Liberty Has it All

Liberty is alive with the sound of the future under construction. What began as a frontier trading post on the Missouri River in 1822 has blossomed into a thriving center of commerce and cultural activity. Drive along Liberty’s major thoroughfares, and you’ll see progress – new businesses and houses at every turn. The city is equally proud of its rich heritage that dates back to the legendary Jesse James’ gang riding through the historic downtown square. Combining a burgeoning business community with quiet neighborhoods makes Liberty an excellent place to raise a family and locate a business.

Major interstates, north to south and east to west, connect Liberty to the state and the rest of the country. Nearby Kansas City International Airport offers transport to major national cities. Liberty’s easy access places the entire nation within easy reach.

Liberty’s proximity to Kansas City offers residents quick access to such diverse attractions as –

• Zona Rosa shopping center
• Legends shopping center
• The Country Club Plaza shopping district
• The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
• Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks
• Science City and Union Station
• Kansas City Zoo
• Kansas City sports teams – Chiefs, Royals, Current, Monarchs, Sporting KC and Mavericks
• Kansas Speedway

Within its borders, Liberty attracts residents of all ages. Liberty’s highly recognized school district contains eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools, one academy, and one early childhood center.

As for cultural life, Liberty has it all. Residents enjoy many attractions – a symphony orchestra, civic theater, annual festivals, three historical museums, the Clay County Archives, William Jewell College’s Fine Arts Program, an extensive public library, 100 civic, fraternal, social, professional, veterans, and youth organizations, and a 50,000-square-foot multi-purpose community center offering year-round swimming, physical activity areas, community meeting rooms, and a performing arts theater.

Four distinct seasons, although none too severe, refresh the community. The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 83 degrees. January records the coldest temperatures, with an average of 28 degrees. Liberty averages 38 inches of rain annually.

Religious life in Liberty reflects the diverse population. More than 30 congregations representing numerous religious denominations offer services and activities for children, adults, and seniors. Contact the Liberty Chamber at (816) 781-5200 for a complete listing of Liberty Area churches.

The historic Liberty Square serves as the heart of the city. A significant renovation has preserved this active center of shops, restaurants, and businesses. Five local historic districts surround the square, as do many buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

As you see, Liberty provides small-town charm with quick access to big-city events. As the county seat for Clay County, Liberty keeps a pulse on the county and state government. Liberty continues to celebrate its past while looking eagerly toward the future.

Performing Arts

The Liberty Performing Arts Theatre is a hub for live performances. It hosts various events, including plays, musicals, concerts, dance recitals, and community theater productions. The theater provides a platform for local talent as well as touring performances.

William Jewell College’s fine arts programs often showcase student talent in music, theater, and dance. The college hosts concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances open to the public.

Liberty benefits from collaborations between local artists, schools, businesses, and arts institutions. These help foster creativity, artistic expression, and audience engagement.

Whether you’re interested in attending live theater performances, concerts, dance shows, or other forms of entertainment, Liberty’s performing arts scene offers something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

Recreation and Fitness

Sports enthusiasts find a plethora of activities surrounding Liberty. Northwest of Liberty, Smithville Lake is a 7,200-acre lake with more than 175 miles of shoreline that offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. These include boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. There are several boat ramps and marinas around the lake for easy access to the water. Smithville Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch various fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, walleye, and bluegill. The Crow’s Creek Trail and Little Platte Trail are popular options for outdoor enthusiasts exploring the region’s natural beauty. RV and tent camping options include picnic areas, restrooms, and playgrounds. Seated picnic areas and recreational spots are scattered around the lake, making it a great destination for family outings, gatherings, and outdoor leisure activities.

The Liberty area is home to three golf courses. The Staley Farms 18-hole golf course is the newest private golf course in the Northland and offers bent grass fairways. Hodge Park Golf Course and Shoal Creek Golf Course, located along Missouri 152 Highway west of Liberty, feature a scenic wooded setting with three lakes and a creek. Paradise Pointe offers two 18-hole championship courses in nearby Smithville that run along the lake.

Liberty residents can enjoy more than 500 acres of parks, 10 miles of multi-use asphalt trails, and 6 miles of primitive trails across the City. The Parks & Natural Resources Division maintains the grounds, landscaping, shelters, restrooms, and amenities, including soccer fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, spray grounds, and two dog parks.

The Liberty Community Center houses a fitness center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a game room, and the performing arts theater. Programs are available for youth, adults, and seniors.

The Capitol Federal Sports Complex of Liberty opened in 2002. This multi-million-dollar facility features various sporting events on its 146-acre site, including softball, baseball, soccer, and football. The complex offers amenities not seen in most facilities. The site has eight ponds used to irrigate the fields and provide aesthetic beauty to the park through lighted fountains. The complex also has more than two miles of walking and jogging trails.

Shopping and Dining

Shoppers and diners find a wealth of temptations in Liberty. The Historic Downtown Liberty Square offers a unique mix of retail shops, including antique and gift stores and various independent restaurants.

Liberty is home to more than 1,000,000 square feet of retail space. From single-owner shops surrounding the historic square to larger shopping centers along major thoroughfares, Liberty offers convenient one-stop shopping.