Best Lakes in Missouri United States
Best Lakes in Missouri United States ,Nestled in the heart of the Midwestern United States, the captivating state of Missouri brims with diverse landscapes and an array of picturesque lakes that make every visit a memorable experience. These magnificent lakes range from naturally-carved oxbow lakes to breathtaking manmade water attractions, showcasing the sublime interplay between the forces of nature and human creativity. BearTravel, a reliable travel guide website, provides detailed information about these popular Missouri water attractions. Our exhaustive list of fishing, boating, and recreational spots in Missouri makes every trip planned through BearTravel unique and unforgettable.
BearTravel serves as the perfect platform for experiencing Missouri’s awe-inspiring lakefront scenes. It presents everything from the sparkling Ozark Mountain lakes to the hypnotizing vistas of the Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. Avid anglers and boating enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore renowned Missouri fishing and boating lakes like Bull Shoals Lake, Stockton Lake, Truman Lake, and Mark Twain Lake. For those who crave tranquility, state parks such as Stockton State Park, Meramec State Park, and Pomme de Terre State Park offer serene lakefront activities and scenic views, all listed on BearTravel. But the bewitching beauty of Missouri doesn’t stop there. BearTravel also features detailed information on other lakes such as Pomme de Terre Lake, Smithville Lake, Lake Wappapello, and Clearwater Lake. Before you embark on your Missouri lake adventure, BearTravel advises you to check with local authorities about the current opening times of these exquisite attractions.
Fellows Lake
Fellows Lake, an 860-acre reservoir established in 1955 via the construction of Fellows Lake Dam on the Little Sac River, provides Springfield, Missouri with an essential water resource. Alongside its primary function, it is a significant hub for muskellunge fisheries in Missouri, attracting fishing aficionados. Being close to Springfield makes Fellows Lake a favored weekend spot for barbecuing, picnicking, boating, and hiking. A vast grassy park on the lake’s northern side provides an ideal spot for kite flying. Largemouth bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie thrive in the lake, and boat owners benefit from two sizable docks and a marina with ample storage facilities.
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Address/Location: E Farm Road 66, Springfield, MO 65803
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Best for: Fishing, boating, picnicking, barbecuing, hiking, and kite flying
Ideal for: Families, anglers, boating enthusiasts.
Council Bluff Lake
Council Bluff Lake, a breathtaking 440-acre expanse, sits in southern Missouri, along the eastern boundary of the enormous Mark Twain National Forest. Dense forestry provides a canopy, and a 13-mile network of trails weaves its way around the lake, creating a compelling harmony of nature. The mountain waters thrive with redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie, attracting fishing enthusiasts. From May through September, children can enjoy swimming at the sandy Chapel Hill Beach. Campgrounds in the surrounding area cater to both tent and RV camping. For boating, convenient launches are available at the lake’s ends.
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Address/Location: Mineral Point, MO 63630
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Best for: Hiking, biking, swimming, camping, fishing, and boating
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, anglers, campers, and families.
Harry S. Truman Lake
Located close to Warsaw city, Harry S. Truman Lake, the largest lake in Missouri, came into being with the construction of the Kaysinger Bluff Dam in 1977 This colossal 55,406-acre reservoir generates hydroelectric power, controls floods, provides a wildlife sanctuary, and serves as a favored leisure site. Its waters, flowing from the Osage River, merge directly into the Lake of the Ozarks. Truman Lake, with 958 miles of shoreline and a 40-foot depth, encompasses several tributaries and hidden coves, perfect for kayak explorations. Various species, including crappie, largemouth bass, blue catfish, and flathead catfish, inhabit the lake.
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Address/Location: Warsaw, MO 65355
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Best for: Fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and hiking
Ideal for: Nature enthusiasts, families, anglers, and boating enthusiasts
Clearwater Lake
The Ozark Mountains of southeastern Missouri cradle the 1,600-acre expanse of Clearwater Lake, a testament to flood control ingenuity. The Clearwater Dam’s construction in 1948 created this lake, which also serves as an impoundment of the Black River. Water levels fluctuate between June and September, offering no vacation rentals on its shores. Despite this, Clearwater Lake has become a hub of local recreation near the City of Piedmont and three notable parks. It beckons outdoor enthusiasts with activities such as swimming, canoeing, boating, water-skiing, and fishing, marking it as an enticing destination.
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Address/Location: Piedmont, MO 63957
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Best for: Swimming, canoeing, boating, water-skiing, and fishing
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Bull Shoals Lake
Set in the serene Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals Lake spans 45,000 acres from northern Arkansas to southern Missouri. This reservoir, a result of Bull Shoals Dam’s construction in 1951 within the Upper White River Basin, manages flood control, generates hydroelectric power, and supplies the Marion County Regional Water District. The rocky shoreline of the lake encloses crystal-clear water teeming with fish, serving as an angler’s paradise and a tranquil mountain retreat. You can expect to catch crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, smallmouth bass, and trout. The non-freezing feature of the lake allows fishing and spear fishing all year round, and its excellent visibility attracts scuba divers. However, due to the cold water, recommend swimming only from May to September.
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Best for: Fishing, Scuba diving, Mountain retreats
Ideal for: Anglers, Families, Scuba divers
Blue Springs Lake
Located in the notable Fleming Park, Blue Springs Lake spans 720 acres in Jackson County, Missouri. This 3-mile long freshwater reservoir offers various family-friendly activities. Its tree-lined shores provide an ideal picnic setting, with shelters dotting the northeast shore. The western shore features multiple landings for jet-skiing, sailing, fishing, and canoeing. Fishing enthusiasts flock here for the abundant hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, and catfish. Boat rentals and a fish cleaning station cater to those eager to grill their fresh catch.
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Address/Location: 1500 NE Bowlin Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
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Best for: Family-friendly activities, Weekend getaways, Fishing
Ideal for: Picnics, Aquatic activities, Grilling
Smithville Lake
Initially created for flood control, water supply, and wildlife support, Smithville Lake now serves as a renowned outdoor activities hub. It now hosts a wide array of pursuits including fishing, hunting, swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and camping. The damming of the Little Platte River in 1965 birthed this 7,200-acre lake, situated near Smithville, Missouri. A variety of campgrounds, ranging from basic to electric, accommodate different preferences. Key swimming areas nestle within Smithville Lake Park, specifically Little Platte Park and Camp Branch Park. Miles of multi-use trails cater to hikers and horseback riders, winding their way around Smithville Lake. The lake attracts anglers, offering a diverse range of fish species including channel, blue and flathead catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, tiger muskie, and crappie.
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Address/Location: Smithville Lake, Smithville, Missouri
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Best for: Fishing, Hunting, Swimming, Boating, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Birdwatching, Camping
Ideal for: Outdoor Enthusiasts, Families, Nature Lovers, Anglers
Lake Taneycomo
Renowned as the nation’s prime destination for trout fishing, Lake Taneycomo lies nestled within the picturesque Ozark Mountain Region. Found in Taney county, it claims the title of the oldest member of the Branson Tri-Lakes group. The construction of the Powersite Dam on the White River in 1913 gave birth to the lake, marking it as Missouri’s first hydroelectric impoundment. Beyond power generation, the lake acts as a flood control mechanism and offers a popular recreational destination, with Empire Park standing out as a major attraction. The construction of Table Rock Dam in 1958 ushered cold water into Lake Taneycomo, turning it into a deep, cold, swift-running river-like body. This transformation enriched its marine life, hosting both warm and cold water fish species. Although fly fishing attracts many enthusiasts, it calls for caution during water releases from Table Rock Dam. Despite its unsuitability for swimming due to cold temperatures, the lake offers numerous exploration options with kayak and canoe rentals. Visitors can traverse the lush, forested lake banks and hike the scenic trails that dot the coastline.
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Address/Location: Taney County, Missouri
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Best for: Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing
Ideal for: Anglers, Hikers, Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers
Mark Twain Lake
Located in Ralls and Monroe Counties in northeastern Missouri, the 18,600-acre Mark Twain Lake graces the 2,775-acre Mark Twain State Park. The damming of the Salt River led to its formation. The construction of the Clarence Cannon Dam, about 63 miles upstream from where the Salt River joins the Mississippi River, marked the lake’s origin. The versatile Mark Twain Lake generates electricity, averts flooding, provides water, and nurtures fish and wildlife. The lake’s 285-mile shoreline hosts 20 boat launch ramps, attracting boating lovers who either bring their own boats or rent pontoon boats, ski boats, or jet-skis from local marinas. Anglers love the lake for its rich populations of catfish and largemouth bass. With no commercial or residential development, the wild shoreline makes a perfect spot for camping and nature study.
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Address/Location: Ralls and Monroe Counties, Missouri
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Best for: Boating, Fishing, Camping, Nature Observation
Ideal for: Boating enthusiasts, Anglers, Campers, Nature lovers
Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake, located in the scenic Ozark Mountain Region, spans from Branson, Missouri, to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, standing out as a premier recreational hotspot. The construction of Table Rock Dam blocked the White River in 1958, leading to the lake’s formation. Primarily serving flood control and hydroelectric power production, the lake features numerous public marinas. These marinas offer a variety of vessels for rent, such as pontoon boats, wave runners, fishing boats, and ski boats. Adventure enthusiasts can participate in parasailing, while tranquility seekers can board the Branson Belle, a classic paddlewheel river boat. The clear waters of the mountain lake lure scuba divers for exploration, and anglers find a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, appealing.
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Address/Location: Table Rock Lake, Missouri
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Best for: Boating, Parasailing, Scuba Diving, Fishing
Ideal for: Adventure Enthusiasts, Families, Scuba Divers, Anglers
Pomme De Terre Lake
Situated in the Missouri heartland, Pomme De Terre Lake offers a serene oasis, lesser-known and less frequented by visitors. The establishment of the Pomme de Terre Dam at the convergence of Lindley Creek and the Pomme de Terre River in 1961 gave birth to this captivating water body. The result was an unusually shaped “Y” lake, which stretches over 100 miles of shoreline, sprinkled with parks and nine camping spots. Pomme De Terre State Park, which incorporates the units of Pittsburg State Park and Hermitage State Park, surrounds the lake. These units offer enticing swimming beaches, boat ramps, playgrounds, shower facilities, and hiking trails, with Pittsburg Park featuring a marina and a boat ramp. Known as one of Missouri’s tranquil fishing destinations, the lake provides a variety of boat rentals, from ski-boats to jet-skis, and paddleboards to pedal boats. Despite its recognition among anglers for muskie fishing, the reservoir also supports a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
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Address/Location: Pomme De Terre State Park, Missouri
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Best for: Boating, Fishing, Camping, Hiking
Ideal for: Families, Nature Lovers, Anglers, Campers
Longview Lake
Nestled within the expansive 4,852-acre expanse of Longview Lake Park, Longview Lake spans 930 acres in northwest Missouri. The Little Blue River Project in 1968 primarily created it for flood control, while also nurturing wildlife and fish conservation and diverse recreational pursuits. Its close proximity to Kansas City attracts weekend recreation enthusiasts for activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, camping, water-skiing, tubing, jet-skiing, pontooning, and sailing. While authorities permit windsurfing, they limit it to Monday through Thursday and prohibit stand-up paddleboards. The full-service marina provides boat rentals, fuel, fishing equipment, bait, and boating essentials. The sandy beach beckons swimmers, and a series of paved walking trails and a 6-mile hard-surfaced bicycle route welcome walkers and cyclists.
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Address/Location: Jackson County, Missouri
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Best for: Swimming, Boating, Fishing, Camping, Water-skiing, Tubing, Jet-skiing, Pontooning, Sailing, Cycling
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts, Nature lovers, Water sports lovers, Cyclists
Lake of the Ozarks
Located just 180 miles from St. Louis and 170 miles from Kansas City, Lake of the Ozarks spans a colossal 55,000-acre aquatic domain. This impressive body of water, extending 92 miles and boasting over 1,150 miles of shoreline, came into existence when workers erected the Bagnell Dam on the Osage River in 1929 Private owners hold most of the lakeshore, except for Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s premier state park. Over 8 miles of trails lace the lakeshore, winding through rocky peaks, peaceful brooks, striking bluffs, and diverse Missouri flora. A wealth of fish, particularly bass, populate the lake, making it a hub for annual bass fishing tournaments. The park provides a range of camping options, presenting an idyllic long weekend getaway for couples. The entire lake welcomes swimmers, but two specific sandy beaches at Lake of the Ozarks steal the show.
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Best for: Fishing, Swimming, Camping, Hiking
Ideal for: Couples, Nature lovers, Anglers, Campers, Hikers
Stockton Lake
Situated within the western foothills of the picturesque Ozarks, Stockton Lake, spanning 24,900 acres, serves as a popular local leisure hub. The Stockton Dam, built in 1969, blocked the Sac River and Little Sac River, forming the lake. The dam aimed to produce hydroelectric power, ensure Springfield’s water supply, and manage floods. The scenic lake offers a wide range of activities including fishing, boating, assorted watersports, wildlife observation, hunting, and scuba diving. Anglers frequently flock to Stockton Lake, attracted by the variety of fish species including crappie, black, white, largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye, and bluegill. The expansive open water offers serene boat rides as well as adrenaline-pumping activities such as water-skiing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing.
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Address/Location: Stockton Lake, Missouri
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Best for: Fishing, Boating, Watersports, Wildlife Viewing, Hunting, Scuba Diving
Ideal for: Outdoor Enthusiasts, Families, Anglers, Scuba Divers
Wappapello Lake
As a pivotal Missouri reservoir, Wappapello Lake sprawls across the verdant Ozarks foothills. The strategic Wappapello Dam, built on the St. Francis River in the 1930s, actively contributes to flood control and produces hydroelectricity. This abundant reservoir attracts fishing enthusiasts and offers various outdoor recreation opportunities. Serving as a canvas for water sports and boating, the lake blends tranquility with adventure. Twenty-five ramps and numerous full-service marinas further enhance the appeal of this attractive locale.
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Address/Location: Wayne County, Missouri
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Best for: Fishing, Water Sports, Boating, Outdoor Recreation
Ideal for: Adventure Seekers, Nature Enthusiasts, Fishing Enthusiasts
McDaniel Lake
Situated about 5 miles from Springfield, Missouri, the artificial McDaniel Lake spans 300 acres and provides the city’s water. The construction of the McDaniel Lake Dam on the Little Sac River in 1929 gave birth to this lake, making the dam one of the area’s oldest. Authorities enforce restrictions on boating, swimming, floating, and dock building to preserve the lake’s tranquility. However, the lake welcomes anglers to fish from a 50-yard long concrete bridge that crosses one of its slimmer parts. They can anticipate a rich catch of carp, small and largemouth bass, sunfish, white bass, and channel catfish.
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Address/Location: Springfield, Missouri
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Best for: Fishing
Ideal for: Anglers
Creve Couer Lake
Situated within the vast reaches of Creve Couer Lake Memorial Park, Creve Couer Lake, a remarkable 320-acre oxbow water body, earns its status as one of Missouri’s largest natural lakes. As a key feature of St. Louis County’s park system, it overflows with a wealth of vibrant summer activities. Visitors can sail across the placid waters in rental boats, or leisurely paddle canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. A refreshing bike tour around the park presents an alternative adventure. Enthusiasts of trails can explore the 3.8-mile asphalt trail that follows the lake, unveiling breathtaking views and accommodating walkers, runners, bikers, and rollerbladers. After the day’s exertions, the picnic pavilion provides a soothing retreat. Children can play in the four playgrounds, have fun with the Spray Fountains, or enjoy sports. To add to the park’s variety, an 18-hole disc golf course and an archery course are available.
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Address/Location: 13725 Marine Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63146, USA
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Best for: Outdoor Activities, Family Outings
Ideal for: Hikers, Bikers, Watersport Enthusiasts, Families with children
Mozingo Lake
Located east of Maryville, Missouri, Mozingo Lake Recreation Park rises as an up-and-coming leisure haven. The park’s showpiece, an extensive lake covering more than 1,000 acres, draws boating, waterskiing, and fishing enthusiasts. As an activity hub, it entices guests to partake in diverse lively summer exploits. Enhancing the dynamic lake activities, the park boasts an 18-hole and a 9-hole golf course, captivating guest cabins stocked with up-to-date conveniences, and RV-adapted camping sites. Additional amenities comprise a welcoming public beach, appealing hiking trails, and an equestrian center. With such a diverse array, Mozingo Lake indisputably positions itself as a desirable weekend hideaway.
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Address/Location: 1 Fall Drive, Maryville, Missouri 64468, USA
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Best for: Outdoor Activities, Weekend Getaway
Ideal for: Outdoor Enthusiasts, Families, Golfers, Equestrians
Norfork Lake
Norfork Lake nestles in the stunning Ozarks, spanning 22,000 acres, with its primary reach in Arkansas and an extension into Missouri. The construction of the Norfork Dam on the North Fork of the White River in 1944 gave birth to this picturesque water body, serving North Arkansas’s flood control, water supply, and electricity needs. Limited construction nearby enhances its attraction as a recreational destination, pulling hunters in search of wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and game birds. Its immunity to freezing allows year-round fishing, hosting a rich array of black bass, smallmouth bass, stripers, white bass, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Across its 550 miles of densely forested shoreline, 20 parks and ten recreational areas invite activities like boating, swimming, hiking, scuba diving, and nature watching.
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Address/Location: Ozarks, Missouri-Arkansas border
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Best for: Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Swimming, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Nature Watching
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Lake Jacomo
Located in peaceful Fleming Park, 15 miles from Kansas City’s buzz, Northwest Missouri, Lake Jacomo stretches over 1,000 acres. Established about 50 years ago, this lake serves as a prime spot for recreation, particularly sailing. Interestingly, a local sailing club took root before builders completed the lake. The lake’s regulation enforcing a 10-horsepower limit on motor boats sustains tranquility and opens wide swathes of water for sailing enthusiasts. Lake Jacomo, abundant in coves, arms, and lush shoreline, invites exploration by kayak or canoe. Sail Boat Cove and South Boat Dock can accommodate numerous boats, and the marina provides a host of services. On weekdays, fishing enthusiasts flock to the marina dock targeting largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish, crappie, and occasionally carp.
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Address/Location: Kansas City, MO 64015
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Best for: Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Fishing
Ideal for: Nature lovers, sailing enthusiasts, families, and anglers
Frequently Asked Questions about Missouri, United States
Q:
How do I get to Missouri, United States?
A: You can get to Missouri, United States by plane, car, or train. There are many airports, highways, and train stations throughout the state.
Q:
What is the best time of year to visit Missouri, United States?
A: The best time to visit Missouri, United States is during the fall months. The weather is mild, the foliage is beautiful, and there are many fall festivals and events.
Q:
What are some interesting facts about Missouri, United States?
A: Missouri is known as the “Show-Me” state and is home to the famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The state is also known for its barbecue, baseball, and blues music.
Q:
What is the weather like in Missouri, United States?
A: The weather in Missouri, United States varies depending on the season. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold with occasional snow. Spring and fall are mild with occasional rain.
Q:
What language do they speak in Missouri, United States?
A: The primary language spoken in Missouri, United States is English.
Q:
What is the currency used in Missouri, United States?
A: The currency used in Missouri, United States is the US dollar.
Q:
What are some typical foods in Missouri, United States?
A: Some typical foods in Missouri, United States include barbecue, fried chicken, and toasted ravioli.
Q:
What time zone is Missouri, United States in?
A: Missouri, United States is in the Central Time Zone.
Q:
What is the electricity voltage in Missouri, United States?
A: The electricity voltage in Missouri, United States is 120V.
Q:
Do I need a visa to visit Missouri, United States?
A: Visa requirements for Missouri, United States depend on your country of origin. Check with the US embassy or consulate in your country to see if a visa is required.
