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Outdoor Living
Blue Springs is a beautiful community that offers our residents and visitors unique ways to interact with nature. Below are a few resources to help you safely explore our bike/walk trails, boating and canoeing options, camping and several other outdoor activities.
Burr Oak Woods
Blue Springs residents have the unique opportunity to experience several Missouri habitats simply by visiting the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area found north of I-70.
Things To Do at Burr Oak Woods
- Bird Watching
- Demonstrations
- Exhibits/Displays
- Hiking
- Nature Viewing
- Tours
Located just beyond Pink Hill Park, the 1,071 acres of land are maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation to provide visitors with a rare learning experience that mixes interactive, hands-on displays and unique wildlife viewing. Visitors will find six designated trails and nine facilities for their enjoyment including natural features such as limestone outcrops, restored glades, woodlands and established prairies. If you’re a novice outdoor person looking for ways to get started, Burr Oak Woods provides an easy transition with the option to hike and backpack with experienced staff. Both the beginner and more experienced wildlife-lover can explore the land through nature viewings, self-guided nature trails, bird watching and tours.
Nature Center
For the past 35 years, the Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center has provided youth and adults with handson exhibits that allow them to learn about Missouri’s forests, wildlife and fish. Families are encouraged to experience nature together by visiting the Center and enjoying the bird watch area, indoor wildlife viewing, the 3,000-gallon aquarium or one of the weekly workshops.
Fleming Park
Home to both Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo, Fleming Park is the largest of Jackson County Parks and it is located on Woods Chapel Rd.
Things To Do at Fleming Park
- Fishing
- boating
- canoeing
- kayaking
- windsurfing
- camping
Lake Jacomo
For those who like boating and water sports, the 970-acre Lake Jacomo is a perfect destination. This lake allows: motorized boating, pedal boats, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and other water sports. While there, visitors can enjoy dock fishing, use of the picnic shelters or the campgrounds. Park guests can also visit Missouri Town 1855, a historical site near the lake that depicts the 19th Century farming lifestyle.
Blue Springs Lake
This 720-acre lake offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy water fun with family and friends. Fishing is one favorite pastime at this lake where visitors regularly catch a variety of fish including bass, bluegill and catfish. Blue Springs Lake features a public beach, shelter houses and campgrounds. Water sports are limited at this lake, though power boating, water skiing and jet skiing are allowed.
Campgrounds
Jackson County Parks + Rec maintains two campgrounds in Fleming Park – open from March 31 to October 31. There are more than 100 campsites in the park with amenities including: showers, restrooms, electric hookups, full hookup, playgrounds and more.
Bike & Walk Trails
More than 35 miles of trails run through Blue Springs and serve as a convenient place for people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy the outdoors. The City maintains approximately 14 miles of bike/walk trails, both paved and unpaved, spread throughout seven parks and three roadways in Blue Springs.
Burr Oak Woods offers six hiking trails, paved and unpaved, that range from easy to moderate levels of navigation. It is also home to the award-winning Bethany Halls Trail that offers hikers a scenic route past native prairie planting and remnants from an old homestead. Fleming Park offers visitors seven trails for their enjoyment. Lake Jacomo is home to five nature trails where hikers can view native hooved animals and other topographical structures. Visitors can also use the fishing trail or multipurpose trail found at Blue Springs Lake.