Clay County is one of two counties that comprise the Northland of metropolitan Kansas City. Southern Clay County is right next to downtown Kansas City, home of the exciting new entertainment district, the new Sprint Arena, expanded convention facilities and other exciting historic, entertainment and business destinations. Northern Clay County retains rural, rolling hills that feature sites such as Smithville Lake, Watkins Mill State Park and the Jesse James birthplace. Other entertainment in Clay County includes everything from the famous Worlds of Fun/Oceans of Fun amusement park to gaming Casinos.

Overall, Clay County is among the fastest growing regions in the metropolitan area and contains several unique features. The area is home to Kansas City International Airport, and Clay County hosts the area's "corporate jet" capital, the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. All of this and a rare combination of beautiful housing, top-ranked schools, dynamic development and beautiful open space.

With scenic rolling hills and a strong rural heritage, Clay County is the scene of some of the area's most exciting residential developments. Half a dozen world-class golf facilities and imaginative, self-contained communities are among the most recent developments.

Education is one of the region's strong points. Clay County's public and private schools are among the best in the region. Learn more through the special EDC committee, the Northland Education and Business Alliance. William Jewell College, honored by Time Magazine, is located in Liberty while Maple Woods Community College is located in Kansas City.

Some of Clay County's amenities you shouldn't miss

The 7,200-acre Smithville Lake leads recreational features. Located almost completely in Clay County, Smithville Lake offers boating with more than 175 miles of shoreline, two full-service marinas, a special sailboating area, golfing, renowned fishing, trapshooting, hunting and swimming. Some of the area's finest camping areas are divided among three manicured parks, which include handicap accessible features, riding and hiking trails. More than 20 miles of paved biking trails and 12 miles of off-road riding draw riders from throughout the Midwest. Equestrians also love Smithville Lake for the separate riding areas through scenic, isolated wildlife areas. For additional information on Smithville Lake, call the Clay County Department of Parks and Recreation at (816) 407-3400.

If you like history, you'll love Clay County. From the county-operated Jesse James home to antebellum homes in several area communities, the region is rich in heritage. Hodge Park in Kansas City not only includes two golf courses, ball fields and an amphitheater, it also features the unique Shoal Creek Village historic area. The EDC is among the important supporters of the Northland Trails and Greenways initiative, an exciting development that will combine history, recreation and more.

Another highlight is the area's established and growing artistic amenities. The Northland is rich in this area with the established Excelsior Springs Community Theatre, the new Liberty Corbin Theatre, William Jewell's world-famous Fine Arts Program, the Northland Symphony Orchestra and Theatre in the Park.