The City of Pleasant Hill is filled with wonderful sites and rich with history. Don't miss out on the many things to do and see. Some of our community attractions include:
- 1903 Missouri Pacific Depot
- Cass County Fairgrounds
- City Lake
- Civil War Historic Sites
- Historic Business District
- Historical Society Museum
- Kellogg Opera House
- Old Town Jail
- Rock Island Spur of the KATY Trail
- Trails
- Veteran's Memorial
Rock Island Spur of the KATY Trail State Park
Pleasant Hill is a prime location for trail enthusiasts with the State of Missouri's westernmost trailhead located in City limits. The Rock Island Spur of the KATY Trail State Park is a 47.5-mile trail from Pleasant Hill to Windsor. At Windsor, the trail connects to the 240 mile stretch of the KATY Trail that goes between Clinton to the west and Machens to the east in St. Charles County.
The Pleasant Hill Trailhead is located at 308 W. Commercial Street. Long-term parking is available at the Police Department located at 300 E. Commercial Street. It is recommended to notify the Police Department of your intent for long-term parking along with anticipated dates of departure and return.
The Pleasant Hill Trailhead is accessible for bicyclists and hikers. Equestrian users can access the trail from the Purvis Road parking lot and areas to the south.
For more information, visit Rock Island Spur or call City Hall at 816-540-3135.
City Lake
Outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty of options at City Lake. With 90 acres of water, camping, a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits, City Lake is a getaway for a day or the weekend. Camping can be reserved by calling Jay Walters, Lake Caretaker at 816-946-0310. Boat permits can be obtained at City Hall.
Read more about the City Lake
Trails
The MoPAC Trail system connects the Rock Island Spur to amenities at City Lake. The MoPAC Trail winds through historic downtown Pleasant Hill and connects to City Lake. Additionally, the City Lake offers a MoPAC Single Track Trail for those looking for a more rugged terrain. Other recreational trails are present throughout the community.
Read more about the trail and park system
Historic Business District
Our historic business district has a unique character and is located within a few blocks of the Rock Island Spur of the KATY Trail. With 50 historic buildings including the prominent 1903 Missouri Pacific Depot, this commercial district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Downtown Pleasant Hill
The Pleasant Hill Depot
A focal point of Pleasant Hill (formerly a bustling railroad division point) is the carefully restored 1903 Missouri Pacific Depot. The fine old brick building, the scene of two robberies and a "shoot-out", contains photography and artists studios, shops, and public restrooms. A tour of this monument to the town's past and the adjacent Depot Park will delight and inspire visitors of all ages.
Civil War Historic Sites
At least 15 skirmishes were fought in and around Pleasant Hill during the Civil War, as Union forces faced Confederate guerilla bands which included William Quantrill, Cole Younger, and Frank James. Pleasant Hill also suffered as part of the "Burnt District" created by the infamous Order No. 11. The Civil War Monument located in Downtown Pleasant Hill identifies Civil War sites and tells the story of our community and our people during the War between the states.
Veteran's Memorial
Erected in 2006 by the Pleasant Hill V.F.W., the beautiful Defenders of Freedom Veteran's Memorial in Downtown Pleasant Hill is a fitting tribute to the men and women of the armed forces. It is dedicated to all veterans, past and present, whose service is recalled with the motto: "Some gave all; all gave some." Inscribed bricks line the walkways of this imposing structure, which also features an authentic piece of military ordinance on permanent public display.
Kellogg Opera House
In 1898, the Kellogg Opera House was constructed on the rock foundation of an old mill. Built in an architectural style known as Romanesque REvival, it is one of the last and best remaining examples of this style in the Kansas City region. Performances of many types, including Vaudeville, graded the Kellogg Opera stage. The famous orator and politician William Jennings Bryan spoke there in 1900.
Old Town Jail
Before the railroads came through Downtown Pleasant Hill in 1865, the bulk of the community was located along what is now Missouri 7 Highway. Almost all the structures in the early frontier settlement, known as "Old Town" Pleasant Hill were either destroyed during the Civil War or removed over the years. Today, the last remaining vestige of "Old Town", apart from the Pleasant Hill Cemetery, is a stone structure which in 1865 served as a jail. A private residence and businesses are located on this property today.
Historical Society Museum
Our free history museum features photographs, family history files, and memorabilia related to the rich history of Pleasant Hill.
Learn more about the Pleasant Hill Historical Society
Cass County Fairgrounds
The City of Pleasant Hill hosts the Cass County Fair every year in July. The Fair features tractor pulls, motorsports, rodeos, carnival rides and games, exhibitor booths, food, fireworks, and fun for all ages. The Fairgrounds are also utilized for other community events and festivities throughout the year.
More information about the Cass County Fair