsior Springs Trolley has become one of the community’s signature experiences, connecting visitors to wineries, breweries, downtown shopping, historic attractions, and events throughout the year. Whether you’re exploring downtown, enjoying a wine tour, or simply taking in the ride itself, the vintage-style trolley adds a nostalgic charm that has become part of the Excelsior Springs experience.

Excelsior Springs is also a community that knows how to celebrate.

Throughout the year, downtown comes alive with events that bring thousands of visitors together for food, drinks, music, shopping, and entertainment. Signature events like the Wine Festival, Chocolate Tour, Waterfest, and the nationally recognized BBQ & Fly-In on the River create the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway. Even on an ordinary weekend, visitors may discover sidewalk dining, concerts on the lawn, wine tastings, brewery events, or community celebrations happening throughout downtown.
But beyond the events, restaurants, and shopping, visitors remember how Excelsior Springs makes them feel.

Excelsior Springs offers the kind of atmosphere people are craving more and more — relaxed, welcoming, and genuine. You’ll find friends gathered around patio tables sharing wine flights and charcuterie boards, couples spending the afternoon shopping downtown before checking into a historic hotel, and families exploring murals, parks, and community events.

A visit wouldn’t be complete without experiencing The Elms Hotel & Spa, one of Missouri’s most iconic historic destinations. For generations, The Elms has welcomed guests seeking relaxation and restoration. Today, visitors can enjoy overnight stays, spa experiences, craft cocktails, dining, and easy access to everything Excelsior Springs has to offer.

Excelsior Springs blends historic charm with modern energy in a way that feels vibrant and unforgettable. It’s a place where weekends feel a little slower, conversations last a little longer, and every stop feels like a new discovery waiting to happen.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, Excelsior Springs offers a getaway that feels both timeless and unexpectedly vibrant.

Plan your trip at VisitExcelsior.com •