Visitor Center

The Jerry Litton Visitor Center is located 25 miles north of Kansas City, Missouri. The center is situated near the dam on Smithville Lake and serves as a regional point-of-interest in the rapidly expanding urban area north of metropolitan Kansas City. The center highlights the life of late Representative Jerry Litton who gained fame for his political prowess and revolutionary agricultural ideas. Additionally, the center tells a complete overview of the Corps of Engineers mission relating to management of a 7,200-acre reservoir. An integral part of our mission is stressed through interpretive displays dealing with our natural surroundings and resource protection.

Annually, approximately 25,000 visitors enjoyed the center and we continually strive to make displays dynamic and exciting so local visitors will be encouraged to come back to the center time and again. The center is also utilized for interpretive programming with local school groups, scouts and various civic organizations. A sixty-seat theater is utilized by other agencies for coordinated meetings such as training sessions, hunter safety classes and water safety classes. It also offers a comfortable area to watch many different wildlife, outdoors, and water safety videos.

An interactive video kiosk is located in the main lobby of the visitor center. The kiosk has a touch screen monitor that makes use easy for even the youngest visitor. Just follow the on screen instructions and browse through such topics as history of the area, managing the lake, sightseeing, the Flood of 93, fishing tips and learn about your nature Missouri plants and animals through a fun game of Tic Tac Toe.

The visitor center is self-guided with push button activation on many of the exhibits. Information is updated to reflect current issues but still cover the history of the area, the history of flooding and our water resources. An aerial photo mosaic of the lake along with a topographic map showing Smithville Lake’s watershed are available for viewing in the lobby.

The visitor center has an aquarium and a bird viewing area. The 100-gallon aquarium is located just inside the visitor centers main doors. It houses fish native to Smithville Lake such as crappie, catfish, bass, and sunfish. The bird feeding area is located in the rear of the visitor center and offers a great view of the birds as well as the lake. Feeders of different varieties have been installed to attract as many species of birds as possible. Trees and scrubs have also been added to improve habitat for the birds.

Jerry Litton Visitor Center hours:

April: 8 - 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday
(Starting April 13) 12 - 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

May - September: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday thru Sunday

October - March: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday thru Friday

The Litton Center is looking for volunteers who enjoy speaking with the public and providing friendly customer service. If you would like to volunteer please call Derek Dorsey, Volunteer Coordinator, at 816-532-0174 for more information.