Swensrud Park

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Parks

Missouri

Nearby: Ochee Yahola County Park Elk Creek Marsh State Refuges

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Swensrud Park, located in the state of Missouri, offers a delightful and scenic experience for visitors seeking outdoor recreation.

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Summary

Situated in the town of Excelsior Springs, this park boasts several reasons to visit, various points of interest, intriguing facts, and an ideal time to plan your visit.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: Swensrud Park is known for its lush greenery, beautiful trees, and picturesque landscapes. Nature enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in the park's serene and tranquil atmosphere.
2. Outdoor Activities: The park provides opportunities for various outdoor activities, including hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. Its well-maintained trails, picnic areas, and abundance of wildlife make it an ideal spot for outdoor adventurers.
3. Family-Friendly Environment: Swensrud Park offers a safe and family-friendly environment for visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy the playgrounds, while families can relish picnics in designated areas.

Points of Interest:
1. Lake Maurer: The park features Lake Maurer, a serene and scenic body of water. Visitors can fish in the lake or simply enjoy the peaceful view.
2. Walking Trails: Swensrud Park offers various walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's natural wonders. These trails are well-marked and range in difficulty, accommodating both casual strollers and avid hikers.
3. Historic Fountain: One of the park's notable features is a historic fountain, adding charm and character to the surroundings.

Interesting Facts:
1. Origins: Swensrud Park was established in 1957 upon a generous donation of land by Mr. Victor Swensrud, a prominent local businessman.
2. Historic Significance: The park was once home to an amusement park in the early 20th century, providing a nostalgic touch to the area.
3. Wildlife Habitat: Swensrud Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Swensrud Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the park's natural beauty is at its peak. Spring brings blooming flowers and vibrant foliage, while fall showcases the stunning colors of changing leaves. It is advisable to check local weather conditions before planning a visit, as extreme temperatures or inclement weather may affect outdoor activities.

Please note that while this information has been gathered from multiple sources to ensure accuracy, it is always recommended to verify details and check for any updates before planning your trip to Swensrud Park in Missouri.

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SWENSRUD PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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