Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Reading Time: 9 minutes

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Geographic Coordinates: 38.917100, -94.381600

Climate: Climate and weather patterns in Lee’s Summit, United States vary throughout the year.

Population: 100772

Language: English

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Lee’s Summit is a vibrant city located in Jackson and Cass counties in the state of Missouri, United States. With a population of around 100, 000 residents, It is the sixth-largest city in the state. Nestled just southeast of Kansas City, Lee’s Summit offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. One of the highlights of this thriving community is its rich history. Founded in 1865 as the Town of Strother, It was later renamed Lee’s Summit after an early settler named Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea.

Today, Remnants of its past can be seen through well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks that dot the cityscape. Lee’s Summit boasts an exceptional quality of life with its excellent schools, Safe neighborhoods, And ample recreational opportunities. The award-winning public school district consistently ranks among the top districts in Missouri for academic achievements and extracurricular programs. For outdoor enthusiasts, There are numerous parks and green spaces to explore within Lee’s Summit. Longview Lake Park offers a picturesque setting for fishing or boating on its expansive lake while Powell Gardens showcases stunning botanical displays across its 970 acres.

Additionally, Fleming Park provides opportunities for hiking trails, Camping sites, Horseback riding trails, And even an off-leash dog park. The vibrant downtown area serves as a hub for entertainment and cultural experiences. Here you’ll find charming boutiques offering unique shopping experiences alongside art galleries showcasing local talent. The historic train depot has been transformed into an interactive museum that delves into Lee’s Summit’s history through exhibits highlighting various eras. Residents also enjoy a diverse culinary scene with an array of restaurants ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining options offering international cuisines to satisfy any palate.

Lee’s Summit hosts several annual events that draw visitors from near and far. Oktoberfest brings together locals to celebrate German heritage with live music performances while Downtown Days features carnival rides, Food vendors, And live entertainment. The city also hosts a variety of farmers markets, Art festivals, And holiday celebrations throughout the year. With its rich history, Strong sense of community, And abundant recreational opportunities, Lee’s Summit is an inviting place to call home. Whether you’re exploring its historic downtown district or enjoying the great outdoors at one of its many parks, This vibrant city offers something for everyone.

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1. Longview Mansion: A historic mansion built in 1914 with beautiful gardens and a scenic view.
2. Powell Gardens: A botanical garden spanning over 900 acres, featuring various themed gardens and exhibits.
3. Summit Fair Shopping Center: A popular outdoor shopping mall with a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
4. Missouri Town 1855: An open-air museum showcasing life in the 19th century with historical buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
5. Legacy Park: A large park offering walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, fishing ponds, and picnic areas.
6. Lee’s Summit History Museum: A small museum highlighting the history of Lee’s Summit through exhibits on local culture, industry, and notable figures.
7. James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: An expansive wildlife refuge offering opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, fishing, hunting (seasonally), and nature photography.
8. Paradise Park: An amusement center featuring mini-golf courses, go-karts tracks, arcade games, laser tag arena, rock climbing wall, and other family-friendly attractions.
9. Stonehaus Farms Winery: A local winery offering wine tastings and tours of their vineyards along with a charming event space for weddings or special occasions.
10. Unity Village: The international headquarters for Unity Church is known for its beautiful grounds featuring fountains, gardens, walking paths, and a stunning rose garden.

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1. Healthcare: Lee’s Summit is home to several hospitals, medical centers, and healthcare facilities. Companies like Saint Luke’s East Hospital and Truman Medical Centers provide employment opportunities in the healthcare sector.
2. Manufacturing: The city has a strong manufacturing presence with companies like WireCo WorldGroup (wire rope manufacturer), GEHA (healthcare solutions provider), and Honeywell (aerospace products) operating in Lee’s Summit.
3. Education: The education sector is significant with the presence of several public and private schools as well as higher education institutions such as Metropolitan Community College – Longview Campus.
4. Retail: There are numerous retail establishments throughout the city, including shopping centers like Summit Woods Crossing and Summit Fair that house various stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
5. Technology: Lee’s Summit has a growing technology industry with companies specializing in software development, telecommunications, IT services, and data management. Examples include Cerner Corporation (healthcare information technology), DST Systems Inc., now part of SS&C Technologies Holdings Inc., which provides financial services software solutions.
6. Financial Services: The city hosts branches of major banks such as UMB Bank and Central Bank of Kansas City along with other financial service providers offering banking services to individuals and businesses.
7. Construction: Given its growth rate over recent years, construction plays a significant role in Lee’s Summit’s economy. Numerous construction companies operate within the area to meet the demand for residential housing developments as well as commercial projects.
8. Professional Services: Various professional service firms are present in Lee’s Summit offering legal services, accounting services, consulting firms among others catering to both individuals and businesses.
9. Hospitality & Tourism: With its scenic landscapes around lakes such as Lake Jacomo or Longview Lake Park along with recreational activities available at Fleming Park or Paradise Park Family Fun & Adventure attract tourists contributing to hospitality and tourism-related businesses like hotels, restaurants, and event venues.
10. Agriculture: Though not as prominent as in the past, agriculture still plays a role in the local economy with some farms and agricultural businesses operating within or near Lee’s Summit.

These industries collectively contribute to the economic growth of Lee’s Summit, providing employment opportunities and driving local commerce.

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1. Early Settlement: Lee’s Summit was founded in 1865 as the Town of Strother after its founder William B. Howard. It was later renamed Lee’s Summit in honor of Robert E. Lee and his surrender at Appomattox Court House.
2. Civil War Connections: Although Lee’s Summit is not directly associated with any significant Civil War battles, it played a role as a transportation hub for Confederate troops during the conflict.
3. John Wornall House: The John Wornall House is an important historical landmark in Lee’s Summit that dates back to 1858. It served as a field hospital during the Battle of Westport (1864) and offers insights into life during that period.
4. Harry S Truman Connection: While not born or raised there, former U.S President Harry S Truman had connections to Lee’s Summit through his wife Bess Wallace Truman, who was born there in 1885.
5. Longview Farm: Longview Farm was once one of America’s most prominent showpiece farms owned by Kansas City lumber baron R.A Long from 1913-1932 before becoming an educational institution known as Longview Community College.
6. Unity Village: Unity Village is a spiritual retreat center and headquarters for the Unity School of Christianity founded by Charles Fillmore in 1906-1907.
7. James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: This wildlife area covers over 3,000 acres and is named after James A Reed – a U.S Senator from Missouri who served from 1910 to 1935.
8. Michael Phelps Connection: Michael Phelps – Olympic swimmer and holder of numerous world records – attended high school at The Hilltop School located within the city limits of Lee’s Summit.

These are just a few examples of the notable historical events and people associated with Lee’s Summit, United States. The city has a rich history that continues to be celebrated and preserved by its residents.

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1. Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum: This museum showcases the history and heritage of Lee’s Summit through exhibits, artifacts, and photographs.
2. Longview Mansion: A stunning mansion built in 1914, offering guided tours that take visitors through its luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens.
3. Missouri Town 1855: Step back in time at this living history museum, where you can explore a recreated 19th-century town with authentic buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.
4. Unity Village: A serene campus featuring beautiful gardens, fountains, walking trails, and the Unity Tower – an architectural marvel with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
5. Summit Art Space: This art center hosts rotating exhibits by local artists and offers workshops for both adults and children to explore their creativity.
6. Lea McKeighan Park & Sculpture Garden: A peaceful park showcasing various sculptures by local artists amidst landscaped gardens – perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
7. The Stone Church Museum: Housed within a historic church building dating back to the 1870s, this museum displays artifacts related to local history as well as hosting art exhibitions.
8. Legacy Park Amphitheater: Enjoy outdoor concerts and performances at this picturesque amphitheater surrounded by green space and walking trails.
9. James A Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: Explore nature trails in this expansive wildlife area known for its diverse flora and fauna including wetlands, prairies forests lakeshores etc., providing ample opportunities for hiking or birdwatching.
10. Paradise Park Family Fun & Adventure Center: Ideal for families with children; it offers mini-golf courses go-karts tracks laser tag arenas along with indoor arcade games ensuring hours of fun-filled entertainment!

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1. Lee’s Summit West Titans (High School Football): The Lee’s Summit West High School football team has had great success in recent years. They won the Missouri Class 5 state championship in 2010, 2012, and 2013.
2. Lee’s Summit North Broncos (High School Football): The Lee’s Summit North High School football team has also had its share of success. They reached the Missouri Class 6 state championship game in 2003 and won the title in 2004.
3. Sporting Lee’s Summit Soccer Club: Sporting LS is a youth soccer club based in Lee’s Summit that provides competitive soccer opportunities for boys and girls of all ages. The club has produced many talented players who have gone on to play at collegiate and professional levels.
4. Kansas City Comets (Indoor Soccer): While not directly based in Lee’s Summit, the Kansas City Comets indoor soccer team plays their home games at the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, which is located within the city limits of Lee’s Summit.

These are just a few examples of sports teams with histories in or around Lee’s Summit, United States. There may be other local or community-based teams as well that have their own unique stories and accomplishments.

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1. Downtown Days Festival: This annual event takes place in downtown Lee’s Summit and features live music, food vendors, a carnival, arts and crafts booths, and various activities for all ages.
2. Oktoberfest: Held in September or October, this German-inspired festival includes beer gardens, traditional food vendors, live music performances, dancing, and cultural displays.
3. Missouri Town 1855 Events: Missouri Town is a living history museum that showcases the life of early settlers in the region. They host various events throughout the year including reenactments, historical demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
4. Lee’s Summit Symphony Concerts: The Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra performs several concerts throughout the year featuring classical music as well as popular favorites.
5. Fourth of July Celebration: Lee’s Summit hosts an annual Independence Day celebration with fireworks displays at Legacy Park along with live music performances and family-friendly activities.
6. Festival of Lights Parade: This holiday parade takes place in downtown Lee’s Summit during December to kick off the Christmas season. It features illuminated floats, marching bands, Santa Claus appearances, and festive decorations.
7. Farmers Market Events: The Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market hosts special events throughout the year such as cooking demonstrations by local chefs or themed market days celebrating holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving.
8. Art Walks: Several times a year on Friday evenings from April to October, downtown Lee’s Summit holds Art Walks where local artists display their work at various galleries and shops while visitors can enjoy live entertainment and refreshments.
9. BooFest: This Halloween-themed festival offers trick-or-treating opportunities for children at participating businesses in downtown Lee’s Summit along with costume contests and other spooky activities.
10. Outdoor Concert Series at Legacy Park Amphitheater: During summer months (May-September), Legacy Park Amphitheater hosts free outdoor concerts featuring local musicians covering different genres like rock ‘n’ roll, country, blues, and jazz.

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1. Third Street Social: This restaurant offers American comfort food with a modern twist. Popular dishes include bacon-wrapped meatloaf, fried chicken, and shrimp and grits.
2. Long-Bell Pizza Co.: Known for their wood-fired pizzas, this restaurant also offers a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and salads.
3. Summit Grill: A neighborhood grill serving classic American dishes such as burgers, steaks, seafood, and pasta.
4. Pearl Tavern: A seafood-focused restaurant offering fresh oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls, fish tacos, and other coastal-inspired dishes.
5. Habanero’s Mexican Restaurant: A family-owned Mexican eatery known for its authentic flavors and traditional dishes such as enchiladas, fajitas, tacos al pastor.
6. Llywelyn’s Pub: An Irish pub offering a variety of pub fare including fish & chips, shepherd’s pie along with an extensive selection of beers on tap.
7. Stuey McBrews: A local brewpub featuring craft beers brewed on-site along with a menu of burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and wings.
8. Tasty Thai: Offering traditional Thai cuisine such as pad Thai noodles, tom yum soup, and green curry.
9. Rock & Brews: A rock ‘n’ roll-themed restaurant serving American comfort food like burgers, wings, pizza along with an extensive beer list.
10. Lee’s Summit Farmers Market: A seasonal farmers market where you can find various locally grown produce, baked goods, homemade jams, jellies, honey, etc.

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1. Legacy Park: This park offers various amenities such as walking trails, soccer fields, baseball fields, a fishing lake, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
2. Longview Lake Park: Located on the shores of Longview Lake, this park provides opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming at the beach area, hiking trails, picnic spots, and camping.
3. Fleming Park: It features Blue Springs Lake where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing. The park also offers trails for hiking and biking along with picnic areas.
4. James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area: This nature reserve provides opportunities for birdwatching (including an eagle nesting area), hiking trails through diverse habitats like prairies and wetlands.
5. Howard Station Park: A small urban park featuring a historic train depot building that serves as a museum showcasing local history.
6. Summit Waves Aquatic Center: A waterpark offering slides, wave pools, lazy river rides for cooling off during hot summer days.
7. John Anderson Park: It features sports fields like baseball diamonds and soccer fields along with walking paths and playgrounds.
8. Miller J Fields Park: A community park offering sports facilities like basketball courts along with open spaces for picnics or playing games.

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