Utz Site

The Utz Site is an archaeological location situated on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, containing remnants of settlements from several centuries ago. Grassland and gentle hills cover the area where research has uncovered evidence of the former village that once stood here.

French explorers recorded this location in the 1670s as the principal village of the Missouri people before it was abandoned in the early 1700s. The site represented an important point where indigenous peoples and European traders came into contact and exchanged goods.

Excavations have uncovered tools and objects showing how the Missouri people lived and traded with European visitors. These finds reveal the daily routines and commerce that shaped life in this settlement.

Part of the site is accessible through Van Meter State Park, while other sections are privately owned and require permission to visit. Wear sturdy shoes since you will walk on grassy hills that can become slippery when wet.

Research has revealed connections between this site and nearby earthworks of the Old Fort, suggesting they were part of a larger connected network. This discovery helps archaeologists understand the true scale and structure of the historical settlement.

Location: Saline County

GPS coordinates: 39.27444,-93.25000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:24