Going to Clinton, Mo.

Getting there For most Kansas Citians, the convenient route to Clinton is by Missouri 7. Take U.S. 71 south to Harrisonville, then drive east about 45 minutes. If you live east of Kansas City, take Interstate 70 east to Missouri 13, then south through Warrensburg. Clinton is about 75 miles from Kansas City. What to see The town square is formed by Washington, Main, Franklin and Jefferson streets downtown. Take Business 13 (Second Street) south from Missouri 7. Henry County Museum is west of town square on Franklin. The Katy Trail begins in Clinton; exit at the junction of Missouri 52 and Missouri 7/13. A short bike path connects the trail head to the Clinton Community Center. You can park your car at the center while riding the trail. If you're planning to bike the entire Katy Trail, register at the center, then again when you get to St. Charles. You'll get a certificate heralding your achievement. The Henry County Museum has a variety of exhibits, including a replica of a Victorian household and a make-believe Main Street with fully stocked replicas of a general store, harness shop and one-room schoolhouse. The annex houses several restored antique automobiles and a genealogy library. Some truly odd arcana is here, too, including an enormous "Magnetic Healing Device," circa 1900. Everything is in excellent condition, and the museum is well laid out. It is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, from April through December. Phone (660) 885-8414 for information on group tours. A short drive away is Truman Dam, the Truman Reservoir and the Lost Valley Hatchery and Visitor Center. From Clinton, drive a half-hour east on Missouri 7, then look for the access road on your left as you approach Warsaw. The newly opened fish hatchery, one of the nation's 10 largest, has a visitor center with a 12,700-gallon aquarium and windows that look in on the breeding tanks. Where to stay A new Super 8 Motel (660-890-6188), at the intersection of Ohio Street and highways 7/13/52, has a pool and continental breakfast. Also near that intersection: the Best Western Colonial (660-885-2206), and a Days Inn (660-885-6901). At the intersection of highways 7 and 13 are a Knights Inn (660-885-2267) and Safari Motel (660-885-3395). Where to eat Take breakfast at the no-frills Uchie's Fine Foods on the town square, then lunch at the Ben Franklin Coffee House, which features sandwiches and quiches. Breanna's Old Fashioned Soda Fountain is cluttered but clean and serves great sodas and shakes. For dinner, Mexican seems to be the local specialty. There's Ernesto's on the square and, south of town, El Sambre. If you make the short drive to Truman Lake, a good choice is the Captain's Club in Warsaw (660-438-6256), a seafood-and-steaks joint overlooking Drake Harbor. To learn more Contact Clinton Main Street at (660) 885-2121 or www.clintonmomainstreet.com, or call the Chamber of Commerce at (800) 222-5251. @ART CAPTION:Clinton @ART:Graphic (color map) @ART CREDIT:The Kansas City Star